Alcohol Help

Alcohol Concern responds to proposals contained in Greg Mulholland MPs Ten Minute Rule Bill to oblige the on-trade to offer a range of glass sizes

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive, said:

This bill, which enjoys cross party support, raises some important questions about the types of help we put in place to enable people to make healthier choices. Surveys of the public repeatedly point to widespread confusion around the sensible drinking message and vagueness about what constitutes a unit, and how to keep track of them.

One of the reasons behind this is that it is becoming more difficult to rely on the rules of thumb that once served to help us keep track of how much were drinking. Many of the guidelines, such as a small glass equalling one unit are now outdated as alcoholic drinks become stronger and serving sizes get larger.

We regularly receive letters from drinkers complaining of premises where there is no longer any choice about the size of glass in which they can enjoy their drinks. A number of factors underpin Britains unhealthy relationship to alcohol. But feeding it is the extent to which social life is saturated with cheap, readily available alcohol. The large glass of wine that the customer doesnt order is just one symptom. For this reason, we support the call to oblige licensees to provide consumers with a genuine choice of glass size.

Alcohol Concern

Hamer Cottage, Rochdale
Alcohol Rehabilitation in a Therapeutic Environment

About us:

Living in the depths of alcoholism is a lonely and desperate place; living with someone else in the depths of alcoholism is a frustrating and often thankless task. Often people feel as if there is nothing else; nowhere else to go, no-one who can truly understand and make a difference.

Everyday, throughout a period of over 17years, Hamer Cottage has helped people suffering from alcoholism come to terms with their illness; we have helped people to re-build their lives, to find hope, contentment and enthusiasm and to live sober and happy lives.

Hamer Cottage is situated on Halifax Road in Rochdale (A58). This is the main road linking Rochdale to Littleborough and Halifax.

Hamer Cottage is a listed building comprising of two three storey period cottages merged together to form one resource.

Located with easy access to local amenities and Rochdale town centre, and a short bus ride away from the Hollingworth Lake Country Park.

It offers;

* twelve single occupancy comfortably furnished bedrooms
* a large communal lounge with TV, Video/DVD and Music Centre
* two quiet lounges one equipped with PCs
* combined dining room and open access well-equipped kitchen
* separate dual utility and leisure facilities

At Hamer Cottage each Service User is appointed a key worker on admission. This key worker will hopefully remain with them throughout their stay and will spend at least one hour per week in one to one counselling sessions with you.

Together you will devise a plan with your key worker to decide together what you need to work on during your stay.

As well as discussing alcohol related issues you can discuss any other issues in your one to ones that you may need help with; this includes abuse, eating problems, obsessions, anxiety and so much more.

Hamer Cottage is a strict dry facility – this means that any visitors having consumed alcohol or drugs will not be allowed entry and any residents having consumed alcohol or used drugs will be immediately discharged. Random alcohol and drug tests will regularly take place

Contact Details:

Hamer Cottage
107-109 Halifax Road
Rochdale
OL12 9BA

Telephone: 01706 52535

Perry Clayman Project, Luton
Abstinence based detoxification unit providing medically assisted detox and introduction to therapy.

About us:

The Perry Clayman Project is a quasi–residential day-care centre offering clients the prospect of a genuine future after addiction, together with the opportunity to rebuild their lives, move out of the problems associated with addiction and into the solution of recovery and sober living.

Stage One - Detoxification and Assessment

ON arrival our medical team examines the client in order to ensure that the most appropriate detoxification regime is prescribed. This covers all mood-altering chemicals including opiates, alcohol, stimulants including crack cocaine and various designer drugs. At the same time general health levels are observed to ensure patients are in no immediate physical danger.

The comfort of the client is paramount and medication to help ease withdrawal during the detox process is normally necessary.

Detoxification

Detoxification usually takes a maximum of two weeks. During the course of this, a focal counsellor will be allocated to the case. Together with the medical team and client, the counsellor will prepare an initial assessment of the client\’s particular needs, psychological state and circumstances. An on-going care plan is mounted on this basis.

Stage Two - Intensive Treatment

The duration of Stage Two is between 4 – 6 weeks using the Twelve-Step programme as the vehicle to achieve this.

Stage Two will reinforce Step 1 and introduce Step 2 – 5 as follows:

Step 2 Belief in others
Step 3 Trust and faith as tools for recovery
Step 4 The reality of the past
Step 5 Reality

The means used include:
• Group therapy sessions
• One-to-one counselling / psychotherapy
• Anger Management groups
• Peer evaluation reviews
• Goal setting
• Daily diary discussions
• Workshops on relapse prevention, anger management, relationships etc.
• Lectures and video presentations
• Nutritional guidance programmes
• Family sessions, women’s/men’s groups and other ‘special interest’ groups that are incorporated into the programme.

Stage Three - Into Action
Continued Treatment

DURING Stage Two, the second six weeks of stay, clients have begun to appreciate that recovery is within their grasp - trust in both themselves and others has been nurtured and an appropriate perspective of their own reality will have dawned. The patient\’s self-esteem strengthens as sound boundaries and an acceptable value system begin to emerge. The objective of Stage Three is to build on these foundations.

Therapy continues along the same format as in Stage Two, but with increasing emphasis on reality - that of the past and the here and now and how these can be translated into a meaningful and socially acceptable future. The principal at the core of this is the client\’s personal responsibility for his/her own recovery through self-acceptance.

Contact Details:

Perry Clayman Project
31 Rothesay Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 1QZ

Telephone: 01582 730113

Gilead Foundation, Okehampton
Christian Rehabilitation Therapeutic Community, offering a range of support services.

About us:

Gilead Foundations operates as a Christian Rehabilitation Therapeutic Community, offering a range of support services for people with life-controlling addictions.

The aim of the programme is to take students from total dependence on drugs or alcohol to a fulfilling and worthwhile life totally free from addiction. Each of the four phases can be treated as stages in a complete two year programme or as individual phases in their own right.

Phase 1

- called the ‘Liberty of Life’ course and last for a minimum of six weeks. The objective of this course is to detoxify students from addictive substances and bring stability in their daily lifestyle.

Students are involved in practical therapeutic activities at Risdon Farm, such as catering and domestics, farm duties and general maintenance, as their health allows. They will have regular individual assessments and also group therapy during this phase, as well as completing a basic study manual.

Phase 2

- called the ‘Life Restructuring’ course and last for a minimum of 20 weeks. The objective of this phase is to bring students into a place of recovery from previous lifestyles. Students will need to be serious about changing their lifestyle and be ready to receive care and support.

They will be expected to stop smoking within the first 10 weeks, with the help of a detox if requested, and be six weeks nicotine free before completing Phase 2. Students on Phase 2 will be involved in practical therapeutic activities and undergo regular individual assessments and also group therapy.

One of the key elements of this course is completion of a relapse prevention course, which involves understanding and coming to terms with the root of the student’s addictive behaviour. Personal development training will also be involved, along with a range of life skills training, such as numeracy, literacy and IT skills.

Phase 3

- called the ‘Life Foundations and Construction’ course and lasts a minimum of 30 weeks. The objective is to establish and maintain strong personal foundations in the student’s life in preparation for re-entry into society. During this course students will be allocated to one of the work sections in Gilead to undergo in-depth training in preparation for a future career.

Assessments and group therapy will continue during this phase and students will be required to complete a study manual based on the foundations of Christian lifestyle, and recovery maintenance.

Phase 4

- called the ‘Life Development’ course and lasts a minimum of 26 weeks. The objective is to help the student achieve successful re-entry into society. Students will be placed with a support group - such as a church or Christian ministry - outside Gilead and be accountable to the leader of the church or ministry. Students will be helped to find employment and permanent accommodation and be responsible for all bills, rent and so on.

Contact Details:

Gilead Foundation
Risdon Farm
Jacobstowe
Okehampton
Devon
EX20 3AJ

Telephone: 01837 851240

The Nelson Trust, Stroud
Offering people with alcohol & drug dependencies a continuum of treatment, support & resettlement.

About us:

The Nelson Trust is one of the longest established treatment centres in the UK and has always been at the forefront of innovation in the treatment of addiction field, supporting people to full recovery and independent living – a life beyond addiction.

The Nelson Trust offers a programme of medium to long-term treatment to people who have completed detox and need support, encouragement and time to help them through the early stages of recovery and towards rebuilding their lives. It’s an abstinence-based programme that typically lasts for six months.

Collaboration and personal responsibility - these are key to the success of our treatment programme. At every stage of the treatment process, participants work in partnership with others taking part in the programme; care managers, the clinical team and (where possible) family members, to create a system of care tailored specifically to individual needs. This collaborative approach helps us continually refine and adapt our care programme to address the issues that matter most to the individual. And while the person will receive ongoing support, they will be taking gradual ownership and responsibility for their own treatment, preparing the groundwork for a life of independence in the future.

The treatment programme is made up of a combination of daily group therapy sessions and one-to-one counselling that takes place once or twice a week. We also run regular special interest workshops. These are tailored around specific issues that may be important to clients, and take place whenever they feel the need to address a particular concern. The workshops cover topics such as parenting, anger management, relapse prevention or relationships.

Contact Details:

The Nelson Trust
Port Lane
Brimscombe
Stroud
GL5 2QJ

Telephone: 01453 885633

First Step Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, Middlesbrough
Residential environment for individuals who have substance misuse issues.

About us:

First Step is committed to providing a safe residential environment for individuals who have substance misuse issues. The aim is to engage clients in the process of change utilising therapeutic interventions, working towards abstinence and an independent lifestyle.

First Step welcomes any individual over the age of eighteen years old, regardless of gender, ethnic or religious background or sexual orientation. First Step does not accept couples.
First Step believes that an individual’s drug/alcohol misuse problem stems from stress related issues in either their past or present lifestyle. Individuals will be expected to explore and examine these issues throughout their rehabilitation with a key-worker and/or counsellor.

Stage 1 - Detoxification:

First Step can offer a detoxification programme. This will be discussed during your assessment and agreed between First Step and your doctor or drug worker before your admission.

Medication

All detoxification prescriptions must be provided on admission as well as 1 week prescriptions for general medication.

Stop In Period

You will have restrictions placed upon you regarding time out of the project:

0-6 weeks -You will only be allowed to leave the building if escorted by staff.

7-9 weeks -You will be allowed out from the programme 2 hours per day, unescorted.

10-12 weeks -You will be allowed out from the programme 4 hours per day, unescorted.

Stage 2 - Main Programme:

This will involve:

Breathalysers and Oral Swabs

One of the most important policies of First Step is that it is a dry house! Therefore every few days you will be asked by the project staff to provide a supervised oral swab for full drug screening and a daily breathalyser tests on request.

It is essential that we carry out regular testing to ensure that the house remains clean of all drugs and alcohol. Should you refuse to supply the staff with a sample or prove positive for any of the tests, having previously proved negative, then you will be asked to leave immediately without notice. It is necessary to abide by this policy so as not to jeopardise the progress of other clients in the project.

Key-Working

The project operates on a ‘key-working’ system whereby on arrival you will be allocated a member of staff team who will become your individual key-worker. 1:1 key-working sessions are a compulsory and integral part of your programme.

Your key-worker will support you individually and work with you on such issues as: becoming drug and alcohol free, debts, finances, housing and developing coping mechanisms and any other problem areas.

Stage 3 - Transition:

You will move to the flats within the project. You will still have to adhere to the main programme but will begin to build up your level of independence.

Overnight Leaves

As you progress to stage 3 of your programme, the time will come when your key-worker and yourself may decide that some overnight stays with either your family or friends may benefit you. This must be however discussed and agreed in advance by your key-worker and will not exceed 4 nights (Friday/Saturday only) per month.

Stage 4 - Semi-Independent:

As you move to stage 4 of your programme you will not be expected to attend compulsory groups and will be expected to budget and cook for yourself. You must still abide by all the project rules but will have gained a certain level of independence. You will be expected to drop in the weekly group (if going to be Middlesbrough based) at this stage will be introduced to First Step’s outreach worker.

Outreach / Move On

Clients that complete their full programme will, where possible will be moved onto suitable accommodation in the area of their choice. First Step outreach worker will help in all areas of your move on and continue the support in your own home on departure from the project if Middlesbrough based.

Contact Details:

First Step Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre
114 Marton Road
Middlesbrough

TS1 2DY

Telephone: 01642 231476

The Nehemiah Project, London
The Nehemiah Project operates a residential programme to help men overcome life-controlling problems

About us:

The programme blends three powerful and effective concepts to bring wholeness and freedom to the participants:

* Counselling & teaching to help people address issues from their past and embrace hope for their future.
* Theraputic community to help build new relationships and experience genuine change at a practical level.
* Work based training to develop vocational skills, self esteem and a new sense of achievement.

The Arbour

The Arbour is Nehemiah\’s residential programme. Set in a beautiful house in South London the programme can help up to 13 men overcome chemical dependency and embrace a new life.

The Arbour is a community specifically aimed at helping men overcome their dependencies. Everyone joining the Arbour is committed to changing their lifestyle and specifically to remaining free from all chemicals, gambling etc.

The programme combines the 12-Step method with group therapy and psycho-education. It helps men develop healthy relationships, a strong work ethic and a plan for their future.
The Programme

The programme lasts between six and twelve months and has three distinct stages:

* Orientation & Start-Up (1-3 months)
* Self Development (4-6 months)
* Move-On (7-12 months)

The programme enables men to identify the reasons for their life controlling problems and to manage them effectively using relapse prevention.

It gives men an opportunity to consider their spirituality and includes vocational training to help individuals find work upon graduation.

Admission Criteria

The Nehemiah Project operates a residential programme to help men overcome life-controlling problems. The main criteria for someone to enter the programme is that they are motivated to change their life. Successful applicants will be committed to completing the entire programme, to live in community and be open to change.
Exclusions

In order to increase the effectiveness of the programme and comply with legal requirements the following exclusions apply:

* Men aged under 18 or over 45
* Men whose primary problem is mental health condition or who have untreated mental health problems
* Men who have a history of sexual offending
* Men who have a history of arson

The Nehemiah Project aims to provide equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all applicants to the programme irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or cultural origins, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or religion.

Contact Details:

The Nehemiah Project
47 Tooting Bec Gardens
Streatham
London
SW16 1RF

Telephone: 020 8769 3444

Dyfrig House, Cardiff
Alcohol free hostel offering accommodation to 21 homeless people.

About us:

Dyfrig House is a Direct Access, alcohol free hostel offering accommodation to 21 people who are homeless and wishing to deal with their problem alcohol use. Staff are on duty “around the clock”.

On arrival service users are allocated a Resettlement Worker to help them identify and realize their personal goals, via a resettlement Plan.

The process of change is then explored and achieved partly through involvement with our varied life skills programme, Way Beyond Blue. Service users are also assessed to see if they would benefit from any of our separately funded counselling or therapeutic programmes.

In addition to your own room Dyfrig house offers five self catering kitchens and two communal lounges, one no smoking. Recently refurbished throughout. Dyfrig House offers a high standard of accommodation

All service users, sign a licence agreement which outline their rights and responsibilities. A commitment to personal development, adherence to resettlement plans and participation in our Life Skills project are essential. The basic rules are:

· No alcohol use on the premises

· No illicit drug use

· No antisocial behaviour

Contact Details:

Dyfrig House
53a Fitzhamon Embankment
Cardiff
CF11 6AN

Telephone: 029 2023 2127

Mount Carmel, London
A 12-step alcohol abstinence-based residential and day-care programme

About us:

Mount Carmel provides a therapeutic, non-judgmental environment for people who have experienced serious problems with alcohol and who see abstinence as their only way forward. Our aim is to enable each client to live a happy, fulfilling and responsible life without alcohol. In addition to the therapeutic programme our clients are required to attend a minimum of 3 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.

Our programme is most effective for people who realise that they require time and support to change dependent attitudes and are willing to put their recovery above all else. Ultimately, success depends on an individual’s motivation coupled with the willingness to change.

Mount Carmel Residential Programme

Mount Carmel has 6 full-time staff members and also part-time sessional staff, all of whom have extensive training and experience in the alcohol field. They are available at all times.

In terms of therapy each resident benefits from:

* group therapy
* one-to-one counselling
* weekly house meeting
* a structured way of living using a 12-Step programme of recovery
* social and sporting activities

We have excellent facilities including individually furnished bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities with washing machines and tumble drier, a comfortable lounge, a garden, meeting rooms with leisure facilities, and a residents’ computer. We also have a move-on house, which acts as shared accommodation for some residential clients before they move into their own accommodation living independently.

We consider referrals from any appropriate source - a psychiatrist, a local authority, a community alcohol team, a care manager and self-referrals. We then undertake an assessment to ensure that both our staff and the prospective client agree as to whether Mount Carmel is the best place for their treatment. The assessment process involves an informal interview, a tour of the house and discussion regarding the programme.

Contact Details:

Mount Carmel
12 Aldrington Road
Streatham
London
SW16 1TH

Telephone: 020 8769 7674

The Master of a coaster was brought before a Magistrate’s Court yesterday after being found to be three times over the prescribed limits for alcohol when preparing to sail. Oleg Syrovatko, a Ukrainian national, pleaded guilty to one breach of the Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003.

The MV Helen was unloading grain at Southampton on the 8th January 2008 when it was boarded by Port State Control Inspectors from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The Inspectors had previously discovered problems with the hours of work records kept onboard and were conducting a thorough review of these records when it was noted that Captain Syrovatko appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Inspectors requested the assistance of the police, who administered a breath test, which Syrovatko subsequently failed.

The vessel had been preparing to sail and had its gangway raised and main engine running, but Captain Syrovatko, who is Master of the MV Helen, was arrested and taken to a local police station. At the station Syrovatko provided a specimen on an Intoximeter that showed he was about three times the prescribed limit at 100 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. In mitigation, it was explained to the Court that Syrovatko has now been sacked by his employers and is now unemployed with little prospect of work.

Captain Syrovatko pleaded guilty when he appeared before Southampton Magistrates on 9th January 2008 and was fined a total of £500. If the fine cannot be paid then he faces up to 14 days in jail.

Captain Jeremy Smart, Head of Enforcement at the MCA, stated:

"This matter came to light when problems with the vessel’s hours of work records were discovered. This case is the second such offence in the Southampton area in the last month. Seafarers should be aware that if found to be under the influence of alcohol when on duty onboard a ship, then they face arrest and being brought before the courts. Similarly ship owners should note that if this occurs and the vessel manning subsequently falls below the required levels then, as happened in this case, the vessel will be detained for under manning."

Maritime And Coastguard Agency