Saul's Story: Finding hope through recovery
For years, Saul used ketamine to escape.
Saul
Struggling with low self-esteem, poor mental health, and the growing consequences of addiction, he found himself withdrawing from life, losing his job, and watching his health deteriorate.
"My life was just terrible."
At his lowest point, Saul says he was no longer living, he was simply existing. What began as a way to numb difficult thoughts and emotions eventually left him feeling hopeless and disconnected from the life he wanted for himself.
Everything started to change when Saul made a decision to seek help for himself.
After accessing support through his local drug and alcohol service, he was offered a place at Kenward Trust. It was an opportunity he never thought would be possible.
"I never thought rehab was in the question."
Through therapy, support, and the recovery programme, Saul began rebuilding his confidence and learning how to live without relying on substances. Slowly, his physical health improved, his outlook changed, and he started to rediscover the person he wanted to be.
Today, Saul describes having his smile back, reconnecting with life, and finding purpose through volunteering and supporting others in recovery.
Instead of trying to escape his emotions, he has learned to face them.
"I've got my smile back. That's actually a real smile."
Saul's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even when life feels hopeless.
Words adapted from the transcript of Saul's video.