Substance Misuse: Drug & Alcohol Service

Contents: The Service - The Approach - Is it an Issue? - Underlying Issues - The Workplace

A one-to-one, confidential service for adults with drug or alcohol issues. The service operates within private, discreet premises, and works independently of other substance misuse agencies.

Whether the alcohol or drug use is recreational, weekend binging, dependent, or any other pattern, one-one support is offered to individuals:
- Wanting to change their alcohol or drug use
- Unsure about making changes
- Seeking support to stay clean or dry
- or struggling to accept a drug or alcohol issue.

Substances worked with include:

Alcohol * Cannabis * Cocaine * Amphetamine
Nicotine * Crack * Heroin * Ecstasy
Prescription Drugs * Pain Killers * Caffeine * Sugar
And other opiate or stimulant based substances.

The Approach

A combination of Behavioural, Cognitive-Behavioural and Motivational approaches are used to work with the individual towards the agreed goal. Techniques may include:

* Motivational Interviewing
* Safe Reduction of alcohol or drug use
* Relapse Prevention techniques
* Techniques to cope with cravings
* Identification of Triggers to substance use
* Developing new coping strategies
* Clinical Hypnotherapy
* Substance use diaries & worksheets
* Advice & Information

The number of sessions can vary depending on the individual, their goal, and their circumstances.

For further information or to make an appointment please contact Mindworks:

mindworks_therapy@talktalk.net

The Substance Misuse Service is available to work out of, and accept referrals from:

Occupational Health Departments - Medical Practices & GP Surgeries - Hospitals
Alternative Health Care Practices - Schools & Colleges - Businesses
And other organisations

Within these venues the service can provide:

Training - One-to-one Substance Misuse Support - Groupwork

Is it an Issue?

People experience alcohol and drug use, or addiction in different ways.

The quantities and patterns of use, and the extent to which people are affected by it, varies from person to person.

What's important is the individual's experience and how it affects their life.

If you think you have a drug or alcohol issue, you may be able to identify with some of the following:

- Noticing a pattern of use - Using more to get the same feeling (increased tolerance)
- Concerns about the amount used - Fear of being without it - Health problems - A drop in work performance
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating -Disruption of normal daily routine
- Relationship difficulties - Uncharacteristic risk-taking
- Withdrawal or isolation from family and friends - Concern expressed from family and friends
- Using as a way of coping - Feeling a 'need' or a strong craving - Feeling a lack of control
- Using to manage stress or anxiety - Depending on it to get through the day - Depending on it for relaxation
- Mood swings - Using to mask emotions - Using to avoid or deal with issues
Financial difficulties - Less interest in previously enjoyed activities -
Periods of time lost to substance use and related activities
- And many other examples of how a person may become affected by substance use

Underlying Issues

For some individuals the issues arising from, or at the root of substance misuse may need further support. For example:

Anxiety * Stress * Depression * Confidence
Self Esteem * Bereavement * Sexuality
Childhood Abuse * Trauma & PTSD * Debt & Financial Issues
Family & Relationship Issues * Childhood Issues
and many others

Mindworks offers a counselling service (see Integrative Counselling) for individuals to obtain further support in addressing any additional issues.

Substance Misuse in the Workplace

Drug and alcohol use in the workplace is a concern amongst employers and employees, with potentially negative effects upon health, safety, work performance and staff morale, producing absenteeism and reducing productivity.

Mindworks is able to deliver:
- Substance Misuse Training to employers and employees, raising awareness of drug and alcohol related issues in the workplace
- and provide One-to-One Substance Misuse Support within businesses and organisations.

For further information please contact Mindworks:

mindworks_therapy@talktalk.net

Member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (fdap)