'Buvidal has been brilliant in helping my recovery'

Jason's story

Jason has received support from WithYou in Cornwall throughout his life. His journey with heroin started when he was 14 years old. 

"I was 14, and I was at the end of my rope with heroin," says Jason. "I was told about WithYou . I remember walking into the reception area at my local service, and I got an appointment on the same day."

Jason's relationship with heroin continued into adulthood, and in 2015, he got back in touch with WithYou to start a treatment programme to help him regain control of his life.

"I was taking methadone, but it wasn't working," explains Jason. "I spoke to my worker at WithYou, and I explained that I needed treatment. My worker at WithYou was brilliant and helped me with the steps that I needed to take."

As part of the first stage of his treatment, Jason started holistic therapy at a residential rehabilitation centre in Somerset. "Holistic therapy helped me to think in a more positive way - to find a solution through kindness and joy."

During this period, Jason was housed in a transitional residential facility to aid his recovery. He was also taking part in a 12-step recovery program for codependency. Jason found comfort and support from members of the group who were at the same stage of their recovery journey.

However, on his return to Cornwall, Jason started re-experiencing challenges with  heroin. Realising he needed help, Jason got back in contact with the service.

"I had been really struggling, and I contacted WithYou in Camborne. I explained my situation to them, and I was sent to Chy, which is a residential rehab centre in Truro.

"It was here that I met my recovery worker, Paul. Within two weeks of being at Chy, I was taking a Buvidal injection. The help that I have been receiving from Paul and the team has been brilliant."

Buvidal contains the active substance buprenorphine and acts as a replacement treatment for methadone.

“I used to really struggle with methadone, and the withdrawal process was worse than coming off heroin,” explains Jason. "But, Buvidal has been completely different - it’s been brilliant in helping my recovery."

"I felt sick the first day, but since then, I've felt great. I haven't had a craving since I started taking it and you don't even think about it. It's an amazing thing. I wish it would have been available years ago."

"It's had a real positive impact on my life," continues Jason. "I've recently completed a Level 3 Counselling course and I'm working towards completing the Level 4 course. I'm really enjoying it and I could never have done this without the support I've received."

"My advice to anyone out there who needs help is to follow the process and the treatment that's on offer. Be honest and truthful about what is going on and how you are feeling - swallow your pride and ask for help."