Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol

Drinking and driving poses a risk of serious injury and death to yourself and other road users. The body takes ONE hour to process ONE unit of alcohol and so you may still be over the limit the morning after a night of drinking. The police sometimes stop early morning drivers.

How would I know that my drinking is a problem?
Answer either yes or no to each of these questions. Over the past year:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, please seek help as you may be at an increased risk of problem drinking or alcoholism.

If you are physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly cutting down or stopping completely can cause withdrawal symptoms, some of which are potentially life threatening. A planned withdrawal or detoxification with the help of a health professional can help you to stop safely.

Using drugs with or without alcohol
Carries serious risks. If your night out includes drug use go to www.talktofrank.com or consider
calling Swanswell for advice and support.

Where can I get expert information and family support and treatment?
You can talk to your GP, practice nurse or hospital doctor or nurse.
Worcestershire drugs and alcohol treatment and recovery service provided by Swanswell at the
following contact points
Evesham 01386 423 407
Worcester 01905 721 020
Kidderminster 01562 510 330
Redditch 01527 406 920
Young Peoples service – contact Swanswell

Alcoholics Anonymous 0121 211 0111
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous helpline 0300 999 1212
Cocaine Anonymous helpline 0300 111 2285
Drinkline National Helpline 0300 123 1110
Other helpful websites
www.drinksafely.info
www.nhs.uk.livewell/alcohol/
www.drinkaware.co.uk
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:
Contact your GP
NHS 111: Telephone 111
Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
In an emergency telephone 999

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