New guide to help identify drug and alcohol abuse in loved ones, colleagues and employees

A valuable guide, designed to help identify substance abuse in loved ones, colleagues and employees is now available. ëBeginning Recoveryí is the title of the new guide, published by Winthrop Hall - the UKís only purpose built drug and alcohol treatment centre.

Coping with the stresses and strains of modern living can be a test for the toughest of resolves. Some find themselves unable to cope with work pressures, financial problems or family difficulties, and find themselves pushed over the edge, forced to seek solace in alcohol and other substances.

Research carried out by the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance* found that 21% of adult Londoners are harmful users of alcohol, and 1% of Londonís 7.5 million population are problematic drug users. New research from the CIPD and People Management magazine*, reveals that four out of ten employers believe alcohol misuse to be a significant cause of employee absence and lost productivity, while one third of organisations report that drug misuse has a similarly negative effect in the workplace.

According to the Cabinet Office, 2.8 million people in England were thought to be dependent drinkers in 2003, 1.2 million of those in employment. With between 10 and 17 million working days per year lost, the cost of absenteeism through alcohol abuse was estimated at a staggering 1.2 - 1.8 billion, with the total estimated cost to the economy at that time at around 18.5 - 20 billion.

For many, the problem is not obvious. However, there may be a number of noticeable changes that are out-of-character.

Symptoms to look out for:

ï Changes in behaviour or routine ñ missing appointments, coming home late, going out at odd times

ï Evasiveness and vagueness

ï Mood swings - irritability, aggression, depression or euphoria

ï Taking less pride in appearance, poor skin or a weight loss problem

ï Hand tremors and regular sweats

ï Increased secretiveness or lack of openness, even lying

ï Changes in finances, running out of money or money going missing

All of these symptoms can point to a crisis. Itís not always easy for the user to admit they have a problem, and trying to help can often lead to confrontation. People sometimes think they can resolve the problem themselves without proper treatment, but if self-help with the support of friends, family, employers and colleagues has not worked, then professional help is the answer.

Itís important to remember that help is always at hand - but itís getting the right help that counts. A copy of the ëBeginning Recoveryí guide, offering practical advice on recognising symptoms plus information for getting treatment for substance abuse, is available by calling Winthrop Hall on 01580 894334.

Other support organisations include:
The National Alcohol Helpline: 0800 917 8282
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
FRANK: The National Drug Helpline: 0800 776600

* sources:
Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance ñ London: The Highs and the Lows 2 (January 2007)
CIPD and People Management Magazine - Managing Drug and Alcohol Misuse at Work survey (September 2007)
Cabinet Office

For more details on Winthrop Hall, call 01580 894334.