A press release on the website of Britain's Prince's Trust organization provided the following details about McLaughlin's efforts to overcome addiction and earn a "Young Achiever" award from the Prince of Wales:
Award winners included reformed addict Karen McLaughlin, 26, who started on a downward spiral of drugs at age 11, beginning with cannabis, escalating to amphetamines and eventually heroin.
A 12-week development course with The Prince's Trust helped Karen get her life back on track. She has now written a paper on substance misuse for Sunderland City Council and is a Princes Trust Young Ambassador, reaching out to other young people.
Today she was presented with the Capgemini Young Achiever Award by HRH The Prince of Wales and Sir Michael Caine.
Sir Michael Caine said: "Karen's experiences have moved and humbled me. She has faced a difficult life, but she has not only overcome her own issues - she is also committed to helping other young people avoid a similar fate."
Labels: awareness
Posted By: Aspen/CRC