There is no great fanfare, no extravagant celebrations, but the milestone deserves to be marked because over 30 years this group has made a difference to people's lives.

The Moray Council on Addiction has gone about its work quietly but highly effectively; so quietly, in fact, that many people will be unaware of its existence. But we should all realise what an important job it does in helping mend fractured lives.

Started as the brainchild of a GP concerned at a growing rate of alcoholism among patients in rural areas, the council has developed to cover all kinds of issues, notably drugs, but also, as we learn in 'The Scot' this week, less known addictions involving food and the Internet.

The door is open to a free, confidential counselling and advisory service to anyone wishing to discuss their problem habits, and, importantly, to family and friends affected by near ones' addiction.

Clients are told there is no magic cure. It can be a long, hard road confronting behaviour change, and they will veer from the road from time to time, but the volunteer counsellors, with their help and support, can see them through.

One mum tells 'The Scot' of how desperate she was to overcome her drink problems. She had no close friends to talk to and felt shame and embarrassment. But thanks to the Moray Council on Addiction, she faced up to the cause of her drinking and made changes. It was hard, but she battled through.

Her story should be an inspiration to others, to seek help, to accept the support, to confront their demons and to change their life around.

Many people have reason to be grateful to this Moray group and its small team of trained volunteers and development workers. Indeed, we should all be grateful to it for the wonderful work it has done, and continues to do, for those in need.

This anniversary is certainly cause for celebration. An open event is being held at Elgin Library next weekend, and it deserves to be a happy focus for all the success stories which have been written over 30 years.

May we all join in saying "Happy Birthday".

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---