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Addicted Bristol: Life and Death

Bristol’s drug problem is threatening lives more than ever.

We’re launching a series of stories about the people fighting addiction, treating it and pushing for reform.


With drug-related deaths at record highs and funding being cut from addiction services, it feels high-time to put drug use in Bristol under the microscope. For many people in our city, drugs can threaten lives while treatment can save them.

At what feels like a crucial time for drugs and drug policy, this series will tell stories of drug users at risk, former addicts now in recovery, the treatment systems aiming to get them clean and the policies that could reduce harm.

If you have personal experience of addiction in Bristol, get in touch confidentially here.

Illustration: Rosie Carmichael

Addicted Bristol: Life and Death

Study drugs: how some are dealing with pressure at university

It appears study drugs aren't uncommon at Bristol University, so what does this say about the stresses of life on campus?

Revealed: Council shelves study into safe consumption rooms after restructure

This is why you should vote to make drugs safer

Addicted Bristol: Life and Death

I was addicted to benzos. This is my story.

The blissful escape of prescription drugs benzodiazepines helped me cope with depression and anxiety, but my life ended up falling apart around me.

Addicted Bristol: Life and Death

A safe fix for Bristol’s drug users and the city

Addicted Bristol: Life and Death

An accident left him in constant pain. But medical cannabis is still out of reach.

Bristol’s ketamine dealers: trapped in luxury

Falling into it, dealing with your own habit- quitting dealing can be just as hard as giving up a drug addiction.

Revealed: Homemade Spice infiltrates Bristol prison

Drones, rampant violence and under-staffing as HMP Bristol struggles to deal with Spice problem.

How we got people talking about drugs in Bristol

A look back on our November members meeting about drugs in Bristol, which left people feeling “connected”, “inspired" and “heard”.

‘I’m sober now but without support, self-medication is always an option’

After overcoming a drink problem and addiction to painkillers, this man is fighting to access services that will keep him in recovery.

Landmark medicinal cannabis reforms don’t go far enough, say campaigners

Specialist doctors – but not GPs – will be able to give out cannabis on prescription from November.

Crack, heroin, Spice: A snapshot of Bristol’s street drug scene

A journey through our city’s streets reveals an eye-opening world of vulnerable people.

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