A Thurrock man has turned his life around by giving up the alcohol –and now helps others with the same problem.

Mike Jones never expected to end up helping others like him.

The 44-year-old has been on a rollercoaster of abuse and redemption with alcoholism, from psychotic hallucinations at his lowest point, to a job at Thurrock’s foremost treatment charity KCA.

The story is part of the KCA's launch of a new open day on January 20 at its drug and alcohol service in Thurrock to celebrate one year of success. 

Like many Brits, Mike started drinking in his teens.

Along with an estimated 9% of the British population, Mike became a ‘functional alcoholic’.

‘Functional alcoholism’ is a condition when a drinker can hold down a job and effectively ‘look normal’, while hiding a drinking problem.

By the time he was in his late 30s he was drinking up to a litre of vodka a night.

Mike said: “For a long time, I was working and OK, but as the drinking got worse, my mum used to call me twice a day – then come round if I didn’t answer to check I was still alive.”

Mike now works as a recovery worker with KCA in Thurrock, helping other people through their treatment.

To get off and stay off the wagon Mike received a prescription of lithium, (after withdrawal gave him hallucinations), vitamin B12 injections and six KCA treatment sessions.

After going cold turkey, Mike volunteered with the service and helped run the drop-in sessions. He was then asked to become a peer mentor. 

When he applied for a job as a recovery worker, he was delighted to be accepted.

Mike said: “All those years ago when I first became a volunteer, I wanted to give back, to pay back, for the help I’d had. I felt obliged to repay my debt but now, I’ve come full circle and do this job because I want to do it, using my experience when I can.”

The KCA is one of Thurrock’s biggest organizations helping people with substance misuse, and offers treatment across the south east.

The open day will run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at KCA Visions Thurrock, 65/67 Orsett Road, Grays with the Mayor of Thurrock and Cllr Steve Liddiard in attendance. 

Please call 01634 298590 to enquire if there is space to attend.