Gerard Early is originally from Omagh but has worked in Monaghan as a barber for a number of years.
Recently he publicly marked a year into recovery from alcoholism through a post on Facebook.
Since deciding to get help he says his life has improved dramatically as well as his relationships with those closest to him, but also acknowledges that he still has a long road ahead of him.
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He now wants to de stigmatise addiction, and see more conversations about mental health happening.
Our reporter Sheila Naughton spoke to Gerard about his journey so far:
