Detox
“To provide an informed and supportive group environment to enable an individual to withdraw from alcohol safely.”
The initial assessment is aimed at helping the individual to decide what changes they want to make and the best way forward for them. They may choose for us to liaise with their GP to facilitate a supported community detox, to be referred to the Alcohol Team at Colston Fort (formerly the Robert Smith Unit) or they may prefer to reduce their alcohol intake gradually over time. If a community detox is chosen, the project will monitor the physical symptoms on a daily basis wherever possible and liaise with the GP in order to ensure the correct amount of medication is working effectively.
The support of a group, all aiming for a similar goal, can be very powerful and it can help individuals not to feel so isolated in their struggle. In these early days, the group sessions focus on identifying internal and external cues, triggers and strategies for cutting down. The group, itself, provides support and a broad focus.
It is really important to wait for a physical assessment before a person begins to cut back or stop their alcohol intake.
Post Detox the SWAN Project is committed to nurturing physical health. We aim to acknowledge and celebrate the achievement of abstinence before moving onto the next stage of recovery.
