Alcohol Help

Vanehill Specialist Care Home: Torquay
Alcohol past & present support services

About us:

Vane Hill is registered to provide accommodation and care for a maximum of thirty-two people who are in the registration category of past or present alcohol dependence and are over 40 years of age. In exceptional circumstances, people between the ages of 18 and 39 may be admitted, if it can be shown that their assessed needs can be properly met. We do not provide a service for people who continue to abuse alcohol.

Vane Hill comprises two fine Victorian residences adjacent to each other, set above the harbour and boasting stunning views of Torbay. The home is situated in a quiet residential area at the end of a cul-de-sac. Meadfoot Beach, Beacon Cove and the town centre are all within walking distance.
Support

We have been providing specialist residential care for people living with alcohol related brain damage such as Korsakoff’s syndrome at Vane Hill for almost 20 years. The staff team at Vane Hill is experienced in supporting new residents in poor states of health. The support we provide aims to improve residents’ physical and mental health from the outset. We help the residents to regain skills and interests they had earlier in their lives. Independence, dignity and self esteem can all be improved upon by supporting the residents in undertaking daily living tasks around the home and maintaining good standards of personal hygiene. Our residents can grow food in Vane Hill’s allotment style garden and then prepare and cook the produce in our kitchens. Parties of residents enjoy taking part in regular outings; the fresh air and walking on Dartmoor is a particular favourite. Holidays for the residents away from the home have been successfully run for many years to areas such as the North Devon Coast.

Vanehill aims to provide a total range of care in collaboration with all appropriate agencies, to meet the overall personal and healthcare needs and preferences of its residents. The care provided is based on the thorough assessment of clients’ needs and the systematic and continuous planning of care for each resident.

Vanehill ensures residents with Korsakoff’s Syndrome (short term memory loss) are accommodated in a shared room so that they cannot sink into themselves and go deeper into the progression of Korsakoff’s.

Vanehill will exclude clients: whose main needs require physical care. This may include wheelchair users or people with health or mobility problems.

All applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive assessment of need, which states the reasons for the referral or application and the specific services sought. Assessments are usually multi-disciplinary and are submitted by the local authority care manager. They include a financial assessment, which will determine any funding to which an applicant may be entitled.

When people move into Vanehill they have a chance to decide if it is suitable for them. The first month provides an opportunity for staff to get to know the client and their family and to identify the basis of any continuing plan of care.

Vanehill can provide telephone interviews, prison assessments and opportunities to meet current residents.

Contact Details:

Vanehill Specialist Care Home
15/72 Vane Hill Road
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 2BZ

Telephone: 01803 214 916

With increasingly large disposable incomes, the powerful youth and teenage market is one of the largest in the UK. However, monetary freedom seems to be a double edged sword. With increased peer group and academic pressure, we are now seeing that British teenagers, together with those in Ireland and Denmark, are among the heaviest teenage drinkers in Europe. Among UK teenagers aged 15-16, 56% reported drinking more than five drinks on a single occasion in the last 30 days and 30% reported doing this on more than three times in the last month.

This pattern of difficulty controlling drinking continues unabated when teenagers fly the nest. In a survey of second year students in 10 UK universities, 11% were ‘non-drinkers’, 89% ‘drinkers’. Looking at the drinkers group: 61% of men and 48% of women regularly exceeded the recommended limit of 14 units a week for women and 21 units for men; 15% reported hazardous drinking (more than 51 units a week for men and 36 units for women) and 28% reported’ binge’ drinking. An additional study of the 1995-98 cohort of Cambridge undergraduates revealed that 10% answered a set of standard questions about their drinking habits in a way that suggested ‘problematic drinking’.

Sue Allchurch, director of Linwood Group, explains why this pattern of alcohol usage is of serious concern: "We are seeing more and more drug and alcohol difficulties beginning in childhood, where once they were triggered in the late teens and early twenties. This use of drink and drugs from a young age is worrying on more than one level. Apart from the physical damage done from drink or drug use at such a formative age, people who regularly drink alcohol or take drugs in order to cope with difficult situations or emotions find that this form of ‘self medication’ eventually leads to even more extreme situations and emotions."

"Young people traditionally think of rehabilitation centres as the places where celebrities go to recover, not for people like them to go to seek help with drug or alcohol difficulties. However, it is vital that if you begin to suspect that you or a loved one is showing the beginnings of a drink or drug problem, that professional help is sought as soon as possible. Early intervention can save years of struggle and heartache."

Linwood Manor

One in 25 deaths worldwide and as many as one tenth in Europe can be attributed to alcohol consumption, scientists have said.

A report in the Lancet medical journal has highlighted the global burden of disease and injury – as well as the economic cost – caused by alcohol use and related illness.

Alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer after smoking.

*The good news is that the more you can cut down on drinking alcohol, the more you reduce your cancer risk – and it’s never too late to start.*
– Dr Joanna Owens, science information manager, Cancer Research UK

After analysing data on alcohol-related deaths in 2004, the researchers concluded that 3.8 per cent of all deaths are attributable to alcohol.

This includes 6.3 per cent of male deaths and 1.8 per cent of female deaths.

They suggest that alcohol accounts for nearly five per cent of years lived with disability and that the costs associated with alcohol amount to more than one per cent of gross national product (GNP) in high- and middle-income nations.

Writing in the Lancet, the researchers concluded that alcohol consumption is "one of the major avoidable risk factors" and that "actions to reduce burden and costs associated with alcohol should be urgently increased".

"We face a large and increasing alcohol-attributable burden at a time when we know more than ever about which strategies can effectively and cost-effectively control alcohol-related harms," they said.

In response to the report, Alcohol Concern’s chief executive Don Shenker noted that alcohol-related deaths in England have risen by almost a fifth since the start of the decade.

"While the main cause [of alcohol-related death] remains alcoholic liver disease, it’s also important to remember that alcohol can contribute to a range of cancers, strokes and heart problems," he pointed out.

"As the Chief Medical Officer has identified, putting a stop to the irresponsible sale of low-cost alcohol would be an effective step in the right direction."

Dr Joanna Owens, Cancer Research UK’s science information manager, said: "It’s sad to see these figures, but it’s encouraging to see from the study that when people change their lifestyle the benefits can be immediate.

"The good news is that the more you can cut down on drinking alcohol, the more you reduce your cancer risk – and it’s never too late to start. We know that alcohol increases the risk of seven types of cancer, and if you smoke and drink, the risk is even greater."

Cancer Research UK

The SNP Government’s proposals to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problem are leading the way as new figures show the death rate from alcohol related illnesses to be double previous estimates.

New research shows alcohol-related illnesses could be killing one in 20 Scots – twice as many as previously thought with 3,000 people dying from alcohol related illnesses in 2003.

Commenting on the figures SNP Depute Leader and Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon said;

"To have one in 20 Scots dying from alcohol-related causes is a truly shocking statistic.

"Drinking alcohol is part of Scottish culture, but it’s clear that many people are drinking too much and damaging their health in the process.

"Alcohol misuse is the biggest public health challenge we face and the Scottish Government has made crystal clear our determination to get to grips with it."

Lothians MSP Angela Constance, a member of the Parliament’s Justice Committee who recently spent the night on call with an ambulance crew seeing the impact of alcohol on communities at first hand said;

"Scotland needs to take a long hard look at our relationship with alcohol and adopt the radical action we need to tackle this problem.

"Alcohol abuse is costing our public services £2.25 billion, and much more in terms of human misery as these figures starkly demonstrate.

“These disturbing figures underline exactly why the Scottish Government have brought forward tough new measures to tackle Scotland’s problems of alcohol misuse.

"It is vital that Parliament back the full range of proposals to tackle Scotland’s drinking culture, including minimum pricing, a ban on discount promotions, a duty on licensing boards to consider raising the off-sales purchase age to 21, and a social responsibility fee for some retailers.

"Our society cannot afford for politicians to waste time arguing over this, we need to work together to take radical action now."

Scottish National Party

Alcohol charity Drinkaware has appointed internationally renowned alcohol expert Professor Paul Wallace* as its Chief Medical Adviser. Taking up the newly created role at the charity earlier this month, Professor Wallace will support Drinkaware’s mission to influence consumer behaviour by providing accurate information and facts about the effects of alcohol on people’s lives and lifestyles. As Chief Medical Adviser, Wallace will review the charity’s health and medical communications, advise on campaigns and act as a media spokesperson.

Wallace, who specialises in epidemiology and primary care, is Professor of Primary Care at University College London and a General Practitioner. Having pioneered studies on the detection and management of patients with excessive alcohol consumption in general practice, Professor Wallace continues to take an active interest in alcohol research. He is also the chief investigator on the trial of DownYourDrink.org.uk, an interactive website designed to help heavy drinkers to moderate their alcohol consumption.

As Drinkaware’s Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Wallace will be supported by an eight-strong medical advisory panel with experts in specialist areas including liver; mental health; accidents and emergencies; breast cancer; oral cancer; digestion; adolescent health and public health.

Paul Wallace, says: “Public education plays a key role in helping to shape individual attitudes to alcohol consumption. In my general practice I often see the reality of what happens when people regularly drink too much, so I’m delighted to team-up with Drinkaware to provide consumers with rigorous clinical information to help them protect their health and wellbeing.”

Chris Sorek, Drinkaware’s CEO, says: “As an epidemiology and primary care specialist, Professor Wallace is perfectly placed to offer insights into the effects of alcohol on public health and society. His wealth of experience and expertise will ensure that Drinkaware continues to be a trustworthy and credible source of information for consumers who are concerned, or simply curious, about the effects of alcohol on their health.“

Drinkaware aims to change British drinking culture by giving consumers information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lifestyles.

Drinkaware

Swansea Coastguard have been engaged this morning in the search and rescue of a drunk man who was spotted in the water by two officers from the Avon and Somerset police. He was wearing jeans and a t shirt and is in his late 30s.

He was spotted at just after 1.00 am swimming in Weston Bay near Marine Lake after wading into the water and was seen drifting towards Knightsone Island.

The Weston Super Mare Coastguard Rescue Team were immediately sent to the area and the Weston Super Mare RNLI in shore lifeboat was requested to launch at the same time. A rescue helicopter R169 was also scrambled.

A radio request was made for any vessel to come and assist whilst the police maintained radio contact with the Coastguard from the shore and kept the man in visual contact. The two police officers also entered the water with a lifebelt in order to assist.

The man was seen to go under the water several times and thrash around and a police helicopter was scrambled to keep a track on the casualty from the air.

The RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor also used its searchlight to guide the lifeboat to the drowning man.

By 1.45 am the man had been pulled from the water by the crew of the RNLI inshore lifeboat and was taken to the shoreline for onward transmission to hospital. He was vomiting and had clearly been drinking heavily.

Bernie Kemble from Swansea Coastguard said

“We understand the man has made a good recovery in hospital and is talking with those around him.

“To enter the water when clearly inebriated is utter madness. If he had not been spotted by the police he may have been lost forever. We are all aware of the loss of the two men from the same area just a few days ago. Despite the fine weather we are enjoying, cold water shock, and the effect alcohol has on the body dramatically reduces the chances of survival. In this case the man is very, very lucky and probably owes his life to both the people who spotted him and the rescue crews who saved him.”

Maritime And Coastguard Agency

Commenting on the article published today in The Lancet which claims that worldwide, 1 in 25 deaths are attributable to alcohol consumption, Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker said:

“This worrying situation is unfortunately reflected in England, where we have seen deaths caused by alcohol increase almost a fifth since the beginning of the decade.

“While the main cause remains alcoholic liver disease, it’s also important to remember that alcohol can contribute to a range of cancers, strokes and heart problems. This is not to mention its role in accidents and violence.

“On both a national and global scale we’re facing a disease burden of huge proportions. There is no longer any doubt that if a society drinks large amounts of alcohol, we’ll see high levels of harm as a result.

“Many countries are investigating new ways to cut deaths and disease and reduce the burden on health services by using the price of alcohol to lower consumption. As the Chief Medical Officer has identified, putting a stop to the irresponsible sale of low cost alcohol would be an effective step in the right direction.

Alcohol Concern

Somewhere House, Burnham-on-Sea
Our Philosophy is everyone has the right to change if they wish to do so.

About us:

Somewhere House gives each individual both the opportunity and the right environment to change if they wish to do so.

Somewhere House uses a treatment matching system offering either person centred approach or 12 step.

Children are welcome to visit residents at the project. (made by appointment only) We also provide family treatment and support.

We will assess each individual but cannot accept those who are currently suffering from psychosis.

We do not accept arsonists, section 1 offenders unless identified as low risk through our assessment. We do not accept acute mental health and all clients need to be detoxed before arrival. We are abstinent based.

Assessment and admissions; Anyone is welcome. We will accept referrals from both organisations as well as individuals. If we have any doubts about if we can help, just pick up the phone and we will answer your questions.

Once you have decided that you would like to check us out the next stage is an assessment. Once again a phone call to make the arrangements and one of our trained staff will be only too happy to sort things out.

Additional admissions services; We do prefer all potential clients to come out and visit our premises. In cases of prison referrals and exceptional circumstances where a visit is not possible we are only too happy to carry out our assessment over the telephone.

Discharge policies; Our discharge procedure can either be voluntary or therapeutic. A therapeutic discharge is usually resulting from a serious infringement of the guidelines in place.

When a resident is being discharged, staff are required to inform all interested parties of the residents intentions and forwarding address.
If a client is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it maybe necessary to contain the situation overnight and follow discharge procedures in the morning.
Harm reduction policies for clients leaving the programme early; Harm reduction information is given to clients on discharge.
We would inform clients’ care co-ordinators, and look at support systems outside of treatment for the individual and encourage contact. We also advise client of available services.

Resettlement / after-care services; Our aftercare package consists of;
- Free telephone/ email contact.
- We set up discharge support / aftercare package to suit individual using care plan approval which would link in with service providers.
- One Zone counselling group is available (there is a charge for this service)

Contact Details:

Somewhere House
68 Berrow Road
Burnham-on-Sea
Somerset
TA8 2EZ

Telephone: 01278 795236

The first step to recovery for someone struggling with an alcohol problem is to undertake a detox programme. It’s vital to get rid of the accumulated alcohol in their body, before they can embark on the emotional and behavioural work that recovery demands. But during the first critical hours or days of abstinence, withdrawal symptoms can be physically painful, damaging, and in some cases, downright dangerous.

These can include:

• Nausea

• Tremors

• Sweats

• Powerful cravings for alcohol

• Anxiety

• Convulsions (in a small number of cases)

That’s why it’s vital that a detox programme is medically supervised by alcohol treatment specialists, ideally in a residential setting. But how can you find an affordable detox treatment, at a time when most households are having to budget?

It’s true that the costs of residential detox treatment are as diverse as the number of available programmes and treatment providers. When considering the costs of a programme, it is essential to know what the provider includes, its approach to detoxification and its success rates.

But residential detox isn’t only for the very wealthy. The Linwood Group, for example, was founded on the principle that affordable alcohol help needn’t involve any compromise in quality. With that in mind, it prices its services at a level that cannot be beaten on a like-for-like basis anywhere in England.

"We pride ourselves in offering an excellent treatment service and it makes sense to us to increase the affordability of that service, so that it is accessible to as many people as possible," explains Linwood Group resesearch director Sue Allchurch. At Linwood, she adds, clients usually undertake a detox programme of around a week, before moving on to several weeks of counselling and therapy.

The group is so confident in the effectiveness of its services, she adds, that it is prepared to refund any difference in costs if someone that comes to it is able to demonstrate that they could have received the same treatment in facilities of the same quality elsewhere in the UK.

Cheaper options – including self-detox – simply don’t work. From a statistical vantage point, the vast majority of drinkers who try to detoxify themselves on their own will be unsuccessful. There’s four main reasons for that:

1. The addict has to overcome the physical, social, and emotional grounds for their addiction.

2. The addict has to deal with and adjust to the modifications in the way the brain functions.

3. The addict has to experience the uncomfortable and painful withdrawal symptoms that commonly occur after refraining from the drug of choice.

4. The addict has to fight the cravings for the drug to which they are addicted.

Medically trained specialists, working in a residential setting and able to prescribe drugs that can help combat withdrawal symptoms and cravings, are well equipped to guide people suffering from alcohol dependency through this difficult period.

And as Sue Allchurch points out, the costs for residential detox – and a further programme of counselling and therapy – may be a small price to pay, when you consider the 33,000 people in the UK who die every year from alcohol-related accidents.

Linwood Manor

A coalition of leading UK public health organisations have joined forces to call for a ban on the advertising of alcohol sold on promotion. The Alcohol Health Alliance, which includes Alcohol Concern and the Royal College of Physicians, wants to see an end to all adverts which promote alcohol on the basis of low cost. This would include discounted alcohol, multi-buy promotions and buy-one-get-one-free special offers. The Alliance hopes that such a move would reduce competition between supermarkets to sell alcohol cheaply and below cost in order to increase consumption. The Alliance wants the ban to include advertising by supermarkets, in which alcohol on promotion is one of a number of products advertised.

In their submission to the Advertising Standards Authority’s comprehensive review of advertising codes, the Alliance requests that ‘advertisements must not include alcohol sales promotions and must not imply, condone or encourage immoderate drinking’. The Alliance believes that the advertising of alcohol sales promotions encourages competition between retailers to heavily discount alcohol products and encourages below-cost or ‘loss leading’ sales, in turn leading to higher alcohol consumption and an escalating public health crisis.

Other European countries, such as France and Norway, have a total ban on all alcohol advertising on television and billboards.

Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker said:

“Supermarket price wars played out in the media are pushing the costs of alcohol down and presenting alcohol as an everyday household item.

“By promoting heavily discounted alcohol, retailers are encouraging bulk buying and contradicting the safe drinking messages the Government is trying to promote, and which they claim to support.”

Royal College of Physicians President Ian Gilmore said:

“As a society we know we have a drink problem and to allow alcohol to be marketed like soap powder is simply not acceptable.

“We have the evidence that young people are influenced by marketing and know that other countries are taking firm action. We must follow suit.”

Alcohol Concern