Alcohol Help

Ravenswood Road, London
Residential treatment scheme for people with drug and or alcohol problems

About us:

Ravenswood Road is a pleasant modern 8-bed residential treatment scheme for people with drug and or alcohol problems. Our clients are men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 who have been referred through the substance misuse or criminal justice teams of Redbridge and Waltham Forest.
rwood-team

The scheme has a cognitive-behavioural framework. Residents attend a mixture of workshops 1to1 counselling and in-depth therapeutic groups designed to help them overcome substance and alcohol abuse. Residents usually stay for 6 months.

Services Provided

The Ravenswood Road core programme is 13 weeks with an opportunity for a further 13 weeks. The treatment programme is based on individual needs. All sservice users will receive a care management review at 8 weeks with their key worker and care management.

* Weekly individual key working
* A holistic structured therapeutic group work programme, based on the social learning model, using cognitive behavioural and motivational techniques.
* Individual client led Personal Development Plans and reviews
* Open therapeutic group
* Relapse Awareness
* Anger Management
* Stress Management
* Gender Group
* Assignments and peer feedback groups
* Gaol setting
* Relaxation group
* Formal and informal support
* Encouragement to establish local community networks
* After Care support

Referral Procedure

Referrals for Ravenswood Road come mainly through the care management teams of Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

Criminal Justice referrals from Waltham Forest come through WDP.

Written reports on the service users progress are submitted to care managers at review and discharge.

Referrals can be faxed or posted

* Interview within 5 working days.
* Decision-making within 6 days.
* Client needs to be abstinent 5 days prior to admission.
* Local Authority funding is required, therefore client will need to be assessed by a care manager from their borough.

Criteria

* Male or Female
* Over 18
* Drug or Alcohol or both

We believe that continuing care is a vital factor in ongoing recovery. Ravenswood Road provides a fully integrated aftercare support package delivered through personal visits, advocacy and weekly groups.

Ravenswood Road is a modern spacious scheme that promotes independence and personal responsibility as key ingredients in a successful recovery.

Contact Details:

Ravenswood Road
Residential Rehabilitation Service
21 Ravenswood Road
London

E17 9LY

Telephone: 020 8521 4486

Female Focus, St. Annes-on-Sea
Women’s Specialist Primary Treatment Centre

About us:

Our Specialist 16- bed Women-only Treatment Centre at Female Focus is the Only 12-Step Primary Treatment Centre in the country. Our experienced and qualified Counsellor-Therapists, Nurses, and Project Workers provide a ‘Therapeutic Recovery’ environment, enabling clients to Focus on their Recovery 24 hours a day

The Female Focus Primary Treatment Centre’s Programme is designed to enable a person to ‘focus’ on their addiction-related problems in a caring, non-judgmental, supportive environment. A highly structured and disciplined programme is in place, to help Clients face the reality of their drug, alcohol or other addiction problems.

Addiction involves losing control. The lengths that people go to in order to feed their addiction inevitably creates pain in their own lives and the lives of those around them. Acceptance of this as a reality directly threatens the active addict’s main aim- that of Using!!

In order to deal with this conflict, the addict develops a complex system of psychological avoidance, commonly known as ‘Denial’. It is imperative to challenge denial because while this denial remains intact, the addict is immune to the consequences of their using and as such feels little or no need to change.

The removal of the usual distractions of daily life such as music, television and inappropriate reading material is part of the ‘focussing’ process of Primary Treatment. This is found to be essential in the process of confronting denial, otherwise in the relatively short 12-weeks of Primary Treatment, the client will not undertake facing the extent of the damage that their substance abuse, dependency or addiction has caused themselves and other family members. An appreciation of the consequences of their using lifestyle is vital for the individual ,in order to develop the motivation to instigate and maintain change.

Where appropriate, family members and significant others are encouraged to participate in the treatment process at all stages. By attending family conferences and presenting written and/or verbal consequences, and in conjunction with various therapy groups designed to present the individual with the facts of their lifestyle in a caring and respectful manner, clients are helped to see through their denial.

The Primary Treatment programme facilitates the ‘out-of-control’ User in gaining a greater awareness of the full cycle of chemical dependency, with specific and direct focus on their unmanageability with regard to substance abuse. Relapse Prevention groups assist individuals in guarding against repeating the same mistakes, by presenting essential concepts and skills, which prepare the client for other lifestyle options and the tools to maintain positive choices. A Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution programme is also presented to further enhance the re-building of relationships with family members and significant others. Using these skills also enables each individual to build appropriate, functional and supportive relationships with fellow peers.

Female Focus uses a Modified 12-StepTreatment Model alongside the Beyond Addictlon Concept of Recovery.The Modified 12-Step Model works with the basic principles of traditional 12-Step philosophy; those of Self-Awareness and Self- Development, while presenting these concepts in a ‘user friendly’ framework. Steps 1-5 support the client in looking honestly at their substance abuse, the loss of control of behaviour and the stretching of personal moral boundaries. Individuals are encouraged to concentrate on different areas of their life e.g. family life, social life, work life. Through education groups, written assignments, family conferences and peer support groups, the individual is assisted in connecting with the consequences of their using. Clients thus start to see the need for change should they wish to avoid the chaos and self-destruction of their old lifestyle, and begin to be open-minded to the possibility of an enjoyable and productive life that is free from dependence on substances.

The opportunity of being with people who have encountered similar circumstances, encourages clients to seek support from their peers and to consider other people’s points of view. The programme encourages people to develop a ‘Spiritual Attitude’ based on ‘Care and Respect’ that has a message of ‘Giving, Receiving and Sharing’ as a foundation to live by. It encourages the person in a cycle of positive growth, building self-esteem and self-awareness, enabling the individual to build healthy relationships with themselves, other people and the world around them. Each person is encouraged to participate in a process of self-discovery, rather than viewing herself as a ‘victim’ to random influences. Building a trust in ‘Life as the Ultimate Teacher’ is seen as a very important aspect of the Modified 12-Step philosophy. This concept encourages personal responsibility and enables an individual to learn from previous choices, gain wisdom through personal experiences and make new choices that facilitate pers
onal empowerment.

The Primary Treatment process gives the ‘out-of-control’ User self-awareness as to how the use of substances has in real terms affected themselves, their families, friends, employers, the local community and society in general. From this stand-point, the client is then involved in looking at their personal characteristics as demonstrated in past and present behaviours and attitudes, in order to develop awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, Most people carry much guilt, shame and regret about many of these events; and in an attempt to diffuse this, they share these experiences with another human being, independent of the Treatment Centre.

This is done in a confidential atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment with a listener, who is also in recovery, offering support through personal identification.By these means, clients gain a greater self-awareness and will be more able to make a mature and informed decision as to whether they will be able to control their drug or alcohol use in the future.

Contact Details:

Female Focus
Craiglands
361 Clifton Drive North
St. Annes-on-Sea
Lancashire
FY8 2PA

Telephone: 01253 723144

New Roots, London
New Roots provides substance misuse services for diverse communities.

About us:

Engaging harder to reach communities, New Roots serves the City of Westminster, the London Boroughs of Camden & Islington and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Introduction to New Roots

New Roots was established in 1996 to work with the BME communities on the issues of alcohol misuse and alcohol related harm.

This was a response to extensive research that highlighted an absence in some areas where 50% of the Black & Minority Ethnic communities groups were not accessing any services.

New Roots currently provides Advice & Information and Substance misuse Counselling to those from diverse communities.

New Roots Services

This service targets people with alcohol & drug related problems from Black & Minority Ethnic communities, and their ‘significant others\’ who may be from other cultures

Brief interventions of four sessions to include advice and information. Alcohol & drug education, and goal setting.

Counselling includes motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural strategies. They acknowledge the role of culture, values and religion

10 staff, covering a wide range of cultures and languages. Qualified in social work, youth work and counselling.

New Roots Referrals

A referral can be made by any professional in the social care and health sector, including GP\’s and counsellors.

Self referrals are accepted from those concerned about their own substance use. Referrals from concerned others are only acceptable with the express consent of the person in question.

First contact with New Roots can be on the phone or in person at one of our Satellites

Contact Details:

New Roots
Unit 403 (Office Only)
Bow House Business Centre
153 - 159 Bow Road
London

E3 2SE

Telephone: 020 8983 9646

Farm Place, Ockley
Specialist addiction treatment centre

About us:

Farm Place is a specialist addiction treatment centre dedicated to the treatment of all addictions including:

Alcohol dependency, drug and substance misuse, gambling, Bulimia Nervosa, co-dependency, sex and love addiction, internet addiction, shopping addiction and work addiction.

Opened in 1985, Farm Place has established an international reputation for providing the highest standards of care for addictive illness. Our highly skilled teams deliver individually tailored therapy programmes to our patients within a long-established, secluded therapeutic community. Set in a peaceful 17th century manor house in 10 acres of parkland, Farm Place provides residential facilities for 19 patients.

The treatment programme

The addiction treatment programme at Farm place provides:

* A free initial assessment with a highly qualified addictions counsellor
* Rapid assessment within 48 hours
* Admission 24 hours a day, seven days a week
* Treatment tailored to the individual need of the patient
* Therapy delivered to patients on every day of their admission
* One free place on the family weekend for the first family member of each patient
* Three free days of day care provided on discharge from inpatient treatment
* One year\’s free aftercare

Farm Place delivers an intensive inpatient treatment programme seven days a week. The counselling team provides a programme of therapy designed to meet the individual needs of the patient. Therapy is delivered to patients on every day of their admission, the only exception being if a patient is unable to engage in therapy during their initial detoxification.

Farm Place\’s culture of recovery is underpinned by the conviction that abstinence is the best means to overcome an addiction. Our treatment programme is based upon the 12-step philosophy, using the Minnesota Model. Isolation is a common feature of addiction, so our treatment programme encourages a sense of community. Outside influences and events often cause distractions from engagement in treatment, and so we have restricted visiting times and no media access in order to support patients during this phase of their treatment.

Farm Place is a registered hospital with a multi-discipilnary team of consultant psychiatrists, counsellors, doctors and nurses. The programme is led by a team of highly-experienced addictions counsellors that deliver therapy to our patients. A range of complimentary therapies is also available including auricular acupuncture and shiatsu massage.

All patients are positively encouraged to attend local fellowship meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous etc.) while they are in treatment.

Farm Place believes that abstinence is an achievable goal.

Aftercare

Six half-days of day care provided to patients free of charge upon discharge from the inpatient phase of the treatment programme

One year\’s free aftercare at Farm Place or any other Priory Hospital in the United Kingdom

Upon discharge, anyone that has successfully completed the treatment programme at Farm Place will benefit from a year\’s free aftercare, either at Farm Place or at any other Priory Hospital in the United Kingdom. Our counselling team will introduce the patient to their nearest Priory aftercare programme as part of the discharge planning process.

Family involvement

One free place on the family weekend is provided to a family member of each patient

It is often said that addiction is a family illness; not only because of a familial predisposition, but also because of the effect a family member with an addiction can have on other family members. It is important that we acknowledge the vital role family dynamics can play in either supporting or challenging a loved one\’s addiction during and after treatment.

Once a month, Farm Place provides a three-day family weekend. The weekend enables family members of current inpatients to access support and advice while their loved one is in treatment. The family weekend is ideal for those that want to learn more about addiction and its effect on the family. Family members are also educated about the support they can provide to their relative post-discharge.

Friends of Farm Place

The Friends of Farm Place is a patient support group comprising a network of former patients, their family and friends. The Friends of Farm Place provides support and advice to patients and their loved ones during and after treatment on a voluntary basis.

Referral and admission

Referrals can be made by a General Practitioner, Independent Counsellor or Therapist, Specialist Referrals Agency, Occupational Health Physician, Nurse or Advisor.

A person can also refer him or her self into treatment if preferred.

Funding

Farm Place is an independent hospital specialising in the treatment of addiction. It is recognised by all major private medical insurance companies. Farm Place also welcomes patients who wish to fund their own treatment.

Contact Details:

Farm Place
Stane Street
Nr Dorking
Ockley

RH5 5NG

Telephone: 01306 627742

Cabinet Office Minister Gillian Merron saw first hand today how people in South London have managed to escape a life of drug and alcohol misuse and rebuild their lives.

On a visit to Turning Point in Brixton she met both adults and young people who had faced up to their problems and were actively addressing them.

Gillian Merron, who has responsibility for social exclusion, said:
"Alcohol and drug abuse can all too easily rob people of the chance to make something of themselves and their lives. A home and a job are the core foundations of normal, everyday life, and without them vulnerable adults and young people risk a lifetime of wasted potential."

"That’s why projects like Turning Point are so important - they reach out to people who have already taken the important step to change their lives for the better but who need help to do it."

Turning Point runs more than 250 services across England and Wales helping people with mental health problems and learning disabilities, as well as those who have misused alcohol or drugs.

On her visit to the Brixton project Gillian Merron saw two Alcohol, Counselling and Prevention Services (ACAPS) for adults and for young people and spoke to staff and service users about the challenges they face.

Turning Point’s ACAPS Adult Service manager, Tully Treslove, said:
"We are delighted that Gillian Merron chose to visit Turning Point ACAPS and highlight the benefits of this crucial service which really does help people turn their lives around."

"Turning Point offers a range of community-based services to those who have stabilised their drug use and feel ready to explore their goals around training, further education and employment - a positive intervention at a time when people need us most."

Cabinet Office

Premises that sell alcohol to underage drinkers and routinely breach licensing laws will be targeted by police in a four-week, £250,000 ‘Responsible Alcohol Sales Campaign’ funded by the Home Office.

The campaign, which starts on Friday 30 November, is designed to encourage the small minority of problematic and irresponsible venues to comply with the law and with the alcohol industry’s Social Responsibility Standards. It is hoped that this will reduce drunken anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence in the run-up to Christmas.

Plain clothed police officers will visit poorly managed premises with a history of alcohol-related violence, crime and disorder. They will be clamping down on underage sales and alcohol-related disorder as well as ensuring alcohol is not sold to customers who have had too much to drink. The campaign will also target ‘proxy sales’ whereby alcohol is purchased for young people by an adult.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

"With nearly half of all violent incidents involving alcohol, the majority of people who drink responsibly will welcome any police action designed to make our streets safer. We are not spoiling people’s fun. We are getting tough with those few irresponsible retailers that continue to flout the law.

"This intelligence-led campaign is firmly focused on the minority of poorly managed premises known to be associated with alcohol-related violence, crime and disorder. I know the alcohol industry has done a great deal recently to train staff and to promote the Challenge 21 policy, and I welcome that. This campaign is designed to complement those efforts by stamping out underage sales and forcing irresponsible retailers to raise their game."

Police will also be aiming to gather evidence of poor management and a consistent failure to comply with the law. Where such evidence is found it will be used to support a range of further actions to enforce compliance with the law, including imposing licence conditions.

Premises that break the law face potential penalties ranging from heavy fines to the loss of alcohol licences.

The Association of Chief Police Officers lead on alcohol enforcement and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Chris Allison said:

"This campaign is focused on ensuring that those in the licensing trade operate within the law. We have all witnessed the scenes of violence and anti-social behaviour which occur because people drink too much. This campaign is one of many tactics we will be using in the run up to Christmas to help reduce the crime and disorder associated with the night time economy."

The campaign is one part of a commitment across Government to address alcohol-related harm through effective education and tough enforcement. This summer over 3,000 off-licences, pubs and clubs were subject to underage test purchase operations by Police and Trading Standards Officers. Premises that repeatedly sold alcohol to minors had their licenses revoked.

Home Office