Andy Kalli discovered cocaine at the age of 29, and was soon blowing almost everything he earned on drugs. Twenty-four years later he finally hit rock bottom
For 24 years, Andy Kalli was addicted to crack cocaine. He lost contact with his family and sold his possessions – even his dad’s sovereign ring – to fund his addiction. But three years ago, at 61, he started working for a rehab centre. Now, he says, “I save lives. I make a difference.” The cork board full of thank you cards in his office agrees.
Kalli works as service manager at the Perry Clayman Project in Luton, Bedfordshire, and likes to advise clients not to apologise. “Because how many times have I apologised?” he says. “Don’t say sorry. Your families have heard it a thousand times.” It’s by making change that “you’ll be making amends,” he says.
