Faye Robson, a 25-year-old from Sunniside, Gateshead, has transformed her life after overcoming addiction to drugs and alcohol. Speaking at the Gateshead Recovery Festival on the Gateshead Quayside, she shared her journey from feeling she had "no prospects" to building a fulfilling life in recovery.
From Addiction to Recovery
Robson struggled with addiction to cannabis, cocaine, and codeine, as well as binge drinking, which began in her early teens. She described her daily life as focused solely on obtaining substances, saying, "I just didn't have a life to be quite fair about it. Every day was about how can I get what I need on that day. I was just escaping myself." She had never held a steady job and felt hopeless about her future.
Now two years into recovery, Robson works for Recovery Connections, a charity that supported her during her journey. She credits the Gateshead Recovery Partnership (GRP) and Narcotics Anonymous groups for helping her turn her life around. "I have a life that I love and a great support network. I love my job and helping the community. I've things I enjoy outside of work, for example I have always loved art and I enjoy painting, and also reading," she said.
Inclusive Recovery City Charter Signed
The festival marked the signing of an "inclusive recovery city charter" by health bosses across Tyneside, including Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Gateshead and Newcastle. Robson welcomed the initiative, saying, "This is a really big deal. To have this inclusive recovery city pledge signs shows us coming together as a community. That's massive. For most addicts in recovery, it's always that someone has inspired you to do it - and this will help."
Alice Wiseman emphasized the importance of visible recovery, stating, "The importance of today is that we show people that recovery is possible, that it's visible and is celebrated - and that everybody has the chance to get well if they need to. It's about signing the inclusive recovery city charter - a step forward."
A New Beginning
Robson's story serves as an inspiration to others struggling with addiction. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can demonstrate that change is achievable. "I didn't have a life," she recalled, but now she is employed, engaged in her community, and pursuing hobbies like art and reading. Her message to those still in addiction is one of hope: recovery is possible with the right support.
