At the conference’ s roundtable information exchange, delegates moved around the groups for ten-minute snapshots of different projects
The TenTh naTional Service USer conference
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At the conference’ s roundtable information exchange, delegates moved around the groups for ten-minute snapshots of different projects
ALCOHOL-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE( ARBD) is a term for the damage that can happen to the brain as a result of long-term heavy drinking. Notaro homes showed how to spot the symptoms and find out how early diagnosis and referral to treatment can increase the chances of a positive recovery.
SOLVENT ABUSE continues to be a‘ hidden’ problem, with relatively few adult users finding their way into support and recovery services. Nicola Jones from Re- Solv discussed ways that local groups could use lived experience to connect with those in need of support.
NALOXONE is the drug that can temporarily reverse the effect of an opioid overdose. But how many naloxone kits were distributed in your area, who should you ask to find out, and how do you lobby for increased provision? Lee Collingham gave practical advice and easy to follow guidance( on our website at www. drinkanddrugsnews. com).
SERVICE USER INVOLVEMENT. Providing genuine, effective service user involve ment within an organisation is not always easy, and can create tensions. Sue Edwards explained the process of creating an independent service user council that gives valued input to CGL, one of the UK’ s largest treatment providers.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE. Self-funding a group through a social enterprise provides financial independence and valuable experience for its members, but sustaining and growing the business to be profitable can prove to be a challenge. Changes UK offered their experience as one of Birmingham’ s most successful social enterprises.
HARD-TO-REACH GROUPS may sometimes‘ slip through the net’ of traditional drug and alcohol services. Aquarius’ Shanti Project explained how they tackle the taboo issue of alcohol misuse in the Punjabi Sikh community and discussed ways to work with other culturally sensitive minorities.
CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT. Recovery communities provide a fantastic, safe, supportive environment to help members build personal recovery capital, but it’ s of equal importance that groups continue to engage with people still misusing drugs and alcohol in an inclusive, non-judgemental way. B3 shared ideas on how groups can support their members while involving those yet to find recovery.
ACHIEVING TRANSITION. Good rehabs ensure that aftercare is in place for clients leaving treatment and returning to the community. The Choices group of rehabs invited discussion on how to help clients achieve transition back to the community through a strong, sustainable recovery.
THE 12-STEP PROCESS. While millions of people attribute their ongoing recovery to 12-step based support provided by CA or similar fellowships, there are still misconceptions that can prevent some individuals or organisations engaging with them. Cocaine Anonymous tackled the myths and invited questions.
PATIENT CHOICE. Methadone mainten ance and buprenorphine prescribing are evidence-based interventions that can bring stability and the first step on the road to recovery, but criticism is still levelled at maintenance treatment. Stephen Malloy of INPUD talked about patient choice, the right to OST, and following the path best suited to each individual.
NALOXONE TRAINING. Since October 2015 any worker in a commissioned drug service can distribute naloxone without prescription. This, coupled with the simplicity of administering the drug, gives the opportunity to provide simple practical naloxone training, as explained by Philippe Bonnet from CGL.
HEPATITIS C. New treatment options should ensure that no one should have to live with hepatitis C, but how do we make sure that treatment is accessible to those who most need it? Dee Cunniffe of The London Joint Working Group talked about making sure hep C treatment is not a lottery.
RUNNING A GROUP. Setting up and running a local recovery group is challenging. How do you support new members and cater for increased activities – and importantly, how do you fund this? RED ROSE RECOVERY have grown from a small local group to an organisation that works with some of the UK’ s largest treatment providers, employs more than 20 full and part-time staff and turns over nearly £ 1m. They explained how they achieved this without compromising their independence.
SEX ADDICTION can have a negative impact on the individual, their family and loved ones. Whether it’ s compulsive use of pornography, visiting sex workers, multiple affairs or any other kind of sexual behaviour, it is not always recognised by mainstream services. Nic and Christine from Paula Hall Associates looked at offering specialist treatment models and interventions.
14 | drinkanddrugsnews | March 2017 www. drinkanddrugsnews. com