People recovering from drug and alcohol problems to perform a special adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’‘.

The curtain will rise on a unique performance of Charles Dickens’ festive classic at Johnstone Town Hall in Renfrewshire on Monday.

Ebenezer Scrooge will be admitted to rehab, where he will meet people struggling with different forms of addiction.

Those preparing for opening night reflected on the challenges of accessing the residential rehabilitation that they say saved their lives.

“I couldn’t do it alone.”

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Vincent, like most of the actors, draws on his own experience from his time at the Abbeycare rehabilitation clinic. The 54-year-old man waited 12 weeks to get a bed.

He told STV News: “I couldn’t do it alone. I needed help for my drug addiction. I just knew it was the right time. It was a very long 12 weeks, but it got the ball rolling with a tapering plan and it gave me the structure I needed for my recovery.

“I first discovered drama therapy while I was a client at Abbeycare. When I was asked to participate in the tracking community’s first-ever play, I jumped at the chance.

“Through rehearsals and team meetings, we created a very strong bond. I’m really nervous about the show. I’m also excited and I know from past events that the pride we all feel afterwards is what makes it worth it.

“It helps build people’s confidence.”

Excitement and nervousness are building before next week’s performance.

But recovery practitioner Megan Brennan says taking part in the show has helped many people on their journey to recovery.

She told STV News: “I can only speak for myself, but I know that when I was an active drug addict I didn’t really have the ability to express myself. I was really disconnected.

“Towards the end of their use, many people are very isolated. This work therefore aims to help them reconnect with their emotions and strengthen their confidence.

“I would have died of addiction if I had not received this help”

Ross Carrick, 42, a former Abbeycare client, is enjoying the challenge of taking part in the play as part of his recovery.

“Before I was referred to Abbeycare, I was locked in my apartment alone, drinking and doing drugs, not even answering the phone,” he said.

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“So being able to have an opportunity like this, work on a project, be reliable and keep appointments is a huge difference.”

He added: “I think it’s a shame for others who can’t access residential help. The people who need it most are probably those who have the least financial means to achieve it.

“I almost feel guilty to have benefited from the limited funds available in my area, but I also feel very lucky.

“I remember my mother phoning all sorts of places, trying to get me in somewhere. Thousands of pounds were always needed, even for just four weeks.

“I know that without this help, I would almost certainly still be drinking and doing drugs. At some point I would have died from it.

“We currently have a long waiting list”

Leaders of monitoring group Abbeycare say its membership numbers have increased over the past 18 months, alongside an increase in their waiting lists.

“There is a lot of demand,” said Gordon Peacock, admissions development manager. We have increased our capacity. We have opened two new rooms specially intended for personalities from local authorities.

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“We have a long waiting list at the moment, our next available bed is probably not until late March, early April next year.

“There are around twenty people on our waiting list. There are various reasons why people are on a waiting list. Maybe they’re not quite ready. Some may have health problems or housing problems.

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Outreach manager Eddie Clarke added: “The number of clients entering rehab has increased thanks to funding from the Scottish Government, but I still feel there is a shortage of beds and ‘There is still a lack of treatment centers where everyone can get this. opportunity.”

Despite the ongoing problems, Eddie said he and the cast were “thrilled” to finally be able to bring Ebeneezer Scrooge to life on stage.

“A Christmas Carol is ultimately a story of redemption and putting things right, themes that so many people affected by drug and alcohol problems can relate to,” he said.

“There will undoubtedly be some nerves among the cast as they prepare for the curtain to rise, but part of recovery is doing things that previously seemed impossible, and this is no different.

“With this special performance from Abbeycare staff and some of our past clients, we hope to demonstrate that it’s never too late to change your life for the better.”

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