Alcohol Awareness Programme

SPS Research Young People in Custody in Scotland

The level of alcohol use in this group of young offenders was very high with more than 96% having tried alcohol at some time. Only 15% of the sample reported never having committed a crime connected with drug or alcohol use with those admitting to alcohol related crimes were more likely to have committed violent crimes, including petty assault and vandalism. Less than 7% of those who had drunk alcohol had received help for their substance abuse either inside or outside prison.

Aims of the Programme:

*  To assess the Young Offenders knowledge of alcohol, inform them of the recommended safe levels of alcohol use and look at the harmful effect on the body due to excessive drinking.

*  To help group members explore their personal use of alcohol, identifying costs in relationships and to the community.

*  Allow participants to explore their drinking habits, identify high-risk situations or patterns in their drinking which have caused problems in the past, then work through these problems using an effective problem solving process.

*  To introduce participants to the through care process, evaluate the key learning points of the programme and make appropriate referrals, on request, to support agencies.

The outline of the sessions:

*  Session 1       Myths & Facts Around Alcohol

*  Session 2       Levels Of Drinking & Units Of Alcohol

*  Session 3       Physical & Medical Facts

*  Session 4       Alcohol & Effects

*  Session 5       Common Patterns Of Drinking

*  Session 6       Relaxation

*  Session 7       Problem Solving

*  Session 8       Further Support

Each of the 8 sessions last approximately 2½-3 hours