Case Study: Debbie: Halting the downward spiral

Debbie was a chronic drug user, addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. Her life was chaotic and unstable resulting in being barred from all other housing providers in the city after allegedly assaulting other service users and non-cooperation with staff. Debbie had been to The Hollies on three occasions, but had been asked to leave due to various high risk assaults and her behaviour. Despite this, The Hollies still opened the doors to her. On her fourth visit Debbie was determined to turn herself around and began to engage with the staff. She worked well with support services and got on a drug rehabilitation programme eventually moving into her own property.

 

She spent Christmas Day eating chocolate cake and had her first Christmas Dinner heroin-free for 15 years.