Former gang member shares his story of hope in a new book

A former gang member and addict who spent years trapped in a cycle of drugs, alcohol, violence and prison has written a book which he hopes will help others find recovery and purpose in their lives

Billy McKay, who grew up in the East End of Glasgow, has released his debut book, ‘Who Turned the Light On’, which tells the story of his journey from childhood trauma, addiction and gang involvement to recovery, faith and helping others overcome their struggles.

He said: “People often see addiction as the problem, but I believe addiction is a by-product of underlying pain, trauma, rejection and emotional suffering. I wrote this book for the people who are still sitting in the darkness, because I’ve been there myself. I want people to know that recovery is possible, no matter how hopeless things seem.”

Mr McKay, 62, began abusing alcohol and drugs at just 12 years old and later became involved in gang culture, spending time in prison, including at Glasgow’s HMP Barlinnie. During his darkest years, he battled addiction to both drugs and alcohol and experienced extreme violence behind bars, including a horrific assault which left his eardrums burst.

Now an author and recovery mentor, Mr McKay, from Motherwell, works with recovery communities, peer-support groups and individuals affected by addiction, trauma and social exclusion, using his lived experience to help others find hope and purpose.

His book explores not only his personal story, but also what he believes are the deeper causes of addiction. “My message is that we’re not defined by our past,” he said. “I’m not who I was then. I want to help people realise there is another way.

“The title ‘Who Turned the Light On?’ came to me through what I believe was divine intervention. As a Christian, I see it as Jesus Christ revealing something that perfectly captured my journey.” While his own recovery journey was rooted in Christianity, Mr McKay believes the book’s message will resonate with anyone seeking hope and healing.

“At its heart, the book isn’t really about gangs, prison or even addiction,” he said. “It’s about what happens when you move into a dark place in your own mind and begin living with the consequences of that. I spent years trapped in addiction, in and out of prison, searching for answers in all the wrong places. While my own recovery was rooted in faith, the message of the book is universal. Anyone who has struggled with addiction, trauma, loss, rejection or feeling stuck in destructive patterns will recognise parts of themselves in these pages.”

Throughout the book, Mr McKay reflects on the impact addiction had not only on his own life but on those closest to him, particularly his mother, whose struggles with co-dependency feature prominently in the story.

“My mission isn’t about selling books or making profit,” he said. “It’s about getting this message into the hands of people who need it most – people in recovery, people in prison, families affected by addiction and those who feel like they’ve lost hope. If my story helps even one person step out of the darkness and into the light, then writing this book will have been worthwhile.”

Mr McKay will use proceeds from the book to donate free copies into prisons, recovery groups, and into the hands of families of addicts. He hopes to speak in prisons and to community organisations and recovery groups across Scotland, in the coming months.