Sam Tearle Service Development Manager West Sussex Drug Alcohol Action Team

Alcohol Consumption In Sussex Alcohol more affordable and accessible Relatively high rates of drinking in region Yearly increases over last five years Recommended daily limits; –Men 3-4 units –Women 2-3 units

Alcohol Consumption In Sussex Men more frequent binge drinkers (8+/6+) Female drinking on increasing 12% Moderate to heavy drinkers (< 50/35) 3.5% Very heavy drinkers (>50/35) 26% men and 16% women drink more than 5 times per week (>national average) 25% of Y.O.’s regularly drink excessively

Those drinking above daily safe guidelines during previous week

Alcohol Prevention 2004 National Harm Reduction Strategy; –Education and Communication –Identification and Treatment –Alcohol related crime and disorder –Supply and Industry Responsibility Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers 2006 –Treatment commissioning guidelines –Integrated Care Pathways Local Harm reduction policies currently being developed

Biggest Challenge Over last ten years Government have invested heavily in drug treatment but NOT alcohol 130k Euros per region for alcohol harm reduction and treatment! Need to build on existing services

Example of Alcohol Prevention Crawley Alcohol Arrest Referral Scheme Aim to reduce alcohol related crime especially recidivism rates Close partnership with Police and treatment agencies –Deliver brief Interventions to those arrested for alcohol related crimes –Upto six brief interventions –Referral to treatment agencies