Recovery Stories

Here are videos of people sharing their recovery journeys from drug and alcohol dependence. Some are Derbyshire residents. They were supported by various organisations within and outside Derbyshire. We thank them for sharing their stories and hope they inspire others to take the first step.

Consent to share Recovery Stories

We always seek consent before a personal story is published on the GRID website. However with the understanding that situations can change, if there is any content on this site that you feel is inappropriate or if a video, story, picture, etc on GRID relates to you or a loved one and you wish to ask that it is removed please contact us via this form.

Trigger warning

The content of these stories will include details of drug and/or alcohol use and the effects these can have on individuals, families and friends. Please note these may be emotionally challenging to watch.

Derbyshire Recovery Podcast Episodes

The Your Choices Matter programme, created by Elastic FM and supported by Derbyshire County Council, is designed to support people in the Midlands who are in recovery from alcohol and substance use. This Podcast channel will share the opinions of experts, but also the stories of people who have been affected by addiction to alcohol and substance – not just the people who suffer the reliance on alcohol and substances – but also the families who are affected by the situation.

The podcast is also available to listen to and follow on Spotify.

Other Podcast Episodes

Below is a selection of podcast episodes from other recovery orientated podcasts you may find useful to listen to.

The Alcohol Problem Podcast aims to explore the nature of problem drinking with Dr James Morris and a range of guests. This episode looks at the stigma of alcohol dependence.
The Alcohol Problem Podcast aims to explore the nature of problem drinking with Dr James Morris and a range of guests. This episode looks at Alcohol Related Liver Disease.

Recovery Videos

Paul shares his story
Paul shares his story
Mike share his story
Dot shares her story
Jason shares his story
Ryan shares his story

This video is made by Ben Sofield from the Rhubarb Recovery Project.

Find out more information about the Rhubarb Recovery Project.
This BAFTA nominated video is from Barnsley Recovery Steps and is entitled ‘It’s ok to ask for help (animated).

Find out more information about Barnsley Recovery Steps
A powerful documentary film about substance use, addiction and the life changing journey of recovery told through the lived experiences of people in Northamptonshire from The One to One Development Trust.
A documentary film from the Society for the Study of Addiction at the University of Stirling shares the success stories of people who have used nature in their recovery from substance use.
Turning Point is proud to launch this series of five powerful animations, co-produced with people with lived experience and our colleagues to support Speaking without stigma – a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use. Download the full guide and learn more at Turning Point – Speaking without Stigma.
Turning Point is proud to launch this series of five powerful animations, co-produced with people with lived experience and our colleagues to support Speaking without stigma – a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use. Download the full guide and learn more at Turning Point – Speaking without Stigma.

Turning Point is proud to launch this series of five powerful animations, co-produced with people with lived experience and our colleagues to support Speaking without stigma – a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use. Download the full guide and learn more at Turning Point – Speaking without Stigma.
Turning Point is proud to launch this series of five powerful animations, co-produced with people with lived experience and our colleagues to support Speaking without stigma – a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use. Download the full guide and learn more at Turning Point – Speaking without Stigma.
Turning Point is proud to launch this series of five powerful animations, co-produced with people with lived experience and our colleagues to support Speaking without stigma – a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use. Download the full guide and learn more at Turning Point – Speaking without Stigma.
Zink CSJ Award Winner 2025. Zink is a Buxton-based charity dedicated to addressing and preventing poverty by tackling its root causes, such as unemployment, homelessness, and isolation. With a focus on empowering individuals, Zink involves service users as volunteers, fostering resilience and community support. Its diverse programs include a foodbank, employability coaching, and well-being activities that enhance mental health and skills. By engaging clients in their own journey to stability, Zink helps them build confidence and ultimately achieve financial and social independence.