Damascus Health Services

About us - Information for consumers and carers
Questions you may have about staying with us?
Finding Us
About Dependence
Our Involvement in Clinical Research

About Us

What is Damascus?

‘Damascus’, as it was then known, was originally established in 1980 as a convalescent home, for people dependent on alcohol or prescription drugs, at a property at Carseldine, just north of Brisbane. The unit at Carseldine was established by the late Father Gerry Nichol, himself a rehabilitated alcoholic, and offered assistance to members of the clergy and health care professionals whom he felt were not able to obtain appropriate treatment from existing services.

Demand for this service increased and the need for the establishment of a need-dedicated and purpose-designed unit based at Brisbane Private Hospital (formerly The Holy Spirit Hospital) was clear. This new facility opened in October 1990.

Since that time the range of services provided has expanded even further. Consequently what was known as The Damascus Unit was re-named Damascus Health Services in 2003. In 2004 a dedicated detoxification and assessment unit was established and was named the Gerry Nichol Unit (GNU). In turn this allowed the main Damascus Unit to expand its range of therapeutic programs and services.

At the present time Damascus Health Services is being fully renovated. This will enable the two units i.e. the Gerry Nichol Unit and the main Damascus Unit to re-combine under one roof in late 2009.

The service remains dedicated solely to the voluntary treatment of people with problems related to the use of alcohol and prescription drugs. It has successfully combined the highest levels of patient care with modern medical services and facilities. Because the service is located within a general hospital environment in the Brisbane Private Hospital, it is able to provide treatment in a private and confidential way. The environment is caring and non judgmental. It is supportive for both men and women. Family and significant others are encouraged to be involved in the treatment process if that is the patient’s wish. We aim to enhance each person’s sense of human dignity and maximize the quality of life.

We seek to address the spiritual, psychological and physical needs of each unique human being, regardless of race, colour or creed by providing a professional caring environment. We believe in the right of each individual to have access to quality care and that each person is to be treated with dignity and respect.

Programs are offered on either an inpatient or day patient basis, depending on the needs of the patient. Individual and group therapy sessions are available. Patients are admitted through an accredited doctor. Specific management plans are developed. The plans are designed taking into account the personal, spiritual and social aspects of each patient.

Inpatients have a private room with their own phone. Staff support is available 24 hours a day.

Treatment Options

Model of care

At Damascus we provide detoxification and treatment for patients with alcohol and / or prescription drug problems in a private hospital setting. The treatment modality is primarily group cognitive-behavioural therapy, based on a relapse prevention and coping skills model.

Treatment goals

Short-term goals include successful withdrawal, stabilization of physical and psychological status, increased self efficacy to cope with high risk situations, improved communication skills and the management of mood fluctuations, anxiety and depression.
Longer-term goals include decreased risk of relapse and fewer negative consequences of alcohol or drug use.

Treatment services

When patients are admitted the treatment emphasis is safe withdrawal. During this time a very thorough physical and psychological assessment is undertaken and patients are provided with individual counselling sessions. As soon as their physical and psychological health allows them to, they can start the 2-week therapeutic program. Generally patients stay in hospital for the 2- week program. However with appropriate social supports certain patients can attend on a day only basis.

At the conclusion of the 2- week group program most patients are discharged from inpatient care and then return to our Follow Up Group Program. The focus of this is relapse prevention. It helps patients develop confidence and skills to resist alcohol or drug usage and increases the probability of total abstinence.

Additionally we also offer the following services:

Couples’ program (there is good evidence that more enduring change occurs when the partner is involved in treatment)
Fortnightly Family (or Significant Other) Mornings
Relapse prevention admissions.

The Two Week Therapeutic Program

This program is based on a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and social/ coping skills model.
During the program patients explore the link between thoughts and behaviours and develop a range of strategies for overcoming psychological dependence on alcohol, or other substances.

Patients also have a chance to re-establish old useful skills, or develop new coping skills, under clinical supervision, to manage all aspects of their life without alcohol or drugs being an integral part of that activity or event.

This approach to therapy is relatively brief, structured and goal orientated with homework tasks designed to encourage patients to develop and practise coping skills. The emphasis is on encouraging patients to ‘unlearn’ old unhealthy habits and replace them with new effective alternatives. Therefore, a significant part of treatment occurs in a group setting.

Patients whose problem is mainly associated with alcohol are also encouraged to attend the local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. When well enough, and with the doctor’s OK, patients are given leave and attendance at AA meetings is recommended. There are 3 meetings held on Level 3 of the Brisbane Private Hospital Specialist Centre each week, these include an open group on Wednesday nights at 8:00pm.

Follow Up Program

It is usually not difficult to remain abstinent or substance free whilst in Damascus Health Services as this is a safe environment. However, when people return to their 'reality' it is often much more difficult to remain abstinent. For this reason, on-going support after discharge is strongly encouraged and highly recommended.

Our Follow Up Program has been developed to offer support to stay abstinent, as patients face their 'real' world and those people who are part of their ongoing life.

Day Patient attendance needs to be approved by each patient’s Doctor.

Whilst here for the Day Patient Follow-Up Program, patients will also have an opportunity for a 1:1 session with the day nurse if required.

Groups are offered each weekday starting at 8:30am. Many patients come in early and have breakfast.

Fortnightly Family (or Significant Other) Mornings

The involvement of a family member, or of a significant other, can make a huge difference to the recovery process. Therefore a family member, or significant other, providing that they are 17 years or over, can be invited to our ‘Family and Significant Others’ morning. This is held once every 2 weeks on a Thursday from 9:00am to Midday in Damascus Health Services, 4th Floor of the Brisbane Private Hospital Specialist Centre.

The format of this morning allows for patients to attend a group while the significant other attends another group.

The agenda for the Family / Significant Other Group includes:

education about both the Damascus Program and Substance Dependence
how to “support” their family member without “over-monitoring” and
how to have realistic expectations about the future.

It also provides an opportunity to ventilate feelings, thoughts and fears.

After a combined morning tea, there is a group that is used to help plan what is going to occur after discharge from a Damascus Program. Issues such as rebuilding trust, necessary behaviour and routine changes etc, will be discussed. Together, patients and their family member / significant tother begin working on a practical plan to promote abstinence after discharge. This is a process that will provide some clarity for those involved in relation to “Where do we go from here?”

Although at times this process might be confronting for both parties, it is a beneficial part of looking towards the future in a positive way.

Relapse Prevention Program

Successful relapse prevention and management is essentially about gaining knowledge and skills to help one recognise and effectively cope with issues and triggers that contribute to relapse, and to prevent any lapse from escalating into a total relapse.

The Damascus Health Services ‘Weekend Relapse Prevention Program’ was implemented to enable geographically remote patients and 'vulnerable' patients to access support and maintain treatment gains after normal business hours. Participant develop knowledge, skills and confidence in addressing potential triggers of relapse and high risk factors.

The Couples’ Program

As a part of the recovery process we encourage patients to look at how their family is functioning. Dependence can affect family members. This tends to show itself through the loss of mutual positive feelings for each other and an increase in conflict. Unfortunately many couples lack the necessary communication skills to resolve these problems.

The Damascus Health Services ‘Couples Program’ has been developed in recognition of this to address four key areas essential for relationship growth.

It aims to:

provide an opportunity to begin to address some of the issues being experienced as part of the relationship explore reactions and responses to your substance use, and the impact it has on relationships
explore responsibility for decisions and behaviour
rebuild relationships by:
increasing positive exchanges
developing effective communication skills
learning how to problem solve more effectively
planning to work together for continued sobriety

The approach taken is designed to assist couples stabilise sobriety and their marital and family relationships. This approach has proven to be successful in helping couples rebuild and strengthen their relationship where alcohol and/or prescription drugs have been a problem.

These sessions are run in the evening. This Program is only available to patients after discharge from a Damascus Program. Patients must be substance-free before participating. All former patients are breathalysed on entry to the clinic.

Refreshments, including a light supper are provided. Patient of Damascus are strongly encouraged to invite their partners to attend the Couples Therapy Program.

Other Services

Pre-planned telephone follow up by nursing staff for 6 months following discharge
24 hour telephone hotline for any patients who are struggling
Drop-in service
Brief intervention in smoking cessation
Celebration Day
Full medical / surgical support
Physiotherapy
Dietician

The Treatment Team

Our Doctors
Other team members

A ‘multi discipline’ team approach, designed to meet a broad range of patient needs and characteristics, is used. Coming from a range of healthcare professions, the team has many years of experience in this highly specialised field.

Our specialised staff are dedicated to:

Understanding each person’s needs throughout all stages of therapy
Providing a caring and supportive environment for treatment
Respecting the need for the privacy of each person
Providing patients with skills to cope with difficulties, as they arise
Addressing related issues such as personal conflict, spiritual needs and marital, family or work related problems
Treating each person with dignity and respect

Dr David Storor (Consultant psychiatrist and Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine) is the Medical Advisor to the team and the service.

Referrals and Bookings

A General Practitioner (GP) needs to contact an accredited Damascus doctor to arrange admission. If your GP is unfamiliar with the doctors who admit to Damascus Health Services feel free to contact the service on 07 3834 6475.

Organise your consultation with the doctor that your GP has referred you to. If your chosen (Damascus) doctor feels that you would benefit from treatment at Damascus Health Service they will contact the Manager and organise your admission. The manager will contact you after your doctor has been in touch with her.

Once a booking is confirmed by the Manager of Damascus Health Services, patients should call 1300 880 207 to register their details.

Costs

Before admission check that your health insurance will cover the cost of admission.

Questions you may have about staying with us?

How can I get admitted to Damascus Health Services?

First step

Get a GP referral to one of the accredited alcohol and drug specialists who admit to Damascus Health Services.
If your GP doesn’t know any of these specialists then you can phone Damascus Health Services on 07 3834 6475 and request a list of accredited specialists, or get your GP to phone.

Second step

Organise your specialist consultation with the admitting specialist that you and your GP have selected. If your chosen specialist feels that you would benefit from treatment at Damascus Health Service they will contact the Manager and organise your admission. The Manager will contact you after the specialist has been in contact with her.

What will my health fund cover?

As every health fund is different you really need to contact your fund to find out about the extent to which they cover you. As a rule this means that you will need to be covered for mental health or psychiatric services. As well as an account from the hospital you can also expect separate accounts from the doctors who treat you i.e. your admitting doctor, the pathology and radiology companies’ doctors. If you need other specialised services such as physiotherapy, for instance if you have a chronic pain condition, then you might also need to factor in how much that will cost.

When can I come to hospital?

After the Manager, or her delegate, contacts you the final details of your admission can be arranged. Sometimes there can be a short waiting period because demand for our services is high. Do not come to hospital until you have had a chance to arrange final details with the Manager.

I am very nervous about the decision to come to hospital. Is this normal?

Just about everyone feels anxious about coming into hospital for any type of treatment, including treatment for substance dependence. In fact we’d be surprised if you weren’t feeling a little apprehensive. After all this is a big step that you are taking; a life changing step in fact.

What can I expect when I arrive?

As a rule you will be cared for in the medically supervised withdrawal (detox) area for a few days. Several people will assess you during this time: your admitting specialist, nursing staff, and your assigned allied health professional. You might also need to be checked over by the consulting physician and you are most likely going to need blood tests and possibly some x-rays or similar tests.

What should I bring with me?

Please do not bring too many belongings as storage space is limited. Valuable items should be left at home as the hospital does not take responsibility for items that are lost or stolen. The main items to bring with you are:

All medication~ that you are currently taking and prescriptions for these.
An alarm clock.
Comfortable clothing (even though the building is air conditioned it can get quite cool, especially overnight so a track suit top, jacket or cardigan is always handy)
Toiletries including sun screen if you decide to do some walking
Hair dryer*
Walking shoes
Hat
Mobile phone or phone card (STD calls cannot be made from your bedside phone without a phone card)
Relaxation CDs if you find these helpful
Only a small amount of money for the soft drink and confectionary vending machines.

*Electrical equipment needs to be checked and approved by the hospital electrician prior to its use.
~On arrival please hand all medications and prescriptions over to a staff member. While you are a patient a nurse will dispense your medications from the medication room. You are encouraged to present to the staff station when your medication is due as self-responsibility is encouraged in this environment.

Are there things that I should not bring with me?

Preferably leave valuable items at home as the hospital does not take responsibility for items that are lost or stolen (however there is an option of leaving valuables in the hospital safe at the admission desk).

Because of the risk of abuse, high-energy drinks that contain caffeine or guarana are not permitted on the unit. However sachets of coffee are supplied in both caffeinated and de-caffeinated forms.

How do you protect my privacy and confidentiality?

Please use given names only and respect the confidentiality of everyone you meet, even after discharge.

Will someone help me get settled?

During your admission to Damascus Health Services you will be orientated to the environment and to the program. Don’t hesitate to ask for a second orientation if this would help you understand matters such as group session times, meal times, processes for taking leave etc.

What is detox?

Detoxification occurs as your body rids itself of the substance that you have been dependent on. During this process you will be overcoming your physical dependence on alcohol, or other substances. The time frame varies according to your pattern of usage and the specific substance that you have been using. During this process our nursing staff will be monitoring you closely, measuring your vital signs (observations) and administering medication to you as necessary. Our goal is to keep you comfortable.

When is ‘lights out’ time?

In consideration of all patients and to promote good sleep habits, we encourage you to go to bed sufficiently early to have a good night’s sleep and prepare for the next day’s programs. Generally you ought to be in bed no later than 11:00pm. Relaxation CDs are available on loan.

It is your responsibility to wake yourself. However staff might assist in waking you on an occasional ad hoc basis.

What are the treatment teams?

Soon after admission you will be assigned to one of two teams. Your team, made up of a psychologist or other allied health professional and nursing staff along with your doctor are responsible for co-ordinating your care. This means that your care will be over-seen by staff familiar with your particular circumstances for the duration of your involvement with Damascus Health Services.

Your team will complete a comprehensive assessment with you and will be available throughout your admission (and beyond) to be of assistance in planning and implementing your recovery plan.
If you wish to discuss any issues or require assistance related to your admission, a nurse is always available. Individual sessions are an important part of treatment. You are encouraged to use these.

Do I need to attend groups?

Attendance at all groups is expected unless otherwise specified.
You are encouraged to arrange all your commitments outside of group times. It is important to let your admitting doctor and nursing staff know in advance of any medical or allied health appointments (e.g. dentist, physiotherapist etc) that you have previously arranged and will be attending while a patient Damascus Health Services. There is an outline of the program in the workbook that you will receive on admission.

Can I smoke?

While we recognise each individual’s right in this matter, it is vital that a program devoted to health and overcoming addictions also ensures that nicotine addiction is addressed. It is also important that we protect non smokers from cigarette smoke. There is overwhelming evidence that passive smoke taken in by those nearby smokers is even more dangerous to health than the smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette.

If you want to quit smoking while you are a patient of Damascus Health Services see one of the staff who has been especially trained to help you. They will be able to undertake an assessment and provide guidance in ways that will help you give up (each person is likely to need a slightly different approach). Don’t forget to let your doctor know that you would like to quit. Nicotine Replacement Therapy may be helpful. Feel free to take any leaflets or literature that we provide about smoking. If there isn’t anything there to meet your needs then speak with a staff member.
If you would prefer, call the Quit line on 13 7848.

The specifics of our smoking policy include:

Damascus Health Service is smoke free.
Patients are able to smoke in the pergola area at the front of the hospital from 6:00am until 8:30pm providing their doctor has granted them local leave.
Patients who are intoxicated and are in active withdrawal are not permitted to smoke. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available for your use.
Patients are expected not to be late or miss groups, appointments or other activities because they want to smoke. Cigarette smoking must be timed around these activities not vice versa.

Why can’t I have a television or meals in my room?

Most people who come into hospital for treatment of substance dependence tend to be uncomfortable in social situations without their substance of choice to rely on. Therefore while you are at Damascus Health Services it is important that you have the chance to socialise with others without being dependent on a substance to help. For this reason we encourage you to be out of your room as much as possible, to socialise, share meal times and other community activities with others.

May I bring my DVD player and computer to hospital?

To make the most of your time at Damascus Health Services we ask that you do not bring a DVD player to hospital and that you restrict the use of computers until after 6:00pm each day. Our goal is to have you out of your room a much as possible to socialise with others.

Why are the doors to Damascus Health Services locked?

The front door is locked to keep people out, not to lock people in! The doors are always unlocked from within the unit. We restrict access to ensure that your privacy is maintained.

Can I have leave from Damascus Health Services?

You need to discuss leave with your admitting doctor. Usually when patients are undergoing detox, for safety reasons, leave is not granted. However after you are through detox your doctor will grant you some leave. We ask that you sign the ‘leave list’. This means that our staff always know where patients are in case of emergency attend all groups and therapeutic sessions.
Return to the unit no later than 9:00pm.

May I drive?

Patients are not permitted to drive, even when on leave, without written permission from their doctor. Patients who do have permission to drive should are not allowed to transport other patients in their vehicle.

May I have visitors?

Visitors should be advised to phone prior to visiting so as not to interrupt any therapeutic sessions that you might be attending. To protect patient privacy and confidentiality we ask that your guests restrict their visits to the visitors’ lounge. You are welcome to make tea or coffee for them.
Communal areas are available for patients to engage in social interaction and enjoy the company of co-patients.

We ask that you;

Refrain from socialising in co-patients’ rooms.
Discourage those wishing to do so in your room.
Consider using the veranda for socialising.

After discharge from Damascus Health Service we discourage former patients from visiting the Service for the purpose of visiting other patients. Your attention is drawn to the information sheet, “Involvement with Other Patients”.

Will I be tested for alcohol or drug use?

All patients, regardless of their substance of dependence, are breathalysed* when they return from anywhere outside Damascus Health Services. Random breathalysing is also undertaken from time to time on all patients even if they haven’t left the unit. Similarly random urine drug screens (UDS) are collected from patients whose problem is with drugs other than alcohol.

Our patients tell us that knowing that a positive reading may result in their being discharged gives them an incentive not to use if they are tempted to do so.
(* a positive blood alcohol level or urine drug screen when you are first admitted to the Unit is unlikely to result in your discharge from hospital)

Is gambling an issue for you?

Many people with substance dependence also have a problem with gambling. As such it is strongly recommended that patients do not frequent the casinos or other gambling establishments whilst out on leave. Even if gambling is not an issue for you personally, it may be for other patients. Please respect our desire for the safety of all patients to be maintained whilst out of the unit.

Tell me about day to day living in Damascus.

A part of being treated in Damascus Health Services is fitting in with a small community of people and to a large extent taking responsibility for your own cares. For instance, you will be responsible for looking after your own room to the extent that you will need to change your own bed and keep your room tidy (housekeeping staff will clean the bathroom and vacuum the carpets). Patients with disabilities will be assisted by nursing staff as required. While you will not be expected to clean community areas, you're required to ensure that they are tidily maintained.

Is there a laundry service?

Washing drying and ironing facilities are provided.

Can I restrict telephone calls?

Phone calls can be restricted from particular individuals should you so wish. This will be explained during your orientation. When you receive a phone call it is put through to your room. However if you are not there to receive the call a message will be left on the door to your room.

Please do not give out the extension number to your room as people often have more than one room during admission.

What should I do if I have a complaint?

Any complaint that you may have with Damascus Health Services is best discussed with staff rather than with other patients. Co-patients should be free to focus on issues pertinent to their own recovery. We suggest that if anyone approaches you with a complaint about the service you should refer that person to the Manager of Damascus Health Services.

Complaints can be made in one of three ways:

as part of the discharge survey
written to of Damascus Health Services
verbal complaint.

All formal complaints are registered and reviewed.

Who are the key staff of Damascus Health Services?

Manager - Damascus Health Services
Mrs Jillian Brophy 07 3834 6475

Medical Advisor
Dr David Storor 07 3834 6475

General Manager - Brisbane Private Hospital
Mr Cliff Evans 07 3834 6555

Director of Nursing - Brisbane Private Hospital:
Mrs Marianna Huxley 07 3834 6555

Finding Us

Damascus Health Services is located:

4th Floor
Brisbane Private Specialist Centre
Brisbane Private Hospital
259 Wickham Terrace
Brisbane Qld 4000

Phone: 07 3834 6475
Fax: 07 3834 6477

One phone call can make all the difference. If you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol or prescription drug please contact Damascus Health Services 07 3834 6475 (or fax 07 3834 6477) for more information, or email jillian.brophy@healthscope.com.au

Available publications

For health professionals

List of major admitters
How to admit a patient

For patients, consumers and carers

General brochure
Patient information
Family information
Inpatient program
Follow up programs
Couples program
Outpatients
Telephone support service
Health services and smoking

About Dependence

Understanding Dependence

Many people with alcohol or drug dependence often do not realise the effect that it has on their health, or the pressure it places on those around them. Sometimes the hardest part of overcoming alcohol and drug dependence is acknowledging that a problem exists. Making the decision to seek the specialised help provided at Damascus is the first step to recovery.

Damascus provides people with the opportunity to solve their problems and deal with the pressure and demands of everyday life, through specific programs and treatment.

What is “Dependence”?

We are referring to a syndrome with several characteristics:

There is ‘craving’ or a desire to use.
The person may be unable to control or limit what they use.
Physical dependence occurs.
This is made up of: tolerance: the need to use more to get the same effect;

Withdrawal signs and symptoms occur when they stop using or decrease the amount that they use.

They may make unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control usage.
Drug seeking activities and drug use consume a lot of the person’s time.
Other important activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
The person continues using even when they know it is harming them.
The person uses more than they intended.

How much is too much?

Drinking alcohol every day is a risk to your health. You should try to have at least three days each week when you don’t drink at all.

There is no level of drinking that can be guaranteed ‘safe’ or ‘no risk’. It is difficult to know exactly what safe drinking levels are, but here are some general guidelines for regular drinking. Regular drinking means not more than 3 or 4 times a week. The following guidelines are based on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s 2009 Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ds10syn.htm)

Guideline 1: For healthy men and women, drinking no more than 2 standard drinks on any day reduces the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.

Guideline 2: For healthy men and women, drinking no more than 4 standard drinks on any single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.

Guideline 3: a) Parents and carers should be advised that children under 15 years of age are at greatest risk of harm from drinking and that for this age group, not drinking alcohol is especially important. b) For young people aged 15-17 years the safest option is to delay the initiation of drinking for as long as possible.

Guideline 4: For women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option. 4b) For women who are breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option.

Caution : It is wise not to drink in pregnancy.

Men

Recommended Daily Maximum	Health Risk
0-4 Drinks*	Low Risk: a level of drinking at which there islikely to be little risk of harm.
4-6 Drinks*	Hazardous or Risky: levels at which risks of harm are significantly increased.
Over 6 Drinks	Harmful or High risk: lvels at which the risks of serious harm are substantial.

Women

Recommended Daily Maximum	Health Risk
0-2 Drinks*	Low Risk: a level of drinking at which there is likely to be little risk of harm
2-4 Drinks*	Hazardous or Risky: levels at which risks of harm are significantly increased
> 4 drinks*	Harmful or High risk: lvels at which the risks of serious harm are substantial

* A drink referred to here is a STANDARD DRINK (The Australian Alcohol Guidelines use the idea of a standard drink to help people keep track of how much they drink. It equates with 10grams of alcohol).

Drinking in excess of recommended low-risk levels can have harmful effects on your health. These risks include short-term risks, such as injury, violence and accidental death, and long-term risks such as cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, memory loss and sexual dysfunction.

From this table you can calculate your own daily intake:

Low alcohol beer 2x285ml (middies / 2x10oz) 10gm Alcohol
Ordinary beer 285ml (middies / 10oz) 10gm Alcohol
Table Wine 120ml (4oz) 10gm Alcohol
Fortified Wine 60ml (2oz) 10gm Alcohol
Spirits (Nip) 30ml (1oz) 10gm Alcohol

For example, if you drink two double scotches and a middie of ordinary beer, that’s equivalent to 5 standard drinks.

A particularly good standard drinks guide with photographs is available at the following link to The Right Mix.

Several good fact sheets dealing with alcohol and it's effects on health can be found at this link to Australian Alcohol Guidelines.

Hints on cutting down drinking

For the person who isn’t dependent on alcohol* but who would like to cut down, these hints might be useful:

* If you are dependent on alcohol then the recommendation from the Damascus Unit is total abstinence.

Eat before or while you are drinking. Eating slows your drinking and fills you up, although salty chips and nuts are likely to make you drink more.

Engage in other activities so that you are not just concentrating on drinking (e.g. conversation, pool, darts).

Rather than gulp drinks, sip them. If you are thirsty have a soft drink or water first. Set down your glass between sips, while a drink remains in your hand you are more likely to drink it.

Try to avoid rounds or “shouts” as people generally drink to keep up with the fastest drinker. If you are in a round, drink a lower alcohol drink or skip a drink occasionally.

As well as low alcohol drinks there are non-alcoholic alternatives. Many places which sell cocktails also serve non-alcoholic versions.

Try having a “spacer”, a non-alcoholic drink, every second or third round.

When mixing your own drinks, use more mixer and less alcohol than usual.

Don’t let people top up your drink. Always finish your drink before getting another one.

Have at least three (3) alcohol free days per week. This may mean altering what you would normally do on these days.

Be assertive and don’t be pressured into drinking more than you want or intended to: “Thanks, but no thanks”

A DOZEN WAYS TO SAY “NO”

No thanks, I don’t feel like drinking
No thanks, I’m cutting down
No thanks, I’ve had enough
No thanks, I’ll sit this one out
No thanks, I’m driving
No thanks, I have to get up in the morning
No thanks, but what will you have?
No thanks, but I’ll have a soft drink
No thanks, I’ve given it up
No thanks, I'm on medication
No thanks, I promised I wouldn’t drink too much
No thanks, I’ve discovered what causes hangovers!

However these guidelines should be followed within the boundaries of common sense!
Always be aware that an intoxicated person is at risk of choking if they vomit, so do keep a close eye on them.

Alcohol dependent people appear more motivated to stop drinking after specific occasions when the problem is especially severe. At such times it is best to arrange counselling immediately. You can telephone Damascus Health Services, regardless of the time of day on 07 3834 6475.

Quick test CAGE Questionnaire

Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Scoring:
Item responses on the CAGE are scored 0 or 1, with a higher score an indication of alcohol problems. A total score of 2 or greater is considered clinically significant.

(The CAGE was developed by Dr. John Ewing, founding Director of the Bowles Centre for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill… JA Ewing “Detecting Alcoholism: The CAGE Questionnaire” JAMA 252: 1905-1907, 1984.)

Getting Help

Is alcohol causing some problems in your life, or in the life of someone you care about? There are many people and organisations in the community who can help you. For information about 24-hour helplines for all states go to… http://www.health.qld.gov.au/atods/helplines.asp

In Queensland go to Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Services (ATODS)…Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) offers a 24 hour alcohol and drug information service Qld: 1800 177 833

This is an anonymous and confidential service. There are counsellors available around the clock. You will be able to discuss your own situation and concerns with someone who understands and can help. The Alcohol and Drug Information Service can direct you to the most appropriate source of help for your needs.

IN EMERGENCIES: Contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital http://www.health.qld.gov.au/healthservices/byFacility.asp
your local doctor, or call for an ambulance

Our Involvement in Clinical Research

Research

Staff at Damascus Health Services are involved in research and evaluation. The initial focus of this has been the undertaking of various projects to ensure that the programs of the Unit have optimal outcomes. Capacity to evaluate outcomes is “built-in” to our assessment process to ensure that optimal outcomes of all Damascus programs are maintained. This applies to the existing programs as well as those programs that will be developed in the future.

The following projects have been undertaken or are currently in progress, in some instance with other investigators:

An examination of cognitive impairment among Damascus patients that resulted in some modifications to the inpatient program, including therapy groups, and the recommendation of a set of psychometric tests to be used for screening for cognitive impairment in the Unit.
An assessment of the inpatient alcohol and drug treatment program using the Christo Inventory for Substance-misuse Services (CISS).
Staff of Griffith University, QLD, undertook an external evaluation of outcomes of the inpatient treatment program.
Anxiety Sensitivity in Adults with Alcohol Use Disorders / Norms And Relationship With Outcomes 3 Months After Hospital Discharge. This research is being led by Dr Genevieve Dingle and Michelle Engels from the School of Psychology University Of Queensland in conjunction with a multi-site group know as ADCIT1.

Alcohol Clinical Indicators

These are designed to measure the processes associated with the treatment of alcohol dependent patients. After an extensive literature search, a multi-site group known as ADCIT is developing the following indictors:

Evidence of a follow up plan or discharge plan
Unplanned discharge
Completion of detoxification from alcohol
Completion of the therapeutic program
Compliance with first follow up appointment:
Thiamine prescribing
Number of seizures / major complications during alcohol detoxification.

Does someone you know have a problem?

Is there someone close to you with an alcohol problem who refuses to acknowledge it?

If you are concerned about a partner or friend’s drinking, the following suggestions might be helpful.

a. Reward non-drinking time

Examples:

• Make favourite foods
• Talk about enjoyable topics
• Purchase gifts
• Engage in preferred activities
• Be pleasant
• Explain you are pleasant because he/she is not drinking (pick your time for this discussion when you are both in a good mood)

b. Schedule activities which the drinker would enjoy and at which it is very unlikely that heavy drinking will occur

c. Find outside interests and activities for yourself so that your life is not dependent upon the drinker

d. If you partner / friend starts to drink, suggest other activities besides drinking such as eating or drinking non-alcoholic drinks

e. If your partner / friend becomes intoxicated, or comes home intoxicated try not to be confrontational while they are intoxicated and keep communication simple. Don’t inflame the situation even though you might be tempted to do so. Do not provide the extra pleasantries which you provided when he or she was sober. Tell that person when they are again sober, and in a neutral manner, that you do not like the drinking and that you would rather not be around an intoxicated person

f. Do not take responsibility for the intoxicated person’s activities:

• Do not hold missed meals
• Do not make him or her comfortable if he or she falls asleep on the floor
• Do not call his or her employer with excuses for lateness or absence
• Do not clean up vomit or such like, get the person to correct the situation him or herself

However these guidelines should be followed within the boundaries of common sense! Always be aware that an intoxicated person is at risk of choking if they vomit, so do keep a close eye on them.

g. Alcohol dependent people appear more motivated to stop drinking after specific occasions when the problem is especially severe. At such times it is best to arrange counselling immediately. You can telephone the Damascus Unit, regardless of the time of day on 07 3834 6475.

OTHER WAYS TO GET HELP

Is alcohol causing some problems in your life, or in the life of someone you care about? There are many people and organisations in the community who can help you. For information about these contact

The Alcohol and Drug Information Service
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone: 07 3236 2414

This is an anonymous and confidential service. There are counsellors available around the clock. You will be able to discuss your own situation and concerns with someone who understands and can help.

The Alcohol and Drug Information Service can direct you to the most appropriate source of help for your needs.

IN EMERGENCIES: Contact the casualty department of your local hospital. Your local doctor, or call for an ambulance.

Long Term Rehabilitation Services in Queensland

Damascus Health Services is classified as an acute care facility. Because substance dependence is a chronic illness, some people need a longer time in care than can be provided through Damascus. Therefore longer term rehabilitation services sometimes need to be considered. The following list might be of help to you if you or someone you know is looking for a longer rehabilitation program.

Fairhaven Rehabilitation Unit – Lot 497 Parklands Drive, Southport. Phpne 07 5594 7288 longer-term residential program for people with drug or alcohol problems.

Mirakai - West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads. Phone 07 5535 4302 – provide a long term residential treatment program for young people with drug and alcohol problems – 15 to 29yrs. Also offer telephone counselling; out client groups; family therapy; drug diversion initiatives and community awareness education courses.

Logan House – Chambers Flat Road, Logan.Phoen 07 5546 3900 – A Therapeutic Community in a rural setting for people with problems with alcohol and other drugs. The program is individualised in 3 core phases:

1st – assessment and orientation

2nd – self awareness

3rd – responsible living

You can find more information about Logan House at their website.