ADDICTION SUPPORT YOU’RE NOT ALONE
A former Met Police Officer has turned his life around and launched a vital support service for people struggling with addiction
Addictions can have devastating effects, but hope and support is available. Former Met Police Officer Nick Conn understands first-hand the challenges of addiction for people serving in the police force. Fortunately, he was able to turn his life around and has launched Help 4 Addiction, a warm and approachable organisation aimed at assisting those who are struggling with addictions. But what led Nick down the path of
addiction in the first place? He openly shares his struggles when he first started his career in the police force. “During my training at Hendon, I faced the pressure of consistently achieving over 70% each week,” he recalls. “Having been away from studying for a while, I found it difficult to retain the information and would often fall asleep. I was failing my exams, and things were not going well.” In an attempt to cope with his insecurities
and low self-esteem, Nick turned to cocaine. He discovered that the drug provided an overwhelming sense of euphoria and confidence, which he had always sought. However, he managed to resist using it again until he found himself struggling in the police force while training at the Peel Centre. As Nick faced challenges in keeping up with his training and studying, he resorted to using cocaine once more. “Suddenly, cocaine became the solution
surrounding addiction.” Eventually, Nick’s
addiction led him to leave the police force and become homeless in Berlin. He acknowledges that his situation could have been prevented much earlier. Thankfully, with the support of his parents, he went to rehab and has celebrated more than 14 years of sobriety from alcohol and cocaine. Having received the help he desperately needed, Nick’s focus shifted to helping others in similar situations. He founded an organisation called Help 4 Addiction, which is entering its thirteenth year of operation. It has become the largest addiction advisory service in the country. He receives countless inquiries
“Pain and trauma are often underlying
to my struggles. It helped me retain information, and I excelled in my exams,” he says. “At that time, I was 19 years old, living with my family, without debts or obligations. Everything seemed great. However, as time passed, the debts piled up, loans became a burden and everything started to crumble.” While working at Kentish Town, Nick realised the severity of his addiction, but felt unable to confide in anyone: “I couldn’t reach out to my Sergeant or my team. I was unable to seek help, due to the fear of judgement and the stigma
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from police officers in need. Nick believes there should be a comprehensive solution and greater support within organisations for those struggling with addiction: “When someone has a mental health issue or experiences abuse, they receive support. But when it comes to addiction resulting from these situations, there seems to be a lack of support.” “Organisations should assume responsibility instead of simply dismissing individuals,” he further explains. “Changes are necessary within organisations, similar to the progress made in supporting mental health over the past few years. Fortunately, some police departments have already taken steps in the right direction.”
factors for addiction, particularly for police officers who witness distressing events”
No one sets out with the intention of becoming an addict. Pain and trauma are often underlying factors, particularly for police officers who witness distressing events. In high-stress situations, individuals may turn to substances to alter their emotional state. However, addiction affects not only the individual, but those around them. Help 4 Addiction aims to support not only the more than 145,000 officers, but their families too. When it comes to the services offered by Help
4 Addiction, Nick emphasises that they provide various options based on individual needs. Some services come at a cost, but they offer free support and advice to guide individuals in the right direction. Highly experienced advisors, some of whom have personal experience with addiction, are available to speak with callers.
To ensure appropriate assistance, Help 4 Addiction assesses the situation, including the extent and type of substance use. If you require any support, visit
www.Help4addiction.co.uk Please call 0330 058 8227 if you or a family member need help. This service is confidential and will not be reported back to the Police Federation.
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