31. ALCOHOL EDUCATION SERIES
- An alcohol education series is intended for a patient who is dependent on alcohol [Map 2] and denies misuse [ Section 3 ] but will consider that there might be a problem.
31a. What It Is
In such a series, information is provided via lecture, film, and guest speakers regarding the effect of alcohol on the lives of users. Commonly such a series consists of ten weekly one-hour sessions or five weekly two-hour sessions, covering such topics as:
- immediate physiological, psychological and pharmacological effects of alcohol
- long term physiological, psychological and pharmacological effects of alcoholism.
- drinking and driving
- the Alcoholics Anonymous program
- alcoholism as a family disease
It may also be part of a broader Chemical Education Series, in which the effects of several addictive drugs are discussed.
31b. Making a Referral
You will need to check around to find one that is open to the public. Some are only available as part of an ongoing clinic program, or are restricted because of legal or confidentiality concerns. If more than one is available, you may have a choice about their relevance for your patient (esp.: the amount of time spent on alcohol vs other drugs).
31c. Follow-Through
It is unlikely that information about people-in general will have an impact in itself (Miller, 2003: 138-139). This would be especially true if the person’s purpose is to deny the relevance of the information. However, if the person is going for the purpose of learning, he/she may take away something o value. Also, if the person is going under pressure from family or the legal system, that pressure itself may be helpful.
In any case, the information can and should be processed in session as to its relevance to the patient’s own life [see Section 24 ].