Alcohol Help

The Drug and Alcohol Foundation, London
Individual and group counselling for people with drug or alcohol dependency problems.

About us:

The Drug and Alcohol Foundation (DAF) is a registered charity that has been providing counselling and treatment services to people suffering from an addiction, and their families / carers, since 1974. DAF recognises the confusion and shame around living with an addiction and provides a safe and confidential environment within which to get help.

The Drug and Alcohol Foundation (DAF) has over 30 years experience of helping people in London / Greater London with their addiction problems. The charity was set up a long time before addiction became openly talked about in society and, although addiction is a major problem in the UK today, it is debatable whether society is any more tolerant than it was in 1974. Despite this, DAF continues to be committed to helping anyone with an addictive disorder to recover and to providing counselling services, both for the sufferer and for the carers/family members of those with whom they live.

The DAF Counselling Service consists of one-to-one counselling, gender groups, carer / family services and a dedicated day programme for clients who cannot attend residential treatment services. Under the ‘umbrella’ of the Dartmouth Street Programme there are currently two programmes available to clients, one for people who are abstinent from substances and the other for clients who are struggling to be abstinent but who are able to be clean and sober on the days of attendance. There are also plans underway to develop a specialist service for clients with a personality disorder and substance misuse problem.

DAF develops its services according to the needs of a variety of clients of different ages, cultural backgrounds, mental health needs and at different stages of the recovery process. DAF understands and can work with all addictions, including alcohol and drug dependency, gambling, sex, shopping and eating disorders. The agency also provides services for clients at all stages of the recovery process:

* Clients still using drugs or alcohol, or awaiting detoxification
* Clients who have completed residential treatment
* Clients who have been clean and sober for many years
* Clients who are part of the criminal justice system
* Clients who are the family members, carers or partners of addicts

The addiction counselling services available at DAF are a mixture of individual and group work, all of which are abstinence based, and can be tailored according to the needs of the individual.

Contact Details:

The Drug and Alcohol Foundation
18 Dartmouth Street
London

SW1H 9BL

Telephone: 020 7233 0400

Middlegate Lodge, Caistor
12 week cognitive-behavioural therapeutic rehabilitation programme including detoxification

About us:

Detailed pre-admission assessment. 4 week stabilisation programme available. 12 week cognitive-behavioural therapeutic rehabilitation programme including detoxification and education within the National Curriculum. Family interventions and outreach. Multi-disciplinary staff team.

Middlegate is based in the Lincolnshire Wolds and can offer bespoke and unique drug and alcohol treatment services for all young people.

We offer young people aged between 11 and 17 years on admission the opportunity to become drug free and to also begin to address any personal or family issues whilst on a unique residential twelve week programme.

Middlegate, will provide the experience and benefits of ‘shared family living’. You will be introduced to your ‘Key Worker’ on arrival and that particular member of the Staff Team will ensure that you are made to feel welcome. Your Key Worker will be someone to share any anxieties you may have about leaving home, to help you work through the Behaviour Rationalisation Programme successfully, to stop the misuse of Drugs/Alcohol/Substances and be free of these problems.

We have a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, including the opportunity to participate in sporting activities in the area.

Contact Details:

Middlegate Lodge
Horncastle Road
Caistor
Lincolnshire
LN7 6JG

Telephone: 01472 851540

Charis Alcohol and Drug Therapy Unit, London
Facilities for up to 21 men between 21 and 65 who suffer from alcoholism and / or drug addiction.

About us:

The first two weeks are an induction period during which the Resident gains a first-hand experience in the routine and character of Charis. Written assessments are made concerning alcohol / drug / gambling history, psychological history, spiritual areas and other practical matters such as housing, legal etc..

Main Programme

Group work

The Resident will be part of a structured programme of daily group therapy meetings (Monday to Saturday) and recovery spirituality groups. The group work process is based on set objectives with group members giving feedback to each other. These objectives cover addiction issues as well as emotional issues.

Individual work

Life story - The life story is written as fully and deeply as possible with the assistance of the Resident’s Counsellor and read out to
the group.

Stepwork - After the life story comes stepwork. This is the study and understanding of the first three of the Twelve Steps with written self assessments. The Resident’s Counsellor is there at all times to assist and use is made of the American Hazelden literature, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous literature and other good quality recovery materials.

Other issues - Over time the Resident identifies and addresses his specific underlying emotional issues.

What can I expect in six months?

If you carry out the programme fully, here are some of the things you can expect:

* Six months clean and sober.

* The foundation of a new life without alcohol and drugs.

* Much greater self-awareness, self-understanding and
self-control.

* A set of practical ways to handle life and its problems.

* Real hope for the future.

* A strong sense of gratitude for what you now have.

* A clear understanding of how to use and be involved in the 12 step fellowship meetings.

* A desire and commitment to carrying on the programme of recovery.

Charis workers have had many years working and caring for people with chronic addiction problems. Out of this experience comes the very strong belief that problems with alcohol & drugs for this client group can only be dealt with effectively using a programme based on abstinence.

We use the worldwide Twelve Step programme which is based on abstinence not only because it has a proven record of success, but also because it respects and addresses the spiritual as well as the physical, emotional, mental and social dimensions of a person.

Very importantly, it provides an already existing national and international structure of well established, non-residential support groups for Residents when they leave the residential setting. (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and so on…)

Contact Details:

Charis Alcohol and Drug Therapy Unit
31 Mile End Road
London

E1 4TP

Telephone: 020 7790 6278

The Meridian Clinic, Halstead
Specialist Addiction Treatment and General Counselling

About us:

Here at Meridian we have realised an ambition to provide treatment for the majority of clients who have a problem with alcohol, substance abuse or other addictions not just the select few who can afford it. We have taken great care to establish a private, confidential therapeutic treatment centre for alcohol problems at a fraction of the cost of traditional treatment for this condition. The treatment offered is on a day-patient basis as we consider it very important to minimise the disruption to your family life and to reduce the anxiety caused by the traditional hospital environment.

Problems with alcohol or substance abuse can effect people of all ages and walks of life and are often progressive. Our counselling treatment is based on abstinence and the understanding that alcohol/substance abuse is a condition the not only effects those in treatment but also their families. We therefore recommend that family members receive counselling themselves. Individuals can learn to recognise their needs and how to cope with their responses and reactions.

Treatment is carried out by highly qualified, professional counsellors in a safe therapeutic setting. Brick Barn Hall has been specially converted to provide a safe, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with the emphasis on quality of care. The counsellors themselves have overcome their own addiction problems and are able to understand, respect and empathise with each individual.

Your tailored treatment programme can involve the following stages:

The Meridian Clinic treatment programmes are based on helping you to recognise your problem and its possible implications. In some cases it may be necessary for you to undergo a detoxification period prior to starting your treatment programme. This is undertaken on an in-patient basis, under medical supervision at a nearby Private Hospital which specialises in detoxification. This enables you to start your physical recovery in a medically controlled and safe environment. Detoxification normally takes 3 days, although in some cases can take longer.
Treatment Programme

The goal of treatment is to help you identify areas you will need to change in order to cope with your problem and achieve peace of mind. During the treatment programme, which is intended to be completed in 20-25 sessions, great emphasis is placed on you being able to recognise the need to accept help from others. the treatment programme includes:

* Detoxification (if required)
* One-to-one counselling
* Education
* Videos and Lectures
* Family Sessions
* Group Support & Relapse Prevention
* Designated ‘homework’ tasks & workbooks
* Aftercare

Contact Details:

The Meridian Clinic
Brick Barn Hall
Colchester Road
Halstead
Essex
CO9 2EU

Telephone: 01787 473332

The Causeway Retreat, Maldon
Treatment programmes for those who need help in managing their lifestyles

About us:

The Causeway Retreat is the world’s first private island retreat, offering a unique and bespoke treatment programme for those who need help in managing their lifestyles.

Alcohol abuse is no less addictive or potentially destructive than addiction to other drugs. It is a nervous system depressant.

Risks of alcohol abuse

Excessive acute consumption can result in alcohol poisoning, possible coma and death. Long term alcohol abuse can result in many physical and psychological problems ranging from deterioration in family and professional relationships, liver, cardiac and gastric diseases and mental illnesses/psychological problems such as depression. The most serious of the physical implications of chronic alcohol abuse is Korsakoff’s syndrome. This is a brain disorder that is usually associated with heavy drinking over a long period. Although it is not strictly speaking a dementia, people with the condition experience loss of short term memory.

Addiction / dependency

Alcohol dependency or alcoholism is the physical and psychological addiction to alcohol. Indicators of addiction may include craving alcohol, an inability to stop drinking and the need for an alcoholic drink in the morning.

Habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that stopping drinking can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance gradually increases if alcohol is consumed excessively on a regular basis, this will result in more alcoholneeding to be consumed to achieve an intoxicated state. Increased tolerance can be an indication of a developing problem and potential dependency.

Are you suffering the effects of alcohol addiction?

Mild to moderate psychological withdrawal symptoms

* Feeling of jumpiness or nervousness
* Feeling of shakiness
* Anxiety
* Irritability or easily excited
* Emotional volatility, rapid emotional changes
* Depression
* Fatigue
* Difficulty with thinking clearly
* Bad dreams

Mild to moderate physical withdrawal symptoms

* Headache - general, pulsating
* Sweating, especially the palms of the hands or the face
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Loss of appetite
* Insomnia, sleeping difficulty
* Paleness
* Rapid heart rate (palpitations)
* Eyes, pupils different size (enlarged, dilated pupils)
* Clammy skin
* Tremors

Severe withdrawal symptoms

* A state of confusion and hallucinations (visual) - known as delirium tremens
* Agitation
* Fever
* Convulsions
* ‘Black outs’ — when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episode.

The severity of these withdrawal symptoms is usually dependent upon how ‘chemically dependent’ the chronic drinker has become. Those who drink heavily on a daily basis will have developed a high level of dependency, but even those who drink daily, but not heavily and those who drink heavily but not daily, can also be chemically dependent upon alcohol.

When someone who has become ‘alcohol dependent’ decides to stop drinking, they should only do so under medical supervision as they will experience withdrawal symptoms that are potentially dangerous.
‘Binge’ drinking and heavy alcohol consumption

Binge drinking and drinking to dangerous levels can result in significant short and long term negative physical, social and emotional problems.

Short term effects can include impaired judgment, clumsiness, acute poisoning (possible coma and death), poor sleep, vomiting, aggression, promiscuity and anxiety.

Long term effects can include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiency, gastric ailments such as stomach ulcers, liver damage, deterioration of relationships, loss of employment and financial difficulties. Treatment for alcohol dependency

Client’s will be given benzodiazepine medication which are very effective at preventing withdrawal symptoms, you will only need these for a limited period and there administration will be supervised by a clinical nurse specialist who will continuously assess you for withdrawals. You may also be given vitamin tablets or injections to help restore depleted stocks of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) a lack of which can result in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

You will also receive medications to help with any specific withdrawal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
Aftercare

The Causeway Retreat offers 12 months post detox addiction aftercare support and advice.

Contact Details:

The Causeway Retreat
Osea Island
Maldon
Essex
CM9 8UH

Telephone: 0207 100 7260

Linwood Park, Barnsley
Abstinence based detox centre.

About us:

Abstinence based detoxification unit providing medically assisted detox and an introduction to the therapy process incorporating CBT, Motivational Interviewing, 12 Step philosophy and educational

Linwood Park is our dedicated, alcohol detox centre in South Yorkshire. The unit has been set up to provide a comfortable and safe environment to detox from alcohol and also to begin the treatment process.

We have a highly competent and dedicated medical staff that together with experienced therapists will ensure that your stay will be a positive and motivating experience.

Looking for Help with Alcohol Problems?

If you are dependent on alcohol you may experience withdrawal symptoms several hours after your last drink. Withdrawal symptoms include:

* Nausea
* Tremors
* Sweats
* Craving for alcohol
* Anxiety

Convulsions (fits) may occur in a small number of cases. As a result of this you drink alcohol regularly and ‘depend’ on it to prevent these symptoms.

Many people ‘top up’ their drinking to prevent these symptoms occurring this may be known as ‘hair of the dog’.

If you do not ‘top up’ or re-start drinking these feelings can last 5 – 7 days. During this time the withdrawal can be very unpleasant and you may have a drink to alleviate these feelings.
Alcohol Detoxification Process

On admission we will prescribe a course of tablets which will reduce the severity of the withdrawal and safely cover the time until your body adjusts physically to a state free from alcohol.

The tablets used for detox are normally a reducing regime of chlordiazepoxide (commonly the trade name Librium) and a course of vitamin B1 (thiamine). This vitamin is vital to help restore and repair the damage alcohol may have caused to your brain and nervous system.

How you may feel during the first 24 - 48 hours of detoxification

* You may feel anxious
* You may have difficulty initially in getting to sleep
* You may feel clammy or sweaty

The detox process usually takes 7 days and is carried out at our detox unit at Linwood Park in South Yorkshire.

Detox alone is not the treatment for alcohol dependence, but only a start. You are very strongly advised to enter a period of therapy, where the reasons and triggers for your drinking behaviour will be addressed. A week’s detox is rarely enough to give you the life you can experience without the daily grind of having to drink.

At the end of detox you can then choose to remain at Linwood Park or transfer to Linwood Manor to continue your treatment. (Our staff can transfer you to Linwood Manor at no extra cost).

The length of our treatment programme is usually four weeks (including detox) but can be tailored to individual needs on assessment.

Contact Details:

Linwood Park
Wensley Road
New Lodge
Barnsley

S71 1TJ

Telephone: 01226 298910

Brynawel House, Pontyclun
Residential alcohol rehabilitation centre engaging with people who have alcohol dependency.

About us:

Residential alcohol rehabilitation centre whose aim is to provide high quality treatment and rehabilitation for people

Brynawel House Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre is a residential alcohol rehabilitation centre whose aim is to provide high quality treatment and rehabilitation for people.

Brynawel House provides a sixteen week treatment and rehabilitation person centred (CBT) programme, the aim of the programme is to engage with people who have an alcohol dependency to achieve sustained abstinence.

Brynawel House is registered as a Care Home by the Care Standards Inspectorate of Wales. It is situated in a rural location between the villages of Llanharan and Llanharry in South Wales just off the M4 corridor. Brynawel House consists of two self-contained units; Brynawel, which is male only and has one disabled room, and Ty Coed, which is a mixed sex with one disabled room. The houses sit side by side and have panoramic countryside views.

Mission Statement

Brynawel House Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre aims to be a centre of excellence in the provision of high quality professional support and assistance for people experiencing alcohol dependency problems with the aim of achieving sustainable abstinence and rehabilitation.

Therapy

Person Centered Approach

Brynawel House believes that recovery begins with the individual. People are given the opportunity to work through the changes they need to make to their lives: therapeutic group work, and one to one sessions in a safe secure environment all promote personal and social development.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy or (CBT) for short is a short term psychological treatment which is particularly suitable for focused problems including alcohol dependency.

Cognitive therapy examines unwanted thoughts attitudes, beliefs and behavioural therapy, focusing on behaviour in response to those thoughts.

CBT aims to help people challenge their negative beliefs using positive thoughts. This takes place within the context of a joint therapist/client relationship identifying goals to work towards and provide the individual with the skills and insight to improve their quality of life.
The Therapy Programme

The programme focuses on one to one counselling and group work.

You will be encouraged to live and work with others as part of the therapy process. This will involve specific psycho-educational workshops and lectures and women’s and men’s groups.

During your stay you may be allocated specific tasks or written assignments. Residential clients will be assigned cleaning duties to encourage teamwork and sharing with others.

Towards the end of rehabilitation clients will be introduced to social situations under supervision as part of learning enactment. This will involve an element of graded practice and exposure to high risk situations and triggers under supervision.

Whenever possible you will be encouraged to keep a journal of your journey through rehabilitation.
Examples of Groups

* Anxiety / Stress Management
* Sleep Management
* Anger Management
* Relationships
* Gender specific issues
* The effects of alcohol on the body
* Loss and grief
* Coping mechanisms
* Assertion and skills practice
* Identification of triggers
* Relapse prevention and planning
* Healthy eating / Exercise and activity
* Communication /Negotiation skills/ Problem solving
* Vocational training

Contact Details:

Brynawel House
Llanharry Road
Llanharan
Pontyclun

CF72 9RN

Telephone: 01443 226608

Have fun but stay safe is the message for New Years Eve revellers in advice issued today by The Home Office Minister responsible for alcohol harm reduction, Vernon Coaker.

Around half of all violent crime is alcohol related and one in three reported rapes happen when the victim has been drinking. Eight out of ten pedestrians killed on Friday and Saturday nights have been drinking.

Vernon Coaker said:

"For many of us New Year’s Eve will be the biggest party of the year and having a few drinks is all part of the fun. But it is worth remembering that when things go wrong and people get hurt reckless alcohol consumption has often played a part.

"The Government’s Know Your Limits campaign has been offering helpful, non-preachy guidance on safer drinking since November 2006.

"I want to remind everyone who is planning a night out tonight about these practical tips for safer drinking. Taking a few simple precautions can ensure that a fun night out stays that way and really goes with a swing."

Know Your Limits was the first national campaign to target 18-24 year-old binge drinkers. Jointly funded by the Home Office and the Department for Health, it highlights the negative consequences of drinking too much alcohol.

The campaign stresses the need for young drinkers to know the transformation point that occurs between being a good drunk and a bad drunk and to understand the consequences of excessive drinking.

Home Office

Police from 21 forces across the country seized over 3,700 litres of beer, wine, cider, alcopops and spirits from youths aged under 18 during an autumn crackdown on drinking in public places. The results of the month long campaign published today by the Home Office revealed the total which is equivalent to over 6,500 pints,

During the campaign, funded by the Home Office, police also used new powers under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to disperse groups where alcohol related crime or disorder was suspected.

The campaign ran from 8 October to 5 November 2007 with a particular focus on the weekends, half term school holiday, Halloween and Bonfire Night. Police Officers and Community Support Officers visited public places known to be underage drinking hotspots - often turned into no-go areas during the evenings - and brought alcohol-induced anti-social behaviour to an abrupt halt by seizing alcohol and dispersing threatening groups.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

"This campaign was designed to bring to bear the full range of police tools and powers to tackle the harm caused to individuals and communities by underage drinking. It will not be the last.

"Quite simply we will not tolerate drinking in public by under-18s or anyone else where it leads to anti-social and intimidating behaviour.

"Confiscation complements our efforts to tackle the supply of alcohol to children. The enforcement of underage sales law has hardened dramatically in recent years and I know that many alcohol retailers have raised their game and now routinely apply ‘Challenge 21′ criteria to anyone who looks underage.

"The Government remains committed to working with the police and local authorities to use every measure at our disposal - both coercive and cooperative - to make sure everyone over the age of 18 can enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly."

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

"This campaign was one of a number that have been undertaken to deal with the negative effects of alcohol. Significant work has been done on the issue of underage sales and this campaign sought to use the tactic of confiscation to help prevent the drink-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour that we witness up and down the country. The police service will continue to work with our partners to deal with these type of issues and will make use of all of the powers we have available to us."

The campaign is one part of a wider 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 - in nearly 9,000 test purchase operations children were able to obtain alcohol in only 14.7 per cent of cases. Premises that repeatedly sold alcohol to minors had their licenses revoked.

This month saw a national Responsible Alcohol Sales Campaign which focused again on underage sales and alcohol-related disorder targeting the small proportion of problem premises.

Home Office