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