THESE are the thoughts of a Cuddington rehab centre founder speaking about his battles with addiction.

Martin Preston, who will open his new centre named ‘Delamere’ early next year, made the comments as this week is Alcohol Awareness Week.

Drinking too much can have a lasting and devastating effect, not just on those who do it, but also on families and loved ones.

And Martin has been telling his story to show that there is no shame about addiction and anyone can get better with the right help.

“Drinking became a problem for me at a really young age, and from the first drink I had in the park with my mates at about 14, I was not the same with it as they were,” said the 36-year-old.

“I was always the one who went too far, drank too much and could not wait to start again.

“Looking back, I can see that it was a coping mechanism for depression and anxiety.”

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Just before his GCSEs, Martin nearly died from meningitis and septicaemia, which affected his brain and short-term memory.

He was referred to a psychiatrist and was prescribed various medications, but found that only drink made everything felt easier and himself happier.

“I drank with my mates whenever I could and would switch between groups of friends to make sure I was always at the party,” Martin continued.

“I also started to use a lot of cannabis and dabbled in ecstasy at the weekends.

“At university, I was terrified of trying to make friends, so I put all my medication in the bin and turned to what I knew worked - vodka.

“Eventually, I admitted to my parents what a mess I was in, so they collected me and that led to my first stint in rehab.”

After a brief sober spell, Martin soon returned to the booze and took up cocaine, but a chat with his sister eventually got through to him.

“One day, she basically said to that she did not know me anymore, I was making my family ill and she wanted her brother back.

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“I went into rehab again for three months, aged 21, but with a totally different attitude.

“There came a point where I wanted to get on with my life and stand on my own two feet, so after a trip to America, I set about creating Delamere rehab centre.

“There is no shame about addiction, as there are lots of treatments available, and it is ok to have counselling and therapy. It really inspired me.

“I have learned that it is possible to change and go beyond addiction, and I cannot wait to help others do it too.”

For more information about Delamere rehab centre, visit delamere.com.