Rob Amor was dependent for years on alcohol and then suffered a devastating blow when his wife Doreen died from cancer ten years ago.
Today Matt, pictured right, and Rob, on the left, are rebuilding their lives with the help of the Julian House Bike Workshop in Trowbridge.
The Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police campaign, #BeyondTheBeat, is focusing this week on alcohol and drug abuse.
PCC Angus Macpherson visited the workshop, tucked away behind the charity's thriving retail bike store in Duke Street, and met Matt and Rob.
Matt, 39, who is married with a teenage daughter, grew up in Warminster, but nowadays lives in Trowbridge.
He said: "I got into the lifestyle of drug taking and dealing, but I managed to stay out of prison.
"I spent six months on a treatment programme run by Turning Point in Trowbridge.
"I've always loved push bikes and I heard about the Julian House Bike Workshop from the probation service. I was among the first to sign up for the Build a Bike course. Now I help to run the course for the benefit of others.
"The skills hub at Julian House is so good and the advice and support can lead on to courses to equip you for work.
"A lot of people we've had in here have been dependent on drugs or alcohol
"There's a clear link between substance misuse and offending. Julian House has helped to keep me on the straight and narrow. I want to get a driving licence again and then set myself up as a self-employed painter and decorator.
"The future is looking really good and I'm a lot happier now."
Rob, who is 63, grew up in Bradford on Avon but moved away to Hampshire.
After the death of his wife in 2008, he decided to move back to Wiltshire.
He said: "Being at Julian House has built up my confidence and I now have certificates to show that I have completed courses here. I am now looking to gain computer skills.
"I would like in the future to offer advice to people who are victims of alcohol or drug misuse."
Angus Macpherson said: "I was very inspired to meet Matt and Rob and the staff at Julian House. It is a very impressive set-up and is doing an important job.
"Drug taking and excessive drinking can lead to criminality or anti-social behaviour which adds to the demands made on Wiltshire Police.
"It is good that charities such as Julian House are helping people to turn their lives around."