Jeremy Palmer, a 48-year-old from Bath, has accomplished what many would see as impossible: he has transformed his life from a troubled past of addiction and crime to become the Supported Housing Team Leader at Burlington House, the very detox centre where he once sought help. Managed by the charity Developing Health and Independence, this dry house now benefits from Jeremy’s firsthand experience and dedication.
Jeremy’s journey is one marked by hardship and resilience. Growing up in a large family in Whiteway, his substance abuse began shockingly early — sniffing petrol at nine, smoking cannabis at ten, and at thirteen, being deceived into trying heroin. Reflecting on his youth, Jeremy notes how today he might have received an ADHD diagnosis and support plans, but back then, he was simply labelled a “naughty child.”
By fifteen, Jeremy’s addiction escalated to crack cocaine, propelling him into a life that spun out of control at breakneck speed. His criminal activities led to multiple imprisonments beginning at seventeen, but jail periods only deepened his involvement in crime rather than offering rehabilitation.
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A pivotal moment came in 2012 when tragedy struck: Jeremy’s brother overdosed on Subutex, a medication prescribed to manage opioid addiction, which Jeremy had been misusing. That event jolted Jeremy into confronting his addiction seriously. Shortly thereafter, on June 15, 2012, Jeremy detoxed from Subutex and committed himself to sobriety — a journey that has now lasted over thirteen years.
Recovery was fraught with challenges, including the need to move from a detox house where drug use was still occurring. Yet Jeremy persevered, joining Narcotics Anonymous and working diligently to make amends for past wrongs, including confessing to his mother about stealing from her during his addiction. Though she has since passed, her spirit remains a guiding force in his life.
Today, Jeremy embraces sobriety with unwavering honesty, acknowledging that his addiction is an ongoing battle. “I’ll always be an addict,” he says, “but I choose to live a life free from drugs and alcohol.” His mantra remains clear: “One’s too many, a thousand’s not enough.”
Sober living opened doors for Jeremy, including an apprenticeship to become a support worker, helping others facing similar struggles. His personal milestones reflect his new life: marriage, fatherhood, obtaining his driving licence, skydiving for charity, and even drafting a memoir.
In a remarkable full-circle moment, Jeremy now oversees three support houses, working from the very room where he once detoxed. His story stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that no matter how dire the past, recovery and purpose are within reach.