"Opiate substitute medication and support in recovery"

Struggling with a crack cocaine and heroin addiction I was referred to STaRS. I was absolutely broken & desperate for help and the support I received was far more superlative than I could ever have imagined. 

After an initial medical consultation I was prescribed a a medication which meant I was able to completely cease using heroin & felt absolutely no physical withdrawal symptoms. I was assigned Ronnie as my keyworker and I am so massively grateful for that. Through regular keywork sessions I was able to be completely honest with him about my struggles with addiction and he supported me to overcome them. His demeanor & care made it easy to open up & talk to him, after I'd spent my addiction completely isolated & everything was secretive. He referred me to other support networks & organisations to help support me with other issues in other areas of my life. He was there for me professionally when I was in my darkest days and felt I had no where to turn. Ronnie's involvement was an integral support to my recovery and I never felt I was a burden. 

After stabilising on my script Mark helped me to detox of my medication. Like Ronnie, Mark's professionalism and demeanor meant that it was a pleasure to deal with him. I was able to ask questions & he always ensured I understood the detox process & what to expect. Because of this, I was able to talk openly about what was essentially an embarrassing medical concern I had. Mark addressed all concerns I had and the support of both professionals meant my detox was a pain & concern free experience. Mark saw me weekly in detox clinic and, when I came of the last 2mg of my original medication, prescribed me an alternative for 1 week. Ronnie came to see me at my home every day whilst on my detox week. 

I started my initial treatment in May, did my reduction & detox and was off all medication the 1st week in September. I did not want to have take a substitute medication long term. Ronnie and Mark understood that and supported me to do the work I needed to do on myself so I was promptly ready to continue in my recovery unmedicated.

For the first 2 months of my recovery I was still living with a using addict. I was only able to stay strong enough not to use because of my script and the support I got from Ronnie & Mark and also that of NA. Ronnie encouraged me to go to NA & I am so grateful for that. I've made friends there and that has helped me to stay clean. 

I detoxed off of my meds 2 and a half months ago now. I continue to be a part of NA and if I really needed to talk I know I could contact Ronnie and he'd lend his ear. My existence at the beginning of the this year is a world apart from the full life I have now in recovery & I will be eternally grateful to both Ronnie and Mark for helping me get to where I am now, living life on life's terms