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‘We are struggling to meet the levels of demand...
we feel “rushed off our feet”... we realise we’re only
scratching the surface of need.’ These comments from the service featured in our cover story (page 8) will
ring true with so many of you. Coming from experienced workers at a community alcohol service, they should
strike a note of panic with those planning the new public health landscape.
With the rise and rise of risky drinking and parallel increase in alcohol-related diseases, there’s a burgeoning
demand on resources at both ends of the spectrum, from prevention and early intervention work to end-of-life
care – a trend that runs completely at odds with the chronic underfunding of alcohol services. Will Public
Health England (PHE) listen to the expertise of specialists in this field? Its head, Duncan Selbie, (page 12) says
he is looking forward to doing just that and making sure policy is evidence based. When PHE launches in the
spring we'll see how responsive his organisation turns out to be to the stark evidence under its nose.
We know life’s tough out there at the moment. This is our eighth anniversary issue and during that time
we’ve seen the treatment landscape change beyond recognition. Let’s hope our sector’s expertise takes its
place alongside value for money in the new Public Health England.
FEATURES
6
NEWS FOCUS
More people are successfully completing treatment, says the NTA.
What’s behind the trends, and can they be maintained, asks DDN.
8
STEMMING THE TIDE
– COVER STORY
Rising demand, increasing bureaucracy and a client group with complex needs are just
some of the challenges facing alcohol services. Hazel Jordan offers a frontline perspective.
10 BETTER THAN CURE
With a bill on compulsory drug and alcohol education going through Parliament,
a new Adfam briefing looks at the role that education can play in prevention. DDN reports.
12 PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE
The first City Health conference set the scene for planting drug and alcohol
treatment at the heart of the new public health agenda. DDN reports.
16 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Methadone’s dominance over Suboxone in substitute prescribing may have
more to do with cost than effectiveness. It could be time for a reassessment,
say Neil McKeganey, Christopher Russell and Lucy Cockayne.
18 VOYAGE OF RECOVERY
With its Voyage of Recovery just completed, David Gilliver talks to Phoenix Futures
chief executive Karen Biggs about overcoming polarisation and embracing change.
20 WARRIOR DOWN
A Calderdale-based service is combining treatment provision with hosting an
emerging recovery community. Michelle Foster explains the ‘warrior down’ concept.
REGULARS
4
NEWS ROUND-UP
: Time for a ‘fresh approach’ to policy, says UKDPC • Scots consider
methadone evidence • Young adults seeking heroin or crack treatment at ‘all-time low’
• Budget cuts could reverse falling drug use rates among young people • News in brief.
7
LEGAL LINE
: Release solicitor Kirstie Douse answers your questions.
This issue: Can I turn a blind eye to my tenants’ cannabis production?
7
MEDIA SAVVY
: Who’s been saying what..?
11 FAMILY MATTERS
: Listening to families can help them deal with stigma, says Joss Smith.
14 ENTERPRISE CORNER
: Helping people regain their stake in society can transform lives, says Amar Lodhia.
14 LETTERS
:
Be careful what you wish for.
17 POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE
:
We must stop talking numbers and develop
a real interest in positive health outcomes, says Dr Steve Brinksman.
21 VOICES OF RECOVERY
:
Only when we start valuing where each individual is now, rather than
where we want them to be, will we be truly recovery orientated, says Alistair Sinclair.
22 MY JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
:
In the third part of her story, Marie Tolman books into rehab.
23 SOAPBOX
:
Evidence-based education is vital to young people’s future, says Yasmin Batliwala.
THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE: COURSES, CONFERENCES AND TENDERS
CENTRE PAGES: AUTUMN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT DIRECTORY
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November 2012 |
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F
EDERATION OF
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RUG AND
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LCOHOL
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ROFESSIONALS
Word to the wise
Why public health must not miss the message
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
57 High Street, Ashford,
Kent TN24 8SG
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