Alcohol Advice & Information
Alcoholism : A primary disorder and chronic disease, progressive and often fatal where an individual is dependent on alcohol.
How common is it?
Alcohol Dependency is by far the most common addiction and is responsible for the deaths of many thousands of people every year. Government figures suggest that up to 9.7% of the UK population may be classified as dependent on alcohol.
How do I know if I have it?
People who are concerned should always seek a professional assessment. Some symptoms are more easily detected by the drinkeror family and friends of the individual: 1) loss of control once drinking has started; 2) withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild tremors to frightening hallucinations; 3) Noticeable changes in the effects alcohol has on the individual over time.
How do people develop it?
The condition is characterised by the fact that the sufferer, despite many attempts at control, finds that their drinking and the attendant consequences continues to get worse over the period, and the dependent person's guilt, shame and remorse levels become increasingly more burdensome. Attempts to stop can result in withdrawal symptoms which are relieved by taking more alcohol. Attempts at control ('just a couple of drinks won't hurt') almost always end in drunkenness, and things seem to get progressively worse. In extremes, suicide may seem the best option as depression and severe anxiety coupled with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness often accompany addiction to alcohol.
Can it be inherited?
Although an actual gene has not been identified there is considerable evidence of genetic predisposition to the illness, through studies of twins and apocryphal evidence.
Can it be cured?
Alcoholism is almost impossible to overcome alone, but with the help of others, a large number of people find recovery.
Choosing the right alcohol rehab centre depends on a variety of factors such as price, location, quality of accommodation, shared or single rooms, duration and content of the treatment programme. Rehab centres also vary in their ability to deal successfully with detoxification, medical and psychiatric problems. Probably the most important consideration is to match the individual to the rehab centre that is most likely to lead to a successful outcome.
There are almost a million children living with an alcoholic parent(s) in the UK today, many of them hiding their problems, living in fear and without support.
Some children of alcoholics may not experience obvious forms of abuse, but suffer from neglect or a chronic lack of little things, which are so crucial to the wellbeing of us all.
Some are exposed to rage, violence and abuse on a daily basis, which become part of the unpredictable and inconsistent environment in which they live. Nacro research shows that aggression within the family environment is six times more common when parents suffer from alcoholism.
NACOA was founded to provide information, advice and support for children of alcoholics and people concerned for their welfare
Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen
Islwyn Drug & Alcohol Project
IDAP offer a range of drug and alcohol treatment and information services.
For more information on how to access IDAPs drug and alcohol services please
Tel:01495 229299 or
Email: idap@btconnect.com
In2change Project (Abstinence based Residential Rehab )
Ty-Palmyra
3 PalmyraPlace
Newport
Gwent
Wales
NP20 4EJ
Tel: 01633 263185
Trothway@in2change.freeserve
G.A.P
Gwent Alcohol Project (GAP) is an initiative of the Gwent Alcohol and Drug Misuse, a registered charity, and is currently funded by Gwent Health Authority, the Welsh Assembly and the four Unitary Authorities of Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen. The Project also enjoys the benefits of a Partnership Agreement with Gwent Probation Service.
How can Gwent Alcohol Project help?
GAP offers a range of services for people who are living in Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire who are concerned about their own or someone else's drinking.
What does counselling involve?
With a trained counsellor you can talk about your problems and your feelings in a confidential and supportive environment. He or she will help you to identify the things to want to change and support you as you make those changes. You will be treated with respect and you won't be told what to do.
Counselling sessions usually last about an hour and may be a one-off appointment, a few fortnightly sessions, or take place over a longer period of time; whatever you want.
You can choose to see the counsellor alone or bring a friend or relative with you.
If you would like free and confidential information or counselling, please phone for information or to make an appointment.
Telephone 01633 252045 Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.
Cardiff
Cardiff Alcohol & Drug Team
Providing practical help, guidance, counselling and community care for people with drug and alcohol problems, and their families.
029 2046 8555 - Counselling Team
029 2046 8568 - Social Work Team
Cardiff Alcohol & Drug Team
House 54
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
Community Addictions Unit
Providing multi-disciplinary service including medical advice, in-patient and outpatient detox, advice and support, drop-in needle exchange.
029 2046 1742
Family Support Project
Provides support and creates new opportunities for children, families and close friends affected by alcohol and drugs, including - prevention projects, community initiatives, self help and support services.
029 2046 8555
Swansea
Alcohol & Drug Advice Centre
40 St. James Cresent
Swansea
SA1 6DR
Tel: 01792 472519
West Glamorgan Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse Ltd
30 Victoria Gardens
Neath, SA11 3BH
Tel: 01639 620 222
West Glamorgan Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (Port Talbot)
46 Talbot Rd
Port Talbot, SA13 1HY
Tel: 01639 890 863
Rhoserchan
Residential drug & alcohol rehabilitation
Capel Seion
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 4ED
Tel: 01970 611127
Fax: 01970 625447
EMAIL: enquiries@rhoserchan.org.uk
