RESIDENTS of Dumbarton and the Vale living with a drink problem have faced increased isolation and compounded health problems as a result of Covid, a charity has said.

Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (DACA) said discussions with their clients at the end of 2020 showed the many highs and lows under the pressures of the pandemic.

The charity’s CEO, Mags Mackenzie, said they saw an “amazing sense of resilience” despite the impact of the pandemic.

DACA has put together a collection of photos and other contributions into a “memoir” to showcase how those living with addiction coped.

Ms Mackenzie told the Reporter: “For people already struggling with a drink problem and associated challenges, the lockdown threatened to compound existing issues with loneliness, isolation and poor mental and physical health.

“Even before the lockdown, many of the people who use DACA services had found themselves navigating through life solo. Isolation and loss are frequent by-products of problem drinking, and recovery is often characterised by a sense of starting fresh, which includes casting off old and unhelpful relationships.

“DACA put together a series of conversation-style workshops via Zoom and invited people to share their experiences.

“The conversations captured a really powerful testament of what life has been like for our clients over the past year.

“Although it has been a really tough time, many of the contributors seem to have found a new level of resilience that perhaps they didn’t even know they possessed.

"Some have learned new skills, trying activities they wouldn’t have considered in pre-pandemic days.

“The continued connection with our team has helped but there were undoubtedly some dark days.

"I think everyone struggled at some point.”

The 44-page memoir, “Lockdown with DACA”, was produced by Clydesider Creative for DACA following on from lottery-funded activities to help residents kept at home and away from family for months.

Ms Mackenzie said they hoped the book would be an inspiration and motivation to others.

And she said it was important for everyone to recognise the challenges they have faced through the past year and take stock of what they have come through.

She added: “It gives a snapshot of an important moment in time, and showcases people’s stories in their own words.”