Ray Mercer, from Rhyl, was part of a team from the University of Central Lancashire who carried out a North Waleswide survey into the problems faced by people trying to access drug and alcohol treatment services by .
Now they have received certificates for gaining a qualification in community research from the university in helping compile Word From The Stree', the survey into the delivery of support services for substance abusers.
The presentation was made at a Celebration of Achievement held by the North Wales Probation Service.
Ray, 41, whose voluntary work has earned an award from the North Wales Criminal Justice Board, praised the North Wales Probation Service for their efforts on his behalf and said:
"Having come out of a long term drug abuse and living a drug free life, I feel passionately about sharing my experiences and being involved in anything that may help other people achieve a better quality of life."
Among the most important findings of the survey have been the need for more support for those who have gone through detoxification or been released from prison and for money to ensure that those needing treatment can afford to travel to appointments by public transport.
Project leader Naomi Oakley, a student at the university, from Kinmel Bay, said:
"The success for me is not my involvement but working with this group of people through some really tough times from the beginning to the end of the project.
They have gained a qualification that usually takes two years in just six months and they're now completely different to the people they were 12 months ago."