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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Leona Greenan

Former professional footballer and club boss warn Lanarkshire youths about the dangers of drugs

A former professional footballer helped deliver a talk about the dangers of drug use to over 200 Lanarkshire youths.

Ex-Motherwell FC player, Colin McNair, was joined by Hamilton Accies chief executive, Colin McGowan, in giving the talk this week.

The Accies chief has been in recovery for over 35 years and once again teamed up with Colin to warn youngsters across the county about addiction.

Together, they spoke in depth about their experiences and how taking drugs led to both men being on the streets of Glasgow.

Kids heard how at the height of his playing career, McNair lost everything after indulging in drug use.

The pair recalled hitting rock bottom and how they came through their own recovery to a transfixed audience.

McNair told youngsters: "I was taking drugs every day of the week.

"I was feigning injury so I didn’t have to play football, until it all fell apart and I lost everything.

“I owed dealers money left, right and centre, and turned to crime to pay for my habit - I eventually ended up in jail.”

McGowan also recalled his days on the streets and told how a life of addiction affected his family and business.

He also delivered statistics revealing the devastation drugs are causing in communities, at one point asking the pupils for a show of hands of how many of them knew someone in the grasp of addiction.

He told the crowd: "Addiction ruins lives.

"Do not succumb to drugs or alcohol. Be sensible, make good choices.

"Do not be another statistic."

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