Indirect benefits of the STARS Programme

Alongside the direct impact that the STARS Programme has on its clients, there are a range of indirect benefits that arise.

Benefits for family members

There is often a significant improvement in well-being for family members, together with improved relationships with the recovering user/ offender, as well as between members of the family. The most common difference cited by family members was a reduction in the stress and anxiety caused by their loved one’s behaviour and addiction. In several cases this was compounded by conflict within the family when different members took a different view on how to respond to the user.

Benefits for communities and public services

Furthermore, a reduction in the use of drugs and alcohol, and a corresponding reduction in health issues that arise and in levels of crime, have significant impacts on government services and on local people. This can lead to significant resources savings for the NHS, freeing up NHS resources to be used elsewhere. Likewise it can lead to significant resource savings for the Criminal Justice System (e.g. police, courts). Finally, reduced crime can lead to a very significant reduction the emotional and financial impact on crime victims. ■

Case Study

Tracy, age 47

Tracy started using amphetamines and ketamine at the age of 40 following the breakdown of her marriage and loss of a close family member. Tracy had a nice home, children and a job but she started to use drugs to relieve her troubles. In a short period of time, she lost everything and was living on the streets.

To fund her habit, Tracy stole from shops and was arrested and imprisoned several times. Each time she was released, the cycle of using drugs, stealing and getting arrested would begin again, to the point that she nearly died.

The turning point for Tracy was when she was referred to STARS which found her a flat in Saffron Walden in Essex. This helped Tracy get away from her home town of Lowestoft which reduced the temptation and opportunity for her to relapse. In time, and with STARS’ support, Tracy stopped using drugs, and in August 2011 she moved into the recovery programme. She also started to engage with police and probation in Essex and, as a result, was released from the Prolific and Priority Offender scheme.

However, Tracy was still struggling to cope without drugs and without the funding for her to move to a residential treatment centre, she became dependent on alcohol and started to offend again.

STARS stepped in and moved Tracy to Bury St Edmunds where she would have more opportunities for treatment and support as she was continuing to drink and use drugs occasionally. Finally, Tracy got a placement in residential rehabilitation in 2013 and completed a six month intensive programme. Since completing the programme in February 2014, Tracy has remained clean and sober and has fully settled into the Bury area. She has signed up to become a mentor to others with addictions and dreams of going to college. Tracy has also reconnected with her family in Lowestoft, and can return there without risk of relapse:

‘Everything about me has changed – the way I think – my values. I’m living rather than just existing and wanting to die. I deal with stuff as it comes up, instead of just burying it. I have a good, structured life. I like who I am now. I am confident, funny and have a nice personality. My health is loads better.’

‘[The STARS staff] treat you like individuals/ human beings. They are very caring and go that extra mile. They never gave up on me, as others have in the past. STARS gave me a new lease of life, having people who cared about me and gave me a chance. Without it, I don’t think I would be here now – I would never have changed.’