A BARROW man who dedicates his work to guiding others to recovery from addiction has seen the publication of his book.

Dave Higham, creator of The Well community, has released his own story entitled ‘Rat Hell to Rat Park’ on June 17.

Dave’s book reflects on his own personal experience of addiction to reflect on how current systems in place are suited to dealing with the problem people have with drugs and alcohol.

His work outlines the methods that he benefited from during his recovery and how these techniques can be applied to others.

Dave said: “It’s been nearly two years of preparation. About a year of getting, it down on paper and then sending it off.

“It’s been hard going.

“I believe my experience of coming through the traumas and challenges with addiction, the criminal justice system and prison.

“I was in the grasp of addiction and on paper you wouldn’t expect someone like me to break free and have the life I’ve got.

“I believe we need to go for the source of these problems to help people.

“I wanted to get those messages out there as I believe I can offer an insight that you don’t see in literature.

“We will be having a launch in November, which will also mark the tenth year for The Well.

“The book has been endorsed by Professor David Best who is the first addiction recovery professor in the UK, who does a foreword at the start of the book.

“We have also been endorsed by Hilary Cottam OBE and William White who is the godfather of recovery and addition.

“To have the book out and to actually hold the book.

“It took a lot of work and stress, and a lot of late nights but it’s finally here.

“It’s a nervous excitement I feel about it.

“I believe we needs funds to get the book in all the prisons as I was in those cells once and without hope we are hopeless. I want this book to give hope.”

For people wanting to purchase the book please email book@thewell2.co.uk.