IT is always hard when someone you believed had conquered their demons falls down.

Many of us have experienced it with friends who time and time again, have raised our hopes, appearing to be completely cured from their addictions and ready to start a new life, apparently believing it themselves for a period of time, only for it all to come tumbling back down a week later.

It is disappointing and frustrating. A lot of people probably feel they might as well give up on that person.

However, although Kerry Marnell is likely to be feeling upset to have stumbled after doing so well, she has by no means gone back to square one.

It is a shame that the reformed addict who helps the homeless and gives talks to help authorities and professionals understand addiction has relapsed. She has been convicted of shoplifting, but it sounds like she has been on a very painful journey.

Even though she has made a mistake which she has had to answer to, the professionals working with her have pleaded for the community not to discount the incredible progress she has made, and to not forget the journey she has been on.

Jonathon Sutton, CEO of St Paul's Hostel said: "The court were humane because they understand recovery from a compulsive addiction takes time and they saw the huge steps she has taken."

People need to answer for their mistakes, but if we lose faith in Kerry completely, it sends a message to other people who are struggling, that they will be shunned if they slip up along the way.

But how many chances are too many? At what point is it time to give up on someone?

For a person to win a battle against addiction, they have to want to. That is the crucial thing that separates addicts. We can offer them all the support there is, and Worcester offers plenty, but if they don't want to put the effort in themselves, it is not going to work. It is impossible for charities to help those who for whatever reason, do not accept it. I would say as long as they want to get better and believe they can, you should continue to help them. Don't take it on by yourself. Working in the community are highly skilled and effective services that can help anyone who is willing to engage. Kerry Marnell seems to be determined to take back control.