IF I didn t come to groups and talk about it, I d go out of my head. With this, it takes over your whole mind and body. Sue Howard is speaking candidly to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times about her 25-year battle against drug and alcohol addiction.

IF I didn't come to groups and talk about it, I'd go out of my head. With this, it takes over your whole mind and body."

Sue Howard is speaking candidly to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times about her 25-year battle against drug and alcohol addiction.

We are sitting upstairs at the Woodhall Community Centre in WGC, at an afternoon meeting of Resolve, a community rehabilitation service for people with drug and alcohol problems.

Also at the meeting are Resolve founder Debbie Maskell, practice manager Jean King, volunteer John Brennan and Charles Harnell, who is also recovering from a drink problem.

"It's a very therapeutic experience to come in and talk over all your problems, feelings and issues," says Charles.

Resolve was formed last year by Debbie, after discovering that the old service for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in WGC had closed. Members were forced to travel either to Letchworth or Hertford for meetings.

"It wasn't ideal," Debbie says.

Charles agrees. "It's important to have a good local service and that's what Resolve is endeavouring to provide."

The group meets three times a week, allowing members to regularly talk through all the highs and lows of trying to stay away from drink and drugs.

Having given up alcohol eight years ago, John now supports others going through the same thing he once did.

"The meetings are very good, you're mixing with people who have the same problems with alcohol and drugs," he says. "If you listen you can get something good out of it; you can lead a better life."

Practice manager Jean has worked with addicts for over 25 years. "People have asked what my success rate is for years," she says. "But I don't have one. It's the clients that have a success rate. They do all the work, and I'm very privileged to be a part of it."

Both Charles and Sue hope one day to be able to return to work, although neither likes to look too far into the future, preferring to concentrate on getting through each day as it comes with the help of Resolve.

"I didn't think I'd ever even be in recovery," Sue adds. "If it wasn't for groups like this I don't think I'd be alive."

* For more information about Resolve, contact Jean King on 07909 814443 or email jeanking @resolve-online.org