Alcohol Help

Alcohol Concern has announced the appointment of Don Shenker as Chief Executive.

Alcohol Concern has announced the appointment of Don Shenker as Chief Executive. Shenker comes to the role after three years within Alcohol Concern as Director of Policy and Services during which time he’s led Alcohol Concern’s policy drive to improve local commissioning for alcohol interventions and been at the forefront of the organisation’s campaigns to improve access to quality alcohol services.

Penny McVeigh, Chair of Alcohol Concern says of his appointment:

"Don is a skilled and passionate advocate for change in alcohol policy. His experience gives him a direct understanding of alcohol issues in the community that will serve the organisation well. Alcohol Concern and its members, partners and allies can be confident he will provide strong leadership and ensure that the organisation continues to fulfil its role at the forefront of all aspects of the alcohol debate".

Don Shenker says:

"I feel extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead Alcohol Concern. There has never been a better time to be knocking on Government’s door to strengthen alcohol control and intervention policies. The evidence is clearly on our side. We must continue the excellent progress the field has achieved so far and campaign hard for increased funding for a range of alcohol interventions and for much tighter policy controls to reduce the rising costs of alcohol misuse.

The first priority is to engage with and increase our membership base, building a solid coalition to take our arguments forward to Government. I look forward to meeting many of our partners and allies in the weeks to come to discuss how we can work together to achieve this."

Alcohol Concern

Police seized 20,945 litres of alcoholic drinks (44,265 pints) from underage drinkers during a February half term clamp down on public drinking, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker announced today.

The £760,000 Home Office-funded campaign took place from 8-24 February 2008 in 165 police force areas across 39 forces in England and Wales.

The results are the latest success in a wide ranging programme of enforcement action and education by Government, police, schools and local authorities designed to tackle underage drinking. In the coming months the Government will publish a Youth Alcohol Action Plan which will focus on providing information for parents and young people to make sensible and healthy decisions around drinking, as well as continuing to reduce drinking in public and underage sales.

The campaign was targeted to coincide with the school half term holiday in each area. Acting on public tip-offs and local intelligence, police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) approached groups of youngsters in underage drinking hotspots and confiscated alcohol wherever they found it. At the same time they asked how old the children were and from where they had obtained alcohol.

If they thought crime and disorder was likely to occur, officers also used directions to leave powers to disperse threatening groups.

The national campaign, which followed a much smaller pilot during the October 2007 half term, produced the following figures:

* 25 per cent of the 5,143 youngsters who surrendered alcohol to the police said they were aged 15 or under;
* a total of 23,621 youngsters came into contact with the police when alcohol was confiscated;
* 3,585 directions to leave were issued; and
* of the 30 per cent who divulged where they had sourced their alcohol, half said they had bought it from a shop.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

"Confiscating alcohol is just one part of our strategy to address the damage and disruption that underage drinking causes to youngsters, their families and the communities they live in. We are working across Government to combine tough enforcement of the law with effective alcohol education for children and parents and to help young people find alternative things to do.

"I know the public will welcome police action to disperse groups of threatening youths and choke their supply of alcohol. This campaign will not be the last.

"I also want to remind parents of their responsibility and where poor parenting is identified as an issue I want to see greater use of parenting contracts to tackle persistent underage drinking. I also want to see greater sharing of information between police and local agencies about repeat offenders to address problems as early as possible.

"Police officers tell me that these campaigns yield valuable intelligence about where children get their alcohol. With this in mind, I want to send a strong signal once again to those persistent few irresponsible retailers that deliberately sell to under-18s. They will be caught and they will be punished. I also want to congratulate all the officers involved in what was clearly a successful campaign for their hard work and dedication."

Home Office

The NHS is failing to deliver adequate treatment for dependent drinkers, a new report by Alcohol Concern finds. The poor relation-has the emphasis on ‘localism’ really improved alcohol commissioning? reveals massive differences across the country in terms of the quality of support laid on to support the recovery of people who have become dependent on alcohol. The report’s authors argue that the government’s focus on ‘binge’ drinking means that health service managers are under pressure to put money into short interventions for people entering A&E due to drunken mishaps rather, than more intensive treatment aimed at chronic drinkers. In some cases, local support was practically unavailable for anyone wanting professional help for chronic drinking.

Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern says:

"Helping people to stop binge drinking is important, but we must not lose sight of the more than one million dependent drinkers, many of whose lives would benefit from more intensive help. The findings of this research show that people with drink problems are being let down at the very moment they need support. The postcode lottery of alcohol services needs to end now, or the needless costs of alcohol related harm will just continue to spiral."

Drawing on data gleaned from a Freedom of Information request sent to each local Primary Care Trust, some of its most startling findings are that:

Dependent drinkers in some parts of England face waits of up to a year to access any form of structured treatment: this compares with a three week maximum for people accessing drug rehabilitation programmes.

In some areas, as few as 2% of dependent drinkers are getting any sort of help to cut back their drinking to safer levels.

There are wide variations in the levels of investment PCTs make into treatment.

Alcohol Concern

Holly Lodge, Lytham St. Annes
Extended Primary Treatment for Men and Women with Substance Dependency or Addiction

About us:

Holly Lodge is a 16-bed Extended Primary Treatment Centre operating from a residential Care Home in a quiet area of st. Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire. The Property is within a short walk of the sea font, public servicesand shopping areas.

We work with both men and women, (aged 18-64), who have successfully completed the treatment programmes of either Pierpoint House or Female Focus.

The Holly Lodge Extended Treatment programme is designed to build on the progress made during earlier Primary Treatment and provides additional support to those people who need to continue to address deeper underlying issues.

We Provide 24-hour staff support, including trained Addiction Counsellors and Project Workers, in a safe, structured and non-judgemental environment. The average length of stay is 12 weeks, depending on individual need.

In order to prepare an individual for life in wider community, and for successful progress into independent living, each resident is assisted in gaining the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of daily living, without resorting to active addiction.

Holly Lodge operates within certain Rules and Expectations which provide the structure and boundaries necessary for the Centre to maintain a safe and fuctional therapeutic environment.

On entry, residents are still learning about, and allowing themselves to process the feelings involved in facing the consequences of their previous lifestyle. Individual Counselling and Group-work enables each individual to work through these difficult feelings.

There is some element of group work every day, with the majority of the groups being held Monday to Friday. Groups Vary in content, but focus on the two elements of daily living skills and emotional recovery, for example:-

Basic Living things
Cooking Skills
Budgeting Skills
Communication & Conflict Resolution
Relapse Prevention & Coping Skills
Topic & Theraphy Groups
Relaxation Groups
Peer Support Groups
Group Recreation & Leisure Activities

Residents take on the responsibility for the household upkeep and have input into community decisions. A Group Leader role is delegated to most peers at some time during their stay. This provides the oppurtunity to practise new found skills such as delegating tasks, effective communication and conflict resolution.

Peer support is an integral aspect of the programme, enabling the development of positive peer relationships with those able to identify with the specific needs and experiences inherent in maintaining an abstinent way of life.

The Programme is designed to facilitate preparation for independent living and successful life management without creating further dependency. All residents are encouraged to attend local Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Other Self-Help Groups and appropriate Support Agencies are also recommended when individual circumstances require it.
Home leave is negotiated and usually takes place on weekends. It is seen as an important aspect of the programme, providing the individual with oppurtunities for further insights and self awareness in relation to relapse prevention and re-integration back into mainstream society.

Contact Details:

Holly Lodge
2a Victoria Road
Lytham St. Annes
Lancashire
FY8 1LE

Telephone: 0845 458 3700

Pierpoint House, Lytham St. Annes
DetoxPlus for Men and Womes and Primary treatment for Men with Substance Dependency or Addiction

About us:

Pierpoint Addiction Treatment Centres, based in St.Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire, provide a comprehensive and ‘holistic’ treatment programme for Men and Women aged 18-64 years.

All our treatment programmes work from an abstinence-based philosophy so that each person may reach a clearer understanding of their Substance Abuse, Dependency or Addiction.
We believe that people who have alife-threatening relationship with Drugs and / or Alcohol need a period of time totally substance-free in order to make a clear assessment of their lifestyle.

The DetoxPlus Module provides effective intervention through Assessment Replace Prevention Education. A team of General Practitioners with extensive experience of the process of Detoxification provide a full Medical Assessment after admission.24-Hour Nursing cover is also provide to ensure that each individual’s physical and mental health is appropriately managed in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental,drug and alcohol-free environment.

Pierpoint House provides a 12-week highly structured therapeutic programme for Men. Aftercare and Family support is also provided.The Modified 12-Step Module helps the ‘out-of-control’ User to gain a greater awareness of the full cycle of chemical dependency. Service Users are presented with an understanding of the first 5-Steps with specific focus on their unmanageability with regard to alcohol and/or other drug abuse.

It is probable that you would benefit from Primary Treatment at Pierpoint House if you realise that your Alcohol and other Drug use is out of control and that your life has become unmanageable and you need to be in a safe, supportive atmosphere in a Residential Centre that is very committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free environment while you receive treatment.

Contact Details:

Pierpoint House
385 Clifton Drive North
Lytham St. Annes
Lancashire
FY8 2NW

Telephone: 0845 458 3700

Lynwode Manor, Market Rasen
Residential treatment centre offering help and assistance to people with alcoholism.

About us:

Linwood Manor treatment centre is an elegant Victorian manor house which has recently been refurbished to provide a welcoming and comfortable retreat.

Set in approximately four acres of mature, lawned gardens, Linwood Manor is located in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside.

This tranquil environment is ideal for those who wish to experience complete discretion and confidentiality whilst receiving treatment for alcohol problems.

We offer safe place in which to focus on changing the negative behaviour patterns associated with alcoholism which may have disrupted client\’s lives and the lives of family, friends and colleagues.

Alcoholism Treatment Programme

The programme of recovery at Linwood Manor has been designed for people seeking help and support with alcohol problems and other emotional difficulties and addictive behaviours.

We also provide an alcohol detox programme at our our new dedicated detox centre in South Yorkshire, Linwood Park.

Our Approach

Our programme of recovery at Linwood Manor is designed for people seeking help with alcohol dependency problems and alcoholism.

We offer clients an escape for a short time from outside pressures to allow time for reflection and re-grouping.

Many of these pressures may have been created by problem behaviours and some of the problem behaviours created by the pressures.

Whichever way round it is, the relief of slowly unwinding in this undemanding atmosphere will have a beneficial, positive effect.

Individually-Tailored Therapy

Put this tranquility together with an individually tailored therapy programme and success is likely to be achieved.

Although the therapy programme may be challenging at times, it will also be rewarding.

There will be plenty of time to relax in the warm atmosphere of the house, strolling in the gardens, sitting under a shady tree or trying out one of the therapeutic garden programmes.

Other life enhancing therapies can be organised on an ad hoc basis.

Restoring Emotional, Mental and Physical Balance

The whole experience is specifically aimed at restoring emotional, mental and physical well being and progress can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.

Courses begin at just one week duration. For alcohol dependence we recommend a stay of 3-4 weeks. Progress in anger management and stress management can be accomplished in as little as 2 days.

The food is good, home cooking - and is always well received by our guests!

Contact Details:

Lynwode Manor
Linwood
Market Rasen
Lincolnshire
LN8 3GQ

Telephone: 0800 066 4173

Ley Community, Yarnton
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

About us:

Over the last thirty years the Ley Community has helped hundreds of people struggling with serious problems of addiction to drugs and alcohol. The Ley has gained a national reputation for assisting the development and rebuilding of lives through a belief that learning to live a full life without drugs and alcohol is best achieved with the help and support of others going through the same process.

No-one should consider applying to come to the Ley Community unless they have made a genuine decision to want to change. The programme is not easy. It is not a soft alternative to prison. No-one could go through the programme without profoundly changing their life, and discovering parts of themselves they never knew existed. People come to the Ley because they want to break out of the cycle of chaos through misusing drugs and alcohol - and it is truly inspirational to witness the changes made once someone commits himself or herself fully to the programme.

The approach can be summarised as a combination of ‘Tough Love’ and ‘Self Help’. The programme provides a framework for residents to learn from each other, and change the way they have behaved, thought and felt over many, many years. This requires a strong commitment to each other that depends on honesty, openness, co-operation and mutual support. Building positive relationships with other residents is central. Ultimately, the programme allows residents a chance to come to terms with themselves, and build up their own self-confidence and self-esteem.

The daily routine is strictly followed. All residents are given responsibilities within a clearly defined structure. As residents progress, the level of responsibility increases with more senior residents supervising the work of junior residents. Work revolves around the running of a large community divided into various departments: kitchens, housekeeping, maintenance, gardens and animals, and administration. Whilst the work provides residents with the opportunity to gain new skills, it is interspersed with a range of regular therapy groups.

Set in beautiful surroundings on the outskirts of Oxford, the Ley Community has developed, since 1971, a unique programme that has been able to help people with very serious problems of addiction recover. The photos in this brochure are deceptive. Whilst the quality of accommodation and facilities is exceptional, the programme itself is very demanding. This is no holiday camp. Many residents arrive after a long period of chaotic living: the Ley Community provides a rigid structure for them to rebuild their lives.

Contact Details:

Ley Community
Sandy Croft
Sandy Lane
Yarnton
Oxfordshire
OX5 1PB

Telephone: 01865 378600

An increase on Alcohol Duty must be combined with minimum price setting if it is to have the desired impact on binge drinking among young people, says Addaction, Britain’s biggest drug and alcohol treatment charity in response to the budget today. The charity praised the Chancellor for increasing duty on alcohol across the board but warned that additional measures are needed to tackle excessive drinking among young people.

International evidence shows that increasing the price of the cheapest alcohol is one of the most effective ways to reduce harmful drinking (1). Commenting on the Budget, Addaction Director of Operations Richard McKendrick said:

“Every day we see the lasting damage alcohol does to the young people and families we work with so we congratulate the government for taking this step. This was not the ten per cent widely hoped for, but an increase on alcohol duty across the board is to be welcomed because the young people we work with drink the cheapest booze they can buy - not pricey alcopops.

“However this must be combined with legislation that will see minimum prices fixed to avoid supermarkets absorbing the costs before they are passed on to the consumer. It is still a scandal that you can buy alcohol more cheaply than water in major supermarkets.

“Plainly, the cheap cost of alcohol is just one factor affecting binge drinking. With alcohol advertising, particularly sponsorship in sport, continuing to influence young people and an adult culture that permits and even encourages excessive drinking, we cannot expect young people’s behaviour to change without broader cultural change.”

Addaction

Alcohol Concern’s Response to the 2008 Budget

Responding to the news that the 2008 Budget includes inflation-busting tax increases on beer, spirits and cider, Don Shenker, Acting Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said:

"The government’s tax plan to finally address the issue of alcohol becoming more affordable with every passing year is welcome, and overdue. There is broad international agreement that price has a crucial part to play in substantially reducing harmful drinking. However for moderate tax hikes to work government must also force the big retailers to stop discounting drinks so deeply so that any rate increases can actually passed onto consumers. We call on ministers to use their considerable powers to achieve this. Over the past twenty years, as drinks have become cheaper, consumption has skyrocketed. Urgent action has been long overdue to reverse the tide.We also note that the modest tax increase announced today is expected to provide the Exchequer with an additional £600 million pounds this year, further underlining the immense value of the drinks market. With a small fraction of its total alcohol revenues government could radically transform the systems in place to support dependent drinkers"

Alcohol Concern

Lampton Court, Bideford
Dedicated to the establishment of self reliance and freedom from alcohol and drug dependency.

About us:

Lampton court aims to provide residents with pro-active strategies to respond to potential relapse to substance misuse. We will achieve this by:

* Enabling residents to explore and re-evaluate existing problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours with regard to substance misuse, through a therapeutic and experiential programme.

* Empowering residents to develop strategies to enable them to actively and positively integrate into the wider community.

* Enabling residents to grow personally and socially by actively participating in a safe, therapeutic community.

Overview of the Modular Treatment Process

Module One Foundation Treatment
(duration 2 - 6 weeks) provides a detoxification programme from opiate-based drugs. Our preferred method of treatment includes Lofexidine and Zopiclone. All medication being prescribed by the service users own GP. Our Doctors will monitor the efficiency of, and maintain, all prescribing and they will also prescribe symptomatic relief where appropriate. We have a dedicated in-house medical team that provide full RMN/Keyworker cover with specialist certificated detox skills. They are supported by a dedicated team of Life Skill Coaches and Support Workers using proven techniques to address stabilisation, withdrawal management, basic relapse prevention, stress and anxiety management, an introduction to CBT/Changing Behaviour, and a brief intervention using Motivational Interviewing. Complimentary therapies including Reiki and Auricular Acupuncture are also included. The continued development of Module 1 Foundation Treatment will eventually include alcohol. This however will not affect post alcohol detox candidat
es from gaining entrance to our Module 2 Treatment for Change Programme.

Module Two Treatment for Change Programme
(duration 12 weeks). Introduces a person centred approach to changing behavioural attitudes and includes a dynamic approach to stress, anxiety and anger management, higher key provocative activity therapy (outward bound) enabling service users to explore feelings and gain confidence and trust in self esteem, motivation, communication, awareness of strengths and abilities and physical well-being, personal portfolio building and, built into that, relapse prevention contracts. Working closely with the local College, we are delivering courses in Life Skills - Preparing for Progression, in addition to courses to assist in the education and re-integration process. We are in the process of introducing further in-house education which will be based on a skill club, offering more individual choices to service users care plans on the programme. These will include Basic Computer Skills and use of the Internet as well as Numeracy, Literacy, First Aid and Food Hygiene.

Module Three, Reintegration Programme
(duration 12 weeks). This provides an opportunity for the more vulnerable service users to extend the Module 2 programme by a further 12 weeks underpinning their progress, and continuing to provide longer term Cognitive Therapeutic Treatment. The growth of the personal portfolio to increase the certificated achievements through the longer term skill club activity includes EDEXCEL BTEC Life Skills - Improving Assertiveness (Certificated), and BTEC Life Skills - Working together (Certificated), strengthening their Community Living Skills and offering further support with aftercare, housing, NVQs, college and training. This extended opportunity will add further Certificates of achievement to the personal portfolio, providing additional evidence of the change to both the individual service user and potential employers.

Treatment Process

Lampton Court has developed an innovative programme focusing on relapse response. We provide an integrative treatment programme incorporating a variety of therapeutic techniques specifically effective in responding to substance misuse issues and underlying problems. The three principle elements of our therapeutic programme being; activity therapy, group therapy and one-to-one counselling, compliment each other as well as having a purpose of their own.

These elements are complimented by providing a daily and balanced structure, living together as a group and developing positive relationships within it, sharing responsibilities in maintenance of the house and garden, writing personal development journals, factual education, developing practical life skills such as budgeting, IT, health and hygiene and appreciation and practice of various art techniques.

Through our initial assessment procedure, we identify and work with key issues presented by the individual. We deliver a tailor made programme in response to potential relapse, empowering individuals through learning or re-learning coping skills.

Lampton Court provides a dynamic programme that encompasses a multi–faceted approach to the treatment of substance misuse, nurturing growth through learning and change via action.

Individuals learn to recognise, take responsibility for, and own their identified goals through the empowerment given during their programme, thus enabling them to make informed choices and decisions in their lives.

Contact Details:

Lampton Court
Littleham
Bideford
Devon
EX39 5HT

Telephone: 01237 470 280