Learning Disabilities and Alcohol/Substance Misuse

There is anecdotal and statistical evidence indicating that Britain has a serious epidemic of alcohol and substance misuse. For the individual and those around them this can devastate the quality of life.

People who have Learning Disabilities are no less influenced by the factors that lead to the resulting difficulties nor indeed suffer less from the consequences. There are specific challenges for people with Learning Disabilities regarding alcohol and substance misuse and this course aims to help learners understand these and approach supporting people in this area in a sensitive and effective manner.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this training learners should be able to understand:

• Current statistics of alcohol/ substance use in the UK
• DSM definitions
• Why people use/misuse alcohol/substances
• The consequences of use
        -short term
        -longer term
        -on those around them
• Recovery;:
        -the choices
        -effectiveness
• A brief introduction to the Cycle of Change and principles underpinning Motivational Interviewing
• Why people with Learning Disabilities may use
• Are their reasons any different from anyone else?
• Particular vulnerabilities and influences
• Supporting people with Learning Disabilities who want help
• Why people with Learning Disabilities may resist help
• The idea of significant ‘Secondary Gain’
• The dilemmas for those offering support:
        -Issues of responsible Intervention, Control and Neglect
        -A life choice?
        -The capacity to decide (incl. aspects of The Mental Capacity Act)
• A respectful approach
• Resources available

Course content:

• Tutor presentations
• OHP/PowerPoint
• Word shower
• Group work
• Handouts
• Feedback Chalk and talk
• Case studies

CP172/5.9