Alcohol

There are two main ways of tackling alcohol related harm:

• policy and environmental interventions - these have an impact on the availability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability of alcohol, which influences buying habits and consumption levels
• treatment interventions

Increase treatment numbers and reduce unmet need for alcohol

Targeting at risk populations through the Peer Advocacy project and IPS (Individual Placement Support) helping those in structured treatment go back to work.

Recovery-based support at Stockton-on-Tees Recovery Service, including:

• harm reduction
• psycho-social interventions
• groups
• community detox
• referrals to residential rehab

Monitoring treatment numbers against agreed Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) targets and looking for ways to increase engagement with Stockton-on-Tees Recovery Service.

Promoting local treatment and support services, including outreach into the Wellbeing Hub.

Reduce alcohol related morbidity and mortality

Ways to reduce alcohol related morbidity and mortality are:

• through Alcohol Care Teams in North Tees hospital
• commissions on impatient detox bed across Hartlepool and North Tees Hospitals (based at North Tees)
• to promote and encourage uptake of fibroscans and associated pathways, within the inpatient detox service at North Tees and at GP surgeries
• working with partners on the complex lives workstream

Improvement of system pathways and service delivery

Ways to improve system pathways and service delivery are:

• respond to findings from the substance use Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) and service review
• have local consultation with residents, organisations and commissioned services
• monitor local data and intelligence, responding to local need with an evidence-based approach