I was horrified to read once again Brighton and Hove has the highest number of drug deaths (The Argus, October 31).

I am a recovering drug addict. My addiction took me to prison on many occasions because I stole to feed my habit and lied to and cheated on my family. My children were robbed of the parenting they deserved.

I have had to face the powerful consequences of this illness. What annoyed me most about the article was Dr Hugh Williams blaming the deaths on everything but the poor service his team offers at the Drug Dependency Unit (DDU).

I went to the DDU in 1998 for my addiction to heroin and crack cocaine and was amazed by what I was offered - more drugs.

Of course, I took these drugs but, like all the other people I knew who went to the DDU, I still used on top of my methadone script and carried on breaking the law to feed my habit.

I was also slipping into a problem with alcohol. I went on to a day programme with another organisation and to its anxiety management groups but the staff did not really know what they were talking about and I was able to pull the wool over their eyes.

Coming out of prison once again, the prison drug team got me a place at the detox and recovery projects at Brighton Housing Trust (BHT).

I have been drug and alcohol free for two years and am grateful to BHT and Narcotics Anonymous for helping me stay clean and sober.

Most BHT staff are recovering drug addicts and alcoholics themselves with many years in recovery, which really helped me when I felt weak. I am now back with my family, working and training in music technology.

BHT is the only organisation in Brighton and Hove really helping people to become and stay drug and alcohol free and rebuild their lives.

-Name and address supplied