Drugs-fighter Barry quits his lead role

Barry Haslam

AN OLDHAM campaigner fighting for people addicted to prescription drugs is stepping down from his national role.

Barry Haslam, from Uppermill, was the North West regional co-ordinator of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction (APPGITA).

The group, chaired by Middleton and Heywood MP Jim Dobbin, was set up four years ago to bring issues affecting addicted people and their families to central Government.

Mr Haslam said he decided to go because he did not agree with the direction the government wants to take the group and felt he could better help people in Oldham.

The 67-year-old said: “The all party group will still continue and is asking all the right questions of the Department of Health.

“But I’m not happy with the direction they are taking, they are trying to link us with voluntary addicts.

“It is implying we became addicted through our own actions but we didn’t, we trusted doctors.

“They are trying to put us on a par with illegal addiction, but don’t want to give us the funding that goes to helping addicts of illegal drugs such as heroin.”

Mr Haslam became a campaigner after weaning himself off Ativan after a 10-year addiction, and successfully campaigned for an Oldham withdrawal service, paid for by the primary care trust.

He also helps to run the Tranx support group at the Rock Street Centre in Oldham, a role he will continue to do.

He said: “Working at a national level is quite draining so now I can take more time with my wife Susan and my family and many local issues in Oldham.

“I’m still the chair of Oldham Tranx and will take phone calls at a local level and help where I can.

“I missed my own family growing up because of my previous addiction so this will give me a chance to spend time with my three grandchildren.”