A DALMUIR man has opened up on how a drama therapy programme “skyrocketed” his self-esteem and recovery from a ten-year addiction to prescription painkillers.

Corey Pearson is preparing to take to the stage in Glasgow with his peers to showcase the work they developed in the Anonymous Drama therapy programme developed by charity, Creative Change Collective.

The programme consists of 12 and 16-week blocks of drama therapy including scripting, culminating in a performance of the work created.
Charity Creative Change Collective runs the anonymous drama programme in four local authorities to help people make positive changes in their lives, and currently operates in two Scottish prisons.

He was as invited to take part in the Anonymous Drama programme while attending the Alternatives drug therapy programme in Dumbarton.

Corey developed an addiction to painkillers when he was 19 and prescribed co-codamol for an injury.

His use spiralled during his studies at music college, and he says he is “lucky to alive” after overdosing.

The 32-year-old explained how he ended up in a precarious situation.

He said: “I used them as a comfort and a crutch for my mental health.

"I already had depression, was self-harming and suicidal.

“My addiction ravished my life, but I felt more at peace until it enslaved me.

"I was trapped in a cycle of relapse and recovery, I overdosed and nearly died.

“It destroyed my life, but it also gave me recovery networks, friends and places to go and ultimately helped me become a better person."

Corey also opened up on how the service changed his life for the better.

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“I was attending a day programme called Alternatives when someone told me about Creative Change Collective doing some work in Dumbarton," he continued.

"I was very nervous – I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I just knew that I loved acting, comedy and drama.

“It has skyrocketed my self-esteem and my communication. If I hadn’t done it, I never would have believed in myself.

"I love it. That alone is enough for me. It is special, powerful, beautiful and I have made wonderful friends.

"There is so much joy and fun. We share poems, we do comedy and songs, we do drama."

Mark MacNicol, Creative Change Collective project director, added: “Our programme is carefully designed to give people like Corey the freedom to express themselves, showcase their progress, make new friends and increase their confidence, while addressing the trauma that led to their addiction.

"We know that these are some of the most important building blocks to recovery from addiction.

“I am really proud of Corey- and all the participants – for the journey they have been on and pleased that Creative Change Collective is able to support them into recovery.

“We are always looking for new partners to help us bring our work to more people to help tackle Scotland’s drug crisis.”