Colwyn Bay drug addiction group launched in The Vivienne’s memory

Chanel WilliamsJames Lee Williams, higher often known as drag star The Vivienne, died from a cardiac arrest brought on by the results of taking ketamineThe household of The Vivienne has launched a assist group for these combating drug and alcohol dependancy to honour the reminiscence of the drag performer.The primary-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, James Lee Williams, died in January on the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest brought on by the results of taking ketamine.Williams had privately struggled with dependancy to ketamine and had lately relapsed after years of sobriety.Led by their sister Chanel Williams and their household, the Home of Vivienne periods will happen each Tuesday at Ty Enfys espresso store in Colwyn Bay, Conwy county, and goal to spark consciousness about the usage of ketamine.”That is for anybody who feels alone,” Chanel stated, including: “James would need you to know you matter, your life issues and there’s assist. There may be all the time hope.”Williams, who glided by they/them and he/him pronouns, spoke about their dependancy struggles on an episode of Drag Race and wished to make use of their platform to spotlight its risks and the hope of restoration.Generally known as one of many greatest breakout stars of British drag, the performer’s dying devastated the LGBTQ+ neighborhood”Ketamine is a particularly harmful drug that’s changing into an increasing number of prevalent within the UK,” stated Chanel.”There’s nonetheless a stigma round ketamine use and that is costing lives. We need to break that stigma and create a spot the place individuals really feel secure to say I need assistance.”Chanel WilliamsJames Lee Williams discovered fame performing as drag artist The VivienneSmall quantities of ketamine – a Class B drug – can provide a way of euphoria and pleasure whereas giant quantities can result in a state often known as the “Okay-hole,” the place customers really feel indifferent from actuality.The variety of under-16s reporting an issue with the drug has practically doubled over the previous two years.What’s ketamine?Also known as ket, Particular Okay or simply Okay, it’s a highly effective horse tranquilliser and anaesthetic. It’s a licensed drug and will be prescribed medicallyIt could cause critical and generally everlasting harm to the bladder when misusedThe penalty for possession is as much as 5 years in jail, a vast wonderful or bothChanel WilliamsThe assist periods will happen each Tuesday at Ty Enfys neighborhood hub in James’s hometown of Colwyn BayWorking in partnership with the Sanctuary Belief, Adferiad and substance abuse charities, the Home of The Vivienne is described as a “secure, inclusive area”.Williams grew up in Colwyn Bay earlier than shifting to Liverpool as a youngster the place their love of Vivienne Westwood clothes impressed their drag title.The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions and in addition competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise within the US in 2022.In January 2023, they turned the primary drag queen to look on Dancing on Ice and was partnered with American skater Colin Grafton, ending third.Williams had “a extremely lengthy interval of sobriety” earlier than relapsing, Chanel stated, however she believes each the stigma round dependancy and her brother’s profitable profession, meant they didn’t search skilled assist.”James introduced sparkle and pleasure wherever they went,” stated Chanel.”However in addition they knew the darkness of dependancy. That is why Home of The Vivienne is not nearly telling individuals to cease – it is about assembly them the place they’re, with out judgement, and exhibiting them there is a approach ahead.”Particulars of assist and assist with dependancy can be found within the UK at BBC Motion Line