Institute of Alcohol Studies
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol Alert - May 2025
Alcohol Alert - May 2025
Alcohol Alert - May 2025
Friday 30th May 2025
Dr Will Haydock discusses barriers to alcohol treatment in England and calls for integration into broader health systems. Free services are available locally.
48 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Policy & Advocacy
Financial Health in Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Parenting & Children
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Empowering Alcohol Treatment: Collective Voice's Call
Episode Overview
- Free alcohol treatment services are available locally.
- Stigma and cost misconceptions hinder access.
- Integration into broader health systems is crucial.
- Public awareness of available support is low.
- Collective Voice unites charities for better outcomes.
"There can be almost more shame around having developed a problem with alcohol than with other drugs."
In this insightful episode of the Alcohol Alert podcast, Dr. Will Haydock, Executive Director of Collective Voice, provides a comprehensive overview of the landscape of alcohol treatment services in England. Collective Voice, an alliance of charities, is dedicated to supporting individuals with alcohol and drug issues, aiming to bridge the gap between services and those in need. Dr.
Haydock highlights the availability of free treatment services in every local area, yet acknowledges the significant barriers that prevent individuals from accessing these services. Stigma and the misconception that treatment is costly or inaccessible are major hurdles. He emphasizes the need for a whole-system approach, advocating for the integration of alcohol treatment into broader health and social care frameworks.
The discussion covers the impact of legislative changes, such as the 2012 Health and Social Care Act and the 2021 Drug Strategy, on the commissioning and accessibility of these services. Dr. Haydock expresses concerns about the potential development of a national alcohol strategy, stressing the importance of placing treatment at its core. Collective Voice serves three main audiences: government and policymakers, the charities themselves, and the general public. Dr.
Haydock underscores the need to improve public understanding of alcohol-related issues and available support, noting the current lack of awareness. He also shares his journey into the field, starting with academic research on gender and class issues related to binge drinking and evolving into roles focused on improving treatment services. Dr. Haydock calls for collaborative efforts across the sector to enhance service delivery, offering Collective Voice's resources and expertise to facilitate this.
Ultimately, this episode is a call to action for greater public engagement and understanding. Dr. Haydock invites listeners to consider careers in this dynamic and rewarding sector, advocating for increased collaboration and innovation in addressing alcohol-related challenges.