A FORMER drug addict, who has watched dozens of his best friends die because of illegal substance use, has pleaded with others to not make the same mistake.
Darren Skoff, 31, has been locked behind bars on ten separate occasions – all for drug or alcohol-fuelled crimes.
He now claims to have turned his life around after registering with Turning Point, a support centre for reoffending criminals in Pearson Park.
Mr Skoff says about 40 of his best friends have died in the past ten years as a result of drug addiction or alcohol abuse.
Today, he delivers a stark message to people in the city who are offending because of drugs.
He said: "I just do not want people to make the same mistake as I did.
"I was taking drugs and lots and lots of alcohol – and sometimes together. It can kill you.
"I lived in a very dark place and often saw prison as a relief more than anything, because at least I could stay clean in there.
"I have lost count of the amount of close friends I have had die because of drugs and alcohol. I am sure it is at least 40.
"The fatal moment often comes when users mix the drugs with the alcohol.
"Drug use is widespread across Hull. I know that because I see it all the time. Some of the people taking drugs are very young and it worries me.
"I have messed up the best part of my life because of drugs and alcohol. I know what it can do to people and I don't want people, teenagers in particular, making the same mistakes as I did. I am lucky to still be alive."
Staff at Turning Point have helped Mr Skoff secure accommodation and are now advising him on how to look for employment in the city.
The Mail reported last month how the same support centre had helped transform the fortunes of former notorious east Hull drug dealer Darren Grantham.
Alan Smithson, a director at Turning Point, said: "Mr Skoff has a dark record of taking drugs and intoxicating amounts of alcohol and we were not sure how we could help him to start with.
"But, while there is a long way to go, he has made great strides.
"He has accepted responsibility for what he has done over the years and is making progress.
"He is a good example to others and, hopefully, he can now stay on the right path in life.
"You often find people who go wildly off the rails like this have a reason. They have a dark background or something very pivotal happened when they were younger that makes a huge difference to the way they approach life.
"Some of the stories are absolutely devastating."
Mr Skoff said: "I cannot thank Turning Point and its staff enough for the help they have given me.
"I am on the right track and the centre gives me things to do and people to talk to."
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