The government’s ‘roadmap’
for a recovery-based treatment system has rung alarm bells with many
respected organisations in the field, despite its declared principles of ‘wellbeing, citizenship and freedom from
dependence’ (news focus, page 6). Opposition goes beyond drug and alcohol treatment to those working in
wider public healthcare settings. There is deep-seated worry for clients unable or unsuited to reaching the
abstinence goal and those for whom stigma has already provided hurdle after hurdle to the healthcare that the
rest of the population takes for granted. These criticisms are not made lightly and we can only hope the
government listens to criticism of a ‘dangerous’ policy whose ‘impact will be measured in lives lost’.
Another expert commentator features in our cover story (page 8). John Podmore’s 25 years as a prison
governor and inspector make him a qualified voice on why our prisons aren’t working – particularly for those
who fall victim of the remand system, a cruel way of dealing with drug, alcohol or mental health problems. His
aim in writing the book was to stimulate debate and provoke change. Let’s hope he gets a hearing.
And in the middle of a packed issue, we hope you find our centre-page pullout residential treatment directory
useful. You can also find it online at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com with our other free resources.
FEATURES
6 NEWS FOCUS
There’s been strong opposition to the government’s ‘roadmap’ for recovery. DDN reports.
8 OVER THE WALL
– COVER STORY
John Podmore spent 25 years as a prison governor and inspector. He tells David Gilliver why the
system isn’t working, particularly for people with drug and alcohol problems.
12
LET’S SEE THE RESULTS
The government’s PbR pilots are now up and running. DDN hears how things are going so far.
16 PRIDE IN RECOVERY
Haringey services and clients are working together to reduce stigma, says Laura Pechey.
17 HOPE IS INFECTIOUS
DISC’s recent recovery conference gave inspiration on long-term change, writes Sue Semple.
18 OUT IN THE COLD
Maureen Roberts experienced prejudice on top of grief when she lost her son. Her story underlines
the need for appropriate family support.
20 PEER POWER
Carl Cundall explains how a peer-led recovery service can be a beacon of good practice.
21
LEADING LIGHTS
DDN reports from Lambeth’s Aurora Project, a team enterprise with service users at its heart.
REGULARS
4 NEWS ROUND-UP
: New synthetic drug detected in EU ‘every week’ • Minimum alcohol pricing could ‘push
people to black market’ • ‘We can’t arrest our way out of the drug problem’, says White House • Overhaul
consultation for NDTMS • News in brief.
7 MEDIA SAVVY
:
Who’s been saying what..?
11 POLICY SCOPE
:
What’s next for PbR, asks DrugScope’s Marcus Roberts in his first regular column.
11
LEGAL LINE
:
Release solicitor Kirstie Douse answers your legal questions. This issue: challenging
over-zealous police searches.
14
LETTERS
: Value for money; Walk it like you talk it; Good cause; Shop soiled; Inexpert witness.
15 POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE
:
Alcohol can pervade personal and family life, says Dr Chris Ford.
17 VOICES OF RECOVERY
: We’re celebrating differences as well as common bonds, says Alistair Sinclair.
19
FAMILY MATTERS
: Families need to be involved throughout treatment, says Joss Smith in her first regular
column fromAdfam.
22 SOAPBOX:
A culture shift is needed to change the universal religion of drug taking, says Neil McKeganey.
THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE:
JOBS, COURSES, CONFERENCES AND TENDERS
CENTRE-PAGE PULLOUT – SPRING RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT DIRECTORY
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Road to ruin?
Challenging government’s recovery roadmap
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