DRUG addicts in Middlesbrough are being offered a holistic range of treatments to ease the loneliness and isolation that often results in a relapse.

Staff at Addaction, based in Elliot Street, are bracing themselves for a busy time from voluntary attendees and referred users in the wake of the Christmas festivities.

The charity offers a variety of services to help recovering addicts, including acupuncture, health packs, electro-stimulation and counselling.

Project worker Michelle Barclay believes many addicts crave self-respect and understanding as well as their drug or drugs of choice.

She said: "We have to set people achievable targets and that helps them build their self-confidence and esteem.

"Some users can become down at this time of year, especially if they have been ostracised by their family.

"There is always someone available for them to talk to, whatever time of the day or night.

"These people need support to prevent them from relapsing and that is where we can come.

"Our clients often respond to us because we are non-judgemental and have their best interests at heart."

The day care team also works with the Criminal Justice Integrated Support Team and the Probation Service to support users who have received drug treatment, testing orders and rehabilitation orders by the courts.

A former heroin addict, whose life was completely turned around by the care and service he received, is looking at giving something back to the charity.

Jason Smith was a drug abuser for seven years before he was referred to the centre through a drug rehabilitation requirement of a court sentence.

The 35-year-old, who has been clean for more than eight months, continues to use the centre's facilities on a voluntary basis.

He said: "Getting clean was hard work, harder than anything I have ever done before, but it was certainly worth it.

"The staff at the centre have been great, they are there whenever you need them. People have somewhere to come where they feel safe and that helps keep you away from your old friends who are still using.

"The team do a great job and that is why I want to help by training to be a peer mentor for other people who are trying to beat their addiction.

"I love it here and if there is anything I can do to help I will. Loneliness and isolation can tempt people back on to drugs, that is why this place is so important."

Drug users wanting to contact Addaction during office hours can call 01642-246746.