Cocaine addiction leaves man with rotted nose and deafness

A father from Essex reflects on the ruin cocaine brought to his life, offering a warning about its lasting harm.

Cocaine addiction leaves man with rotted nose and deafness

Shane Samler, 38, from Essex, says a cocaine habit that began as weekend fun became an all-consuming addiction. He estimates spending £2.2 million on the drug over the years, siphoning funds from his scaffolding business to fund week-long binges. The consequences were brutal: his nose collapsed, he lost hearing, and at his worst he stayed alone in a room for days, sleeping only a little each night while gambling and using drugs. Doctors warned he could end up in a wheelchair after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 23, a diagnosis that he says did not slow his use. He also faced debt, with family members stepping in to help bail him out and long-term damage to relationships with his children.

Two months sober, Shane is trying to rebuild his life, work on recovery, and share his story to warn others. He has faced the loss of time with his three children, financial strain, and a damaged nose that will leave scars. He is pursuing rehabilitation and public speaking opportunities as part of his effort to stay on the straight and narrow. The piece notes the broader risks of cocaine use in Britain, including health problems, and the ongoing demand for support services to help people avoid or recover from addiction.

This case shows how addiction can move from casual use to a dangerous life pattern with serious health and financial consequences. It also highlights the strain addiction places on families and small businesses, and the challenge of navigating treatment after years of use. Coverage that mixes personal testimony with medical context can illuminate risk without sensationalism, pointing readers toward real resources and support. The broader lesson is clear: early intervention, accessible treatment, and compassionate dialogue are essential when a user slips toward a crisis that can redefine a life.

Highlights

Recovery conversations should lead to action, not just empathy.