A FORMER drug addict who has turned his life around wants to "inspire" people to overcome their addictions.

Ste Boylan, from Thatto Heath, fell into a cocaine and alcohol addiction as a teenager following the death of his mum.

With his problems spiralling, Ste said he became "very anxious and depressed" and suffered a severe epileptic fit which "smashed [his] face up" and put him in hospital.

Aged 21 and the father of two young children, doctors told Ste that he "would end up dead" if he continued with his lifestyle.

While anti-depressants and counselling did not seem to work for the young father, the opportunity to go to group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is said to have changed his life.

St Helens Star: Ste with his wifeSte with his wife (Image: Ste Boylan)

Ste, 43, said: "I had been struggling for a while but after smashing my face up and ending up in hospital, I knew I had to do something to turn my life around.

"I set myself a new goal each week and with the help of the CBT, began to address my problems and addictions.

"After this, I slowly started changing my whole lifestyle. I stopped taking drugs and began working in the local church."

With a new outlook on life, Ste retrained as a youth worker for St Helens Council and later as a counsellor.

Now working as a specialist in CBT and a private counsellor, Ste has worked with thousands of people to overcome their mental health problems.

Using his personal and professional experience, he has created a specific programme to help people overcome their addictions in St Helens.

St Helens Star: Ste wants to use his own experiences to help people overcome their addictionsSte wants to use his own experiences to help people overcome their addictions (Image: Ste Boylan)

Ste, a dad-of-four, added: "I know that addiction, alcohol, and cocaine are still a massive issue in St Helens.

"There wasn't a lot of support out there when I was struggling, and although things have improved, I want to offer a programme dedicated to overcoming addiction.

"I've been reflecting on my own recovery recently and I really want to inspire as many people as I can and let them know that they can change their life if they commit to it.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without extra support, so I'm on a mission to help the community and help people reclaim their life and happiness."

With an office in St Helens town centre, confidential counselling sessions will be available in person or online.

Ste said that 10% of the company's proceeds will be directed towards offering free counselling services to children in the community.