What about confidentiality?

Drinksense is a confidential service. Attendance at any of our services is not shared with third parties without your consent. What you say within Drinksense is confidential to us. We would need to look at broadening this if there was a court subpoena, a child protection issue or if we were concerned about someone harming themselves or someone else.

Where are Drinksense services available?

Services are available across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. Please see the pages on the location services to see what is available where you live. Fenland, Cambridge, Peterborough & Huntingdonshire.

Why do we need a service for young people?

Statistically, more than half of 13 year olds have tried alcohol. 1 in 5 11-15 year olds drink alcohol every week.

Research links alcohol to specific areas of risk for young people. These include:

• Aggressive and violent behaviour
• Unprotected sex
• Alcohol poisoning
• Crime an offending
• Mental health issues

Young peoples service

What age does the young person’s service cover?

The service is available to young people until they are 25. The Intensive Assertive Outreach Service ( Peterborough only) is for young people up to the age of 19. Young peoples service

I am worried about someone else’s drinking, what can I do?

You can ring us and discuss your concerns, and/or you can come in and talk to our relative’s worker.

While only the drinker can take responsibility for truly changing his or her behaviour, this service can offer support to you if you feel you are affected by another’s drinking. Support for Relatives.

How can I access the service?

You can refer yourself by telephoning us for an appointment, or attend a walk-in session at your local Drinksense office (please see the contact page for details of your nearest service).

What is there for young people?

We deliver educational work and campaigns on alcohol and risk taking behaviour and anti-social behaviour within schools and other youth settings and outreach work within youth settings to young people and young people affected by another’s use of alcohol. Young peoples service.

Can I get help through my GP?

In some areas we can provide you with counselling, therapy and support services within your own GP setting. Fenland, Huntingdonshire.

What about people who are homeless and affected by alcohol issues?

Drinksense has provision at jost sites for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their tenancy. The workers can meet with people out in the community and discuss their needs and what services either Drinksense or other agencies can provide.

Can I just stop drinking?

If you drink heavily over a period of time, it may reach a stage where your body is so used to having a certain level of alcohol on board that you may become ill without it. Medical assistance is often needed to help people through this stage, which can be dangerous as well as unpleasant. Health.

What is a detox?

If your body is dependent on alcohol, you may want to explore the option of medically monitoring alcohol withdrawal treatment. We are able to make referrals into local services that can provide this support. For further details on detoxifying, please go to our Health Page.

What is rehab?

In short, rehab is not an easy solution. There are centres throughout the country that offer a range of services where anyone with a serious drink problem might take time away from their usual environment and undergo a more formalised therapeutic programme.

In Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, Drinksense offer community based services to enable anyone experiencing problems with alcohol whilst staying in their home and family environment.

What is binge drinking?

Government guidelines advise that adult women should drink no more that 2-3 units and adult men no more than 3-4 units per day. Any more than this in one sitting is classed as ‘binge drinking’.

These drinks contain 1 unit:

• 1 half-pint of ordinary strength beer, lager or cider (3.5%)
• 1 small (125ml) glass of wine (8%)
• 1 single (25ml) measure of spirits (37.5%)

Extra strong beers, lagers and ciders can contain up to three units.

Do I have a problem?

People often want to know “Am I an alcoholic?” a more useful question may be “Is my drinking causing problems for me or other people?” If the answer is yes, then drink is a problem to you. You might find it useful to complete the quiz ‘Do you think you have a problem with alcohol?’ Please click on the link below.

http://www.downyourdrink.org.uk/
assessment.php

This will not be a diagnosis, but it may help you make an informed decision as to what to do next.