"Genuinely made a difference"

I hereby, express my gratitude to Staffordshire Treatment & Recovery System (Stars staffstars.org).

I would like to highlight two individuals Sue (Care Co-ordinator) & Kizzy (Medication Prescriber) who were instrumental in my convalescence.

My Addiction

I was a motor vehicle casualty on 3 occasions. Fractured my clavicle, scapula, sternum, vertebrosternal ribs & the latter most injury, a compressed T12 injury (Year 2017). Prescribed painkillers by GP’s I became addicted to Codeine. Consumption of codeine increased exponentially, consequently (not all recognised by myself) this had physical and psychological effects on my health, which would undoubtedly have led, if no intervention, to other problems.

I approached my GP in 2023, they initiated an immediate cessation of all codeine’s prescriptions. I pleaded that this would lead immense distress. We talked about my addiction, and it became apparent, that they did not understand addiction and its treatment. I was desperate.

Thanks

I searched the World Wide Web and came across the Stars North Website at the beginning of May 2024. I received an email 4 days later and asked to complete the referral form. Shortly afterwards, I received a phone call from Sue informing me, where and when of my first appointment.

Sue, put me at ease, was helpful, understanding, concise and foremost, portrayed genuine concern. Sue conveyed a recovery plan. Then a month later I met with Sue & Kizzy, and they at once placed me on Buprenorphine 8 mg daily, organising the dispensary. Then a couple of weeks later Kizzy & Sue organised my Health assessment with Rebecca.

I am still participating in Sue & Kizzy’s recovery program, and I have not had any codeine since my first visit with Sue. Sue, frequently asks me how I am getting on, via, phone & visits. Once a month with Sue, Kizzy, and myself we meet to review my medication and progress.

I am in no doubt that if it were not for Sue & Kizzy’s support I would not be where I am, codeine free. I am immensely grateful. It is clear to me that GPs are not outfitted nor equipped to provide the care, time, and support that I am receiving from Stars & NHS inclusion programs. I categorically believe that if all patients with addiction problems were referred to such organisations, rehabilitation, would improve significantly.

I have talked with Sue & Kizzy for some time now. They are genuinely concerned about all their clients or patients and believe in what they do, they do “make a difference”.