Addiction was in the news again this week after comedian and former drug addict Russell Brand appeared on BBC1's Question Time to discuss issues including UK drug laws. SNJ reporter Kate Wilson visited one organisation which has come up with a new way to support people with addiction problems.

A RESIDENTIAL house in Farmhill is now home to five vulnerable adults after one Stroud resident decided he wanted to do more to support people with addiction problems.

Dave Guy, a founding member of the Christian organisation Marah, which is committed to supporting vulnerable and marginalised adults, set up the organisation Ebenezer 18 months ago when he noticed that there was a lack of support for addicts after their initial rehabilitation treatment.

"Just because they have stopped drinking or taking drugs does not mean that they are completely cured and that they can just go off and find a house and a job and carry on with life as normal," said Dave.

"But currently there is nothing really available in the Stroud area to give that extra bit of support to recovering addicts to help them move on and back into society.

"When we founded Ebenezer we always knew that we wanted a house so that these adults could feel safe and at home without the temptation to relapse. But we needed to find the perfect location."

Dave got in contact with the West of England Baptist Association which agreed to rent Ebenezer the house in Mathews Way, Farmhill.

"It was the absolute perfect location for what we needed. The view is beautiful, it is quiet and away from the town centre and the neighbours are really supportive of what we are trying to do," said Dave.

Ebenezer is a dry house, which means that the five people living there are not allowed to drink alcohol or take drugs on the premises.

Steve and Marie Cooke are the two house managers and are known more commonly as 'mum and dad' to the clients at the house.

"We understand relapses' happen and people don't get thrown out because of them. We are here to provide them with the support to get through the relapse and back on track to recovery," said Marie.

Ebenezer House is a nine month programme in which all residents must complete compulsory courses in health and hygiene and relapse prevention.

Residents are also expected to be involved in the gardening work as well as taking part in the Alpha course - which explores the basic principles of Christianity.

"Ebenezer is a Christian charity and therefore the Alpha course is a very important aspect of our programme as well as to the recovery process," said Marie.

Ebenezer House has been open for almost nine months which means some of the residents are getting close to completing the course.

Lisa is a recovering alcoholic living at Ebenezer House.

"I think the best thing about the programme is that even when we are ready to leave here and be independent we know that the support will never stop," she said.

"The people who run this house are great. They put their heart and soul into everything they do in order to help everyone who lives here."