Paul Hemsil

Following an injury, Paul was prescribed opioid medication for pain relief. Over the course of ten years, this prescription became a devastating addiction that cost him his career, his personal relationships, and nearly his life. Despite reaching out for help, Paul was turned away by every treatment service he approached. None were commissioned to offer support for dependence on prescription medications. Determined to prevent others from enduring the same isolation, Paul began studying the neurobiology of addiction in 2012. Since then, he has devoted his life to changing policies and raising awareness to ensure no one faces this battle alone. In 2021, Paul founded POMs - Prescription Only Medication Support, an initiative that’s supports clinicians and patients in safely reducing dependence on prescription medications using a person-centred, compassionate approach. Paul now runs a dedicated POMS service in Derby and continues to challenge the status quo, ensuring those affected are seen, heard, and helped.