Bristol police pilots alcohol abuse referral scheme

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by Change | 2 Dec 2008

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Arrested alcohol abusers in Bristol will receive counselling or rehab treatment referrals as part of a pilot scheme.

A new scheme has been launched in the Bristol area to refer those arrested while engaging in alcohol abuse to rehab treatment programmes.

One of ten pilot initiatives being operated around the country, detainees will be offered a counselling session in the morning.

When there are symptoms of alcohol addiction, the referral worker will point them towards rehab services which can help them overcome their problem.

In cases of alcohol abuse, they will try and make the individual recognise the effect their consumption is having on their health, behaviour and on others.

Dr Hugh Annett, director of public health for Bristol, says the scheme hopes to allow the authorities to nip problematic drinking "in the bud".

"We want people to understand the danger they are putting themselves and others in because of heavy drinking before it really gets out of hand," he states.

As part of the Safer Bristol Partnership (SBP), NHS Bristol and the Avon and Somerset constabulary have received Home Office funding for the scheme.

Other organisations involved in the SBP include the area's Probation Service, fire and rescue, Crown Prosecution Service and the Drug Service Provider's Forum.

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