Patrick O’Brien, a former drug-user, has dedicated himself to helping addicts recover through physical activity and inner-wellness.
A ‘Walk for Recovery 5k’ took place on Bray Seafront over the weekend and was well-attended by those wishing to bring attention to addiction in Ireland as well as the productive steps one can take in order to recover.
Organised by former addict Patrick O’Brien, who has dedicated himself to helping others since his own recovery, the walk attracted recovering addicts and the friends and family that have supported them through their recovery.
Since attaining his diploma in Community Drug and Alcohol Work from UCD, Patrick has been working with Crosscare to provide help to some of the most vulnerable in society, and he has appeared on various media platforms in order to spread his message of hope.
Patrick told The Independent: “I want others to see there is no shame and no stigma.
“What I want to do is look at the help that we can provide, raising awareness workshops, getting skills, bringing people from lived experiences, like myself, to talk about it and what it was like.
“I feel no shame that I’m a recovering addict. I’m proud of it. I want other people to see there is no shame and no stigma.”
