July 17, 2014
Controlled drinking program helps Illawarra residents stay dry after July
A controlled drinking program that will help Illawarra residents cut their alcohol intake will be offered at UOW from Wednesday 6 August.
The annual six-week program, now in its second year, aims to restore an individual’s self-control over their drinking habits so that casual drinks never turn into an unhealthy binge, a nasty hangover or regrettable actions.
Provisional psychologist Carol Keane, one of the program facilitators at UOW’s Northfields clinic, said recent statistics show that 78 per cent of Australians believe there is a problem of excessive drinking in Australia.
“Alcohol is perceived to be the third biggest health threat to Australians after poor diet and lack of physical exercise,” she said.
“Uncontrolled drinking is a learned behaviour and with correct guidance it is possible to re-learn and re-establish controlled drinking. Individuals who want to curb their intake of alcohol can learn to moderate their drinking – and enjoy it – without stopping altogether.”
Ms Keane said more than 30 years of research has shown that controlled drinking group programs produce positive results, with a reduction in alcohol consumption and general improvement in well-being.
She said the UOW program was suitable for individuals who have a mild to moderate dependence on alcohol and are free from serious alcohol-related health problems and severe mental illness.
“The program focuses on: increasing participants’ awareness of difficulties with their current drinking patterns; identifying new alternatives and coping strategies; and learning ways of putting it all into practice.”
Individuals can self-refer to this program by contacting the Northfields Clinic on 02 4221 3747. Sessions are held during the early evening. All participants must attend a pre-group assessment and have a GP health check before the program. Cost for the assessment and six-week program is $75 or $50 concession. The next group begins on 6.00pm Wednesday 6 August at the Northfields Clinic at UOW.
Media contact: Provisional Psychologist Carol Keane, +61 2 4221 3747 or cw972@uowmail.edu.au.