"Right now, in the community, I’m not ‘Paul the addict’ anymore. I’m just Paul. People don’t know my past unless I tell them. And for the first time, I see a future—one where I give back and help others find their way too."

 

The Road to Recovery

Paul’s decision to enter Tiglin’s rehabilitation centre came on the back of decades spent in addiction and the chaos it brings. Paul explains that Ger Ganley, current head of Tiglin’s rehabilitation services, had encouraged him to seek help for years, but Paul resisted—until his health forced him to face reality.

"I was hospitalised, my immune system was breaking down. They told me I had six weeks to live. I knew then that drugs had taken everything from me—my life, my family, my future. It doesn’t get any worse than that."

At that moment, Paul finally committed to recovery, joining Tiglin Men’s Centre in the Wicklow Mountains (9-month residential rehab followed by a 7-month reintegration/aftercare programme). Looking back, he now realises that every element of the programme had a purpose—helping him address not just addiction but the underlying struggles that led him there.

"It’s about working on the problems that brought you into addiction in the first place. You stop running and start facing reality. It gives you self-esteem, a voice, and a second chance at life" says Paul.

 

Breaking Barriers Through Education

For Paul Killen, education was once a source of fear and frustration. Like many in recovery, his past experiences with learning had left him lacking confidence and feeling disconnected from the classroom. A key factor in this was his undiagnosed dyslexia:

"When I was growing up, dyslexia wasn’t recognised. But I’ve learned that if you give me time and break things down for me, I can understand. The more courses I took, the more confident I became."

Paul’s introduction to education in recovery came while on the Tiglin programme, where South East Technological University (SETU) delivers structured learning programmes to those in Tiglin’s care. Initially, he was hesitant—but decided to join the journey with his peers. As Paul continued through the courses, his self-belief grew. What started as a part of the rehab programme became a pathway to higher learning.

"I recently looked at my CV and couldn’t believe how many certs I’ve earned. I’ve gone from those courses in aftercare to a Level 5 in Addiction Studies, and now I’ve been accepted into Level 6 in Key Working and Case Management. That’s something I never thought possible."

Paul’s story is a testament to the power of education in recovery—proving that learning isn’t just about academics; it’s about self-worth, independence, and opening doors to a brighter future.

 

Paul at Tiglin Carraig Eden, Supported Housing 

Aftercare: A Bridge to the Future

“Recovery doesn’t end after residential treatment” says Paul. The transition back into society is often the most vulnerable stage, and without continued support, the risk of relapse is high. “That’s why Tiglin’s aftercare programme is so vital—it provides structure, accountability, and a bridge to long-term reintegration.”

Paul moved to Greystones to join Tiglin’s aftercare programme, where he found continued support, education, and responsibility.

"Without the aftercare, it’d be like going into prison and then straight back into madness. You need something to keep you grounded—a plan, a purpose, and accountability."

Through ongoing learning and community engagement, Paul wasn’t just rebuilding his life—he was rediscovering who he truly was.

"When I spoke with my key worker, I finally understood my problem—it wasn’t the drugs. It was rejection. I felt rejected from the day I was born. But at Tiglin, I found my voice. I was believed."

 

A New Purpose: Giving Back

Today, Paul has something he once thought was out of reach—a future. At 60, he is working with Tiglin, pursuing further education, and helping others who are on the same journey he once walked.

"One day, someone told me I should work with Tiglin. When I checked, I saw a job opening for a Community Employment Support Worker. I applied, got it, and now I choose to be here—to help."

For Paul, the programme didn’t just help him recover—it gave him his life back.

"At the residential centre, you learn to love yourself again. But aftercare teaches you to leave your problems on that mountain and move forward. At the end of all the work, you realise—drugs weren’t the problem. You were."

 

Looking Ahead

Paul’s journey doesn’t stop here. Having travelled to South Africa three times as part of Tiglin’s outreach work, he now dreams of returning to give back—supporting others on their journey out of addiction and poverty.

"I think that’s my thing—helping people. My goal is to give back."

 

 Paul in South Africa 

 

Breaking the Cycle

One of the most rewarding parts of Paul’s journey has been rebuilding his family relationships. For the first time in decades, he is truly present in his children’s lives.

"I have my family back. My kids had never seen me clean in their lives—they’re 33 and 35. But now, I’m there for them. I’m present. And that means everything."

 

Using Education to build Social Capital

Paul’s story underscores a fundamental truth—education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of addiction.

Tiglin’s partnership with SETU, now in its third year and backed by €833,333 in funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is expanding access to education for individuals in addiction recovery. By integrating micro-credentials and skills training into the rehabilitation process, Tiglin and SETU are creating a sustainable pathway for reintegration, equipping participants with the tools needed to rebuild their lives.

Paul’s journey illustrates this impact. For him, education was more than just acquiring knowledge—it was about rediscovering confidence, reclaiming his self-worth, and unlocking a future he once thought impossible.

"Right now, in the community, I’m not ‘Paul the addict’ anymore. I’m just Paul. People don’t know my past unless I tell them. And for the first time, I see a future—one where I give back and help others find their way too."

Published: 09/04/2025