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Alcohol support

Support for alcoholic prisoners after release - Birmingham

9 replies

SAM13S · 19/07/2017 21:25

Can anyone help? My husband (who I'm separated from) almost died of alcoholism. Pulled through by some miracle. He is now in prison (for stupid, minor offences) for next six months. On a detox. When he comes out does anyone know what support he'd get in terms of finding somewhere to live and staying off the drink. I'd like to see him go into some residential scheme but I'm guessing that doesn't happen on the NHS. He lives in Birmingham? Any advice would be much appreciated as he's been in prison before - not for anywhere near as long. I thought that - or his near death experience - would be his rock bottom yet here we are again . . . . I was told drug addicts get better support after release.

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YouCantArgueWithStupid · 19/07/2017 21:27

NOMs commission lots of companies and charities to do this kind of work. This is the kind of thing his personal officer will do with him usually around 6 weeks before release

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SAM13S · 19/07/2017 21:35

Thanks for the reply :) I spoke with a private firm (who went on to quote me £8,500 for 28 day detox) who told me the prisons were useless. I'm thinking of writing to the prison. I see him either ending up back and forth there or dead unless he gets the help he needs :(

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AnythingNotEverything · 19/07/2017 21:41

Has he been honest about his needs with staff?

On arrival at prison he will have had a screening. 12 weeks before leaving he'll have a second screening to prepare for release (called BCST2). If he need a place in a hostel they'll find him one.

Google should help you find the Through The Gate provider for the prison he is in. Call them. They might be able to advise you.

How long is his sentence? If under 12 months he'll automatically leave on a community order and have a probation officer to meet with who can help him access support. I don't know what's available local to you but there'll be something.

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AnythingNotEverything · 19/07/2017 21:44

Sorry. Just re-read the detail. If staff feel his offending is alcohol related he'll certainly get help.

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FiveGoMadInDorset · 19/07/2017 21:45

The substance misuse team in prison should be putting something in place for when he gets out, alongside the pyschosocial team and the prison

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SAM13S · 20/07/2017 12:08

Thank you both for your response. This is the fifth time he's been in - for stupid, minor offences - directly or indirectly related to alcohol. (Breach of probation, etc). You'd think he'd learn :( I'm thinking of writing to the prison to give them an insight into what's happened in between his stints inside and to see if I can help him break the chain. He's caught in a vicious cycle.

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FusionChefGeoff · 20/07/2017 12:26

Does he go to AA? Do you go to Al Anon? Both places will be excellent for supporting both of you during his sentence and after release.

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Lobsterquadrille2 · 20/07/2017 12:43

Hi OP, try this link - CGL operate nationwide and can be very helpful. They operate detox programmes, counselling, general help etc, also linked with probation officers.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/get-help/find-a-service?search type=normal&mapp_keywords=Birmingham%20

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SAM13S · 20/07/2017 20:10

Hi everyone.

He did go to AA for ages. I went to Al Anon years ago. I am going to suggest we do it again. Lobster, I'd heard of Scala House as he'd spoken with them before, but not CGL. His probation officer, I have to say, was awful. Despite his desperate situation, he chose to cut his sessions back which really annoyed me. I think I'll give CGL a go. Also I've found the prison inmates' magazine really useful with lots of helpful organisations so I think I'll give them a go too. Have drawn up a list. Am going to be busy over the next few weeks !!! Thank you everyone :)