Reading recovery ambassadors share stories of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction
Three video case studies feature in the Director of Public Health's annual report
Stories from people in Reading who have recovered from drug and alcohol addiction have been released to mark the publication of the town's Director of Public Health annual report for 2026.
The people sharing their experiences are known as recovery ambassadors.
The theme of this year's report is 'preventing drug and related harm in Reading - supporting recovery and saving lives'.
It features stories from the ambassadors about their past struggles with addiction and their own paths to recovery.
The case studies
Three video case studies have been produced.
Ali turned to drugs to escape a difficult childhood, but later found hope in a community that has supported his recovery.
Marta talks about how admitting her alcohol problem was the hardest step on her recovery journey.
Balazs developed alcohol and drug addictions following a troubled childhood, but has now found support from counsellors and friends.
The videos can be viewed on the Reading Borough Council YouTube channel.
What the report says
The report describes a mixed picture on drug and alcohol harm in Reading, with some indicators improving while others give more cause for concern.
It quotes analysis from the Institute of Alcohol Studies, which found alcohol-related harm alone costs Reading approximately £98 million each year.
That is equivalent to £567 per person in Reading.
Reaction
Dr Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health for Reading Borough Council, said: "Drug and alcohol harm affects individuals, families and communities across Reading. Throughout the report, we hear from Reading's recovery ambassadors who have rebuilt their lives after addiction.
"Recovery ambassadors are helping shape our services and strengthen the recovery community in Reading. From their stories we all have much to learn about our own personal resilience, they remind us that recovery is possible, that people can and do recover from whatever life throws our way. My hope is that this report challenges us to see the person behind the drug and/or alcohol use, reject stigma and recognise that preventing drug and alcohol harm is everyone's responsibility."
Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said: "We know that many people in Reading have been harmed by their relationship with drugs and alcohol, but the stories of our recovery ambassadors show that there is hope. Their bravery in speaking out about their recovery and sharing how they have rebuilt their lives is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when people receive the right support at the right time. I am very grateful to them for sharing their experiences and I am sure their stories will inspire others to begin their own journey of recovery."
Dr Pearce also said: "Evidence shows that early intervention, compassionate support, strong partnerships and recovery-focused services save lives. But services alone cannot create a recovery-friendly community. Reducing drug and alcohol harm requires action across health, housing, education, criminal justice, employers, community organisations and local communities.
"Recovery is possible, but it is rarely achieved alone. Together, we can create a borough where fewer lives are lost, fewer families experience harm and more people have the opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive."