13 Drink Drivers Arrested Every Day In Manchester Area

M.E.N. Article Link

Punish The Behaviour or Treat The Condition? We think BOTH!

There are more background stories and reasons as to why someone will drink drive than pebbles on a beach, and for anyone who has lost someone to a drink driver, not one reason is good enough.

As an experienced specialist addictions counsellor I applaud the efforts to reduce the amount of drink induced death and injury. A police cell is a great time to honestly admit to oneself that you have a problem. Often the drink/drive is the final rock bottom for a progressive relationship with alcohol that has left the good times far behind. The problem drinker needs good treatment.
I have found that a small percentage of drink drivers have just taken their last drink at the point of being arrested, because with the right balance of legal intervention, honest family and friends and a court / probation who are willing to work with an experienced independent therapist, then an abstinent based care plan can be put in place.
No one ever got drunk if they never took the first drink. I often work with individuals who have had long standing problems. The drink drive is the perfect opportunity for family, friends, society and the law to say enough is enough, but punishment is not a treatment for the psychology of dependence on drink or any other addiction for that matter. Good treatment is essential. Bill Stevens Addictions Counsellor & Family Interventionist at www.redchair.co.uk

How We Can Help

RedChair will meet with a person facing a drink drive for a therapeutic assessment with a view to assisting in a care plan where the person is Genuinely and Honestly willing to pursue a treatment for their condition. A formal assessment, a court report and working with probation can result in a sentence that supports a clear abstinence based change supported by effective therapy. The sentencing can then be quite tough if the person fails to remain sober and represents with an alcohol induced criminal outcome. This velvet glove approach understands that addiction to alcohol is a treatable condition when the individual is able to consistently engage in a program of personal change.

Of course, sober persons will never re-offend.