Alcohol Help

Oak Lodge: London
Oak Lodge is a drug and alcohol-free therapeutic community.

About us:

Clients can expect to receive weekly keywork sessions and a comprehensive care plan, and to be allocated a keyworker. The emphasis is on group therapy of which there are three sessions a week. There are bi-weekly gender groups and a BME support group.

Auricular acupuncture is available and there is a workshop programme of life and social skills training. Basic skills training includes IT literacy and numeracy. Planned leisure activities and sports sessions are provided weekly. There are weekly business meetings and a daily community meeting with all staff and residents, which support the community living structure.

Some financial support is provided for family activities with children, where children are looked after by carer/social services. Visits and overnight stay will be accommodated. Support and advocacy on childcare issues are available to clients. Parenting workshops are planned.

At referral and assessment, information is collated regarding diagnosis and needs. Reports are requested from prescriber/mental health service. If assessed as an appropriate placement, there will be a GP referral and continuing support from mental health services as requested/required.

Assessment and admissions: There is a central referral system and dedicated team. Assessments are carried out at the service and include a detailed needs and risk assessment. Oak Lodge aims to offer full assessment within seven days of referral. Reports may be requested on areas of risk. Admission is subject to confirmation of finding. Full induction process on day of admission carried out by project staff.

Additional admissions services: Oak Lodge works to protocols with the CARAT team to carry out an assessment. Telephone assessments are carried out where face-to-face contact is not possible. Staff and clients will meet potential clients at assessment. Visits to the service can be arranged.

Discharge policies: A notice to leave will be issued following consultation with the service manager or area manager. Notice and discharge may be immediate, 14 days or 28 days, depending on the reason for discharge and taking into account the welfare of the client, other project members and the staff team. Notice will be given in relation to breach of house rules/licence agreement.

Harm reduction policies for clients leaving the programme early: Contact with the care manager is made prior to discharge and phone access is available to make move-on arrangements. Oak Lodge provides support for move-on options. Information on harm reduction and other agencies are provided prior to discharge.
Resettlement / after-care services: There is a monthly aftercare group as well as a bi-weekly aftercare group. A resettlement care plan is drafted during the client’s stay and referral is made to supported housing services. Oak Lodge has priority access to Cranstoun supported housing services, with other housing options. Issues of aftercare are addressed throughout client’s stay and reviewed at three months.

Contact Details:

Oak Lodge
136 West Hill
Putney
London

SW15 2UF

Telephone: 0203 274 4035

Davies Residential Service, London
Offers a 3-6 month treatment programme for people who have experienced problems with alcohol

About us:

Davies Residential Service offers a 3-6 month treatment programme for people who have experienced problems with alcohol, who have stopped drinking and wish to address the underlying issues associated with their alcohol use. The programme offers weekly counselling sessions, key working and timetabled group work sessions. The service is staffed 9-5 and an emergency on-call system operates out of hours.

Referrals accepted from any source and we will refer on

Contact Details:

Davies Residential Service
318-320 Queenstown Road
London
SW8 4LT

Telephone: 020 7627 1242

Thurston House, London
Residential Alcohol and Drugs treatment centre for men

About us:

Once you have detoxed from alcohol or drugs Thurston House provides a safe and comfortable haven for you to continue your recovery from addiction and develop your new life.

Thurston House, a residential treatment centre for men, is based in a magnificent Georgian House with a large garden in Clapham in South West London.

There will be up to 22 men staying at any one time. People stay for between 3 and 6 months.

The treatment programme: You will be given your own tailor made treatment plan, based on the 12 step abstinence based model which is likely to consist of many different elements including:

One to one counselling: You will work with one counsellor in a confidential setting to talk through the issues that may have made you vulnerable to addiction.

Group work: You share your experiences of recovery with other people in a similar situation. You are able to develop your communication skills in a safe environment which can then be applied to your everyday relationships at home and at work when you leave Thurston House.

Relapse prevention: We will provide you with guidance on the best ways to ensure that you do not relapse.

Workshops and life skills groups: You will be invited to attend these training sessions which can be anything from our basic life skills coaching to developing more specific work based skills.

We provide advice on housing and other basic welfare issues.

Social activities: You will be invited to attend social activities and events which give you the opportunity to strengthen your relationships with others. Activities include anything from playing football to ice-skating.

Family work: We welcome family support and involvement in the recovery process.

Referral and support: You must be at least two weeks drug and alcohol free, have a desire to remain abstinent in the long term, be male and 18 years or over. Thurston House is ideally suited to individuals that have completed first stage treatment and are ready for second stage treatment. However, all cases will be explored individually. Some understanding of the 12-step abstinence based approach to recovery is helpful so that you know what to expect from the programme. Referrals are accepted from all sources including self-referrals.

Pre-treatment assessment: You are usually expected to attend for an assessment visit. If this is not possible, telephone assessments or prison visits may be carried out by arrangement. Reports from other agencies may be required, for example discharge summaries, social enquiry or psychiatric reports.

What next: Following completion of the programme, aftercare support is offered for one year. Thurston House encourages the use of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step fellowships for ongoing support.

Our team: You work with a small team of qualified counsellors and therapists with an expertise in addictions counselling and treatment.

Contact Details:

Thurston House
52 Rectory Grove
Clapham
London
SW4 0EB

Telephone: 020 7622 7833

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

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 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

Kairos Community Trust: London
Provides accommodation, help and support for homeless people with substance misuse related problems.

About us:

Kairos Community Trust operates a four stage process of therapy and support:

1. Abstinent supported hostel.

2. Care Home providing 12 week residential programme of therapy.

3. The Move-On houses 3rd stage is where residents are supported to continue their recovery and prepare for returning to live in the wider community.

4. Aftercare Programme.

#Linden Grove Reception and Stabilisation Hostel

Linden Grove is a first stage residential hostel for people with alcohol and drug dependencies. It is a safe place for those in recovery to address problems in a non-judgemental environment.

People generally come to Linden Grove because they have found their lives unmanageable due to the destructive effects of addiction. It is a place where individuals can begin to rebuild their lives, to examine what has led them to this point and to try to put into place a new structure in life without alcohol or drugs. Our priority is those who are homeless.

What sort of thing can I expect there?

At the Kairos Healthy Living Centre we have a full programme of group and individual therapy which includes:

Relapse prevention. Communication skills and assertiveness. Understanding / managing feelings. Family of origin issues. The physical and mental effects of addiction. Art therapy. Complementary therapies: yoga, reflexology, auricular acupuncture. Weekly G.P. surgery with projects doctor.

The philosophy of the programme strongly supports the principles of AA / NA. An important part of recovery is accepting the problem and seeing the need for change.

Each resident is assigned a support worker who advises about practical problems such as benefits, legal issues etc. A vital part of these sessions is to put the resident in contact with outside agencies and services to better help their needs. Every effort is made to access funding for Rehab where it is appropriate and it is the expressed wish of a resident.

Part of the recovery process is about taking responsibility for one’s environment. Therefore each resident is assigned a weekly task around the house. This can be anything from sweeping the floor to helping with the garden.

#Bethwin Road a Registered Care Home

We are a residential 12 step therapeutic community which aims to provide a 12 week programme of rehabilitation for people with alcohol / drug related problems.

Conditions of acceptance. The Applicant must have detoxed and be committed to staying clean and sober for the duration of the programme. (Detox is not offered)

The home is registered as a Category ‘A’ home, providing a service to people who have completed detox for substance misuse. To meet the perceived needs of the client group, the following objectives form a structure for service delivery.

To complete a comprehensive assessment of each individuals needs on admission to Kairos.

To draw up a care plan appropriate to summary and recommendations of the assessment and as identified by resident.

To facilitate a living environment which fosters an ethos of mutual respect, co-operation, co-responsibility and accountability.

To directly deliver a programme which will include counselling, group work, therapy and a forum for self-assessment and change.

To improve the general health status of each resident as defined by him / her and through identified supporting evidence.

To facilitate the development of basic life skills which will enable eventual independent living.

To explore and introduce people to coping strategies, damage limitation strategies and relapse preventive strategies.

To have in place both Programme and Care Plan Evaluation mechanisms.

#Move-On Accommodation

Kairos Community Trust believes that having completed rehabilitation, a person still needs to have ongoing therapy and support to enable a healthy lifestyle and continued abstinence. It is Kairos Community Trust’s policy, in co-operation with Linden Grove, Bethwin Road and any other primary treatment house from which people have been referred, to support and facilitate such aftercare.

The goal of ongoing therapy is to:

Support each person in their transition from a highly structured programme towards a planned gradual independent life-style.

Support a resident’s arrangement for ongoing therapy with previous providers e.g. ongoing counselling at Bethwin Road or with designated aftercare providers e.g. day programmes.

Facilitate and support each person with a support plan which aims to help that person maintain good general health, preserve abstinence, build on therapeutic experience, enjoy worthwhile social outlets and move towards full reintegration in the community.

Offer continued positive peer support as a self-help mechanism.

#Aftercare Programme ( For Those Completeing Rehab For Substance Misuse Related Problems )

Workbook Reflection

The workbook was prepared by a group of people who have completed 1st stage rehab and who live in Kairos 2nd stage houses. In setting out to put the workbook together, the intention of the group was to provide daily reflective themes which would help a person link back into his / her experience of rehab.

It is hoped that such a link will help a person to cope with the abrupt move away from an intensive structured programme, while at the same time helping him / her to reflect on issues pertinent to continued rehabilitation and recovery. The person will reflect privately on an agreed theme and then with the help of facilitation will share, discuss etc., with the group the next day in a psycho-educational setting.

One Stop Shop

This slot is planned to help people with long term / ongoing issues e.g. around debt, legal, health, benefits etc. Advice and information will be given and referral facilitated to professional services.

Workshops

These will be conducted (facilitated) by experienced therapists / counsellors drawn from within and outside of Kairos.

Counselling

Each person will have weekly One to One counselling.

Social Activities

Each group will be encouraged and facilitated to organise regular social events / activities.

Contact Details:

Kairos Community Trust
235 Valley Road
London

SW16 2AF

Telephone: 0208 6777292

Munster Road Substance Misuse Day Programme, London
Munster Road is a subsance misuse day programme

About us:

Introduction to Munster Road

Munster Road subsance misuse day programme is an abstinence based structured day programme operating in Fulham. The service is commissioned by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and opened in September 2004.

The Day Programme is a 13 week group work programme of psycho- educational and social groups aimed at raising awareness of triggers and cues for drinking and using behaviour and both promoting and strengthening alternative behaviours.

The programme is based on the principles of social learning and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The programme is designed for both men and women and respects diversity and culture.

Services Provided

The day programme meets its aims by:

* Using a care planning approach to identify individual needs
* Motivational & cognitive behavioural approaches
* Key working system
* A structured supportive and safe environment
* Teaching Stress management
* Education and information about effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and nervous system
* Comprehensive group work programme
* Offering gender specific groups
* Respecting diversity and culture
* Computer suite
* Complimentary therapies
* Disabled access
* Evidence based practice
* Referral into After Care services based at within the centre
* Carers support group

Suitable For..

The Munster Road subsance misuse day programme is Suitable for:

* Men and women over 18 years old who are resident in Hammersmith and Fulham:
* Those who have secure accommodation
* Those who have recently completed a residential or community detox
* Those interested in an abstinent lifestyle
* Those requiring a moderate level of support
* Those able to participate in group work
* Those who wish to have support re entering the community from residential rehabs.
* Those who have been granted a treatment order either a DRR or ATR

The service is unsuitable for:

* Those currently experiencing a mental illness
* Those whose accommodation is insecure or dangerous.

Referral Procedure

Referrals to Munster Road Day Programme can be made via:

* London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham social services drug and alcohol team
* Central and North West London NHS Trust Substance Misuse Services
* Voluntary sector substance misuse services
* Criminal Justice (Prisons and Probation Service)
* Health services
* We also accept self-referrals.

Contact Details:

Munster Road Substance Misuse Day Programme
61 Munster Road
Fulham
London

SW6 5RE

Telephone: 020 7384 4510

Recovery Resources, London
Services for employers, families, friends and colleagues of people with alcohol problems.

About us:

This is an abstinence based programme which takes a multi disciplinary approach to substance abuse. It uses the 12 step programme and the Hazelden and Institute models. There is no religious orientation.

Services offered:

Advocacy, Befriending, Brief interventions, Day programmes, Education and training to individuals, Family and/or couple counselling, Group work, Psychiatric assessment and interventions, Relapse prevention, Self-help and Structured programmes.

There are a variety of separate groups with the chemical dependency practitioner: single sex groups, prisoners, the over 60s, ethnic minorities and problem drinkers with children.

They also offer family therapy and dual diagnosis. The programme lasts 6 months on average. There is no disabled access (1st floor) but they will go out to visit.

Charges apply – contact for details.

Area: Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster

Referral: Self or via professional

About Drug And Alcohol Addiction

What is addiction?

Addiction – to drugs, alcohol or anything else – is an illness, which is progressive in nature. The British Medical Association, The American Medical Association and the World Health Organisation amongst many other bodies have officially recognised this for many years. \’Progressive\’ means that, once the addiction has taken hold, left unchecked it will get worse over time rather than better. It is not someone\’s \’fault\’ that they have an addiction, anymore than it is someone\’s \’fault\’ if they have cancer.

How can addiction be treated?

There are plenty of successful treatment programmes available both here in the UK and overseas. However, someone who has an addiction must first recognise that this is the case and then decide that they want help to overcome it. The problem is that one of the hallmarks of addiction is denial: the person concerned may not be able to admit that they have a problem. Denial can also affect those close to the addict or alcoholic – friends, family and colleagues may for some time be able to \’excuse\’ the behaviours of the person, rationalise them away or even help cover up the addiction. But, there usually comes a time when the destructive affects of addiction are too keenly felt by those close to the addict to be denied any longer.

How can family, friends and colleagues help?

Once the addiction is obvious to those close to the person in question, family members, friends and colleagues have basically two choices: do nothing, or do something. People with cancer or other physical diseases are not expected to wait until their condition is so bad that they are forced to seek help. As a society, we do what we can to offer treatment to people who are ill – so why should we treat drug addicts and alcoholics any differently? Rather than stand by and watch a loved one or respected colleague slide inexorably towards the famous \’rock bottom\’, they can choose to intervene with professional help to halt the progression of the addiction.

Contact Details:

Recovery Resources
38 Kings Road
London

SW3 4UD

Telephone: 020 7823 9099

Choices Service, London
Specialist service for ethnic communities who may find it difficult to engage with alcohol services

About us:

Opening times
9.30am – 12.30pm/2.00pm – 5.00pm (Mon – Fri)
Closed: Tuesday pm

What we offer:

* Immediate assessment: This assessment identifies Client’s needs and finds a suitable support programme that meets them. Assessments take place between 9.30am to 11.30am

* One-to-one support: Staff work closely with clients on a one-to-one basis to help reduce harmful drinking or to prepare them for detox.

* Specialist Counselling: Providing a confidential and safe environment, with a qualified counsellor, to explore concerns in client’s lives and how these issues relate to their alcohol use and their culture. This service is also open to those affected by others drinking (partners, relatives)

* Groups: A programme of topic based group sessions, such as relapse prevention, that are repeated regularly throughout the year for people who are alcohol free on the day. The groups provide an opportunity for clients to share their experiences and strategies on coping with their alcohol problems. They also offer those who may feel isolated from their own communities a chance to connect with others.

* Creative workshops: To help people explore how to express themselves different ways. We offer a variety of approaches which change depending on service users preferences and the availability of practitioners to facilitate workshops.

* Advice and access to other services: We can refer clients on to other specialist support such as inpatient detox.

* Housing and resettlement services: If homeless, we can refer clients to our housing services or if they are at risk of losing their home, as a result of their drinking or drug misuse, we can refer individuals to our floating support services.

* Complementary therapies: A range of therapies offered to complement the above services are available to registered clients.

Accessing the service

You can register for help by phone or visiting us between 9.30am and 11.30am Monday to Friday

Contact Details:

ARP – Choices Service
140 -142 Stockwell Road
London

SW9 9TQ

Telephone: 020 7737 5755