News Flash

When life get us down, a common response is to reach for a glass of something that will cheer us up and banish gloomy thoughts.

Such is the role that alcohol plays in modern society. It's a ‘sharpener', a ‘livener', a drop of ‘dutch courage' that we turn to in times of stress or anxiety. Few of us consider that this behaviour could lead us to an alcohol clinic.

But relying on the mood-altering effects of alcohol can quickly become a vicious circle, says a spokesperson from Linwood Park.

Alcohol is, in itself, a depressant, she points out. "We feel a bit low, so we have a drink. That drink makes us more depressed, so we drink again - and we have a bit more this time."

Over time, she warns, people who regularly drink alcohol in order to ‘self medicate' depressive symptoms find themselves trapped in a spiral of worsening alcohol abuse and more serious depressions, because tolerance builds up and more alcohol is needed to get that ‘lift'.

It's a widespread problem. In 2006, a survey of British adults conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that one in ten respondents said they regularly drank alcohol in response to emotional upsets.

But by turning to an alcohol-based ‘pick me up' at such times, drinkers only leave themselves exposed to more serious mental health problems, said MHF chief executive Dr Andrew McCulloch, reporting on the survey's findings. "Using alcohol to deal with anxiety and depression doesn't work as alcohol can weaken the neurotransmitters that the brain needs to reduce anxiety and depressive thoughts," he explained.

And research conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC) has shown that up to 40 per cent of people who drink heavily have symptoms that resemble a depressive illness. However, when these same people are not drinking heavily, only 5 per cent of men and 10 per cent of woman have symptoms meeting the diagnostic criteria for depression ? not that different from the rates of depression in the general population.

For these reasons, the first problem to tackle in cases of heavy drinkers that complain of depression is their alcohol abuse, says Sue Allchurch. "In such cases, a course of anti-depressants simply isn't going to help," she says. "Stopping drinking with the help and support of an approved alcohol treatment programe should be the first priority on the path to tackling that depression, because once a patient has stopped abusing alcohol, their depression may begin to lift quite naturally."

Call free on 0800 915 1560 (or if you are calling from a mobile phone or from overseas, call 01226 298910) for professional, confidential advice on those vital first steps on the road to recovery. Alternatively you can complete the form here on the web site, to be found at the foot of each page.
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Client Testimonials

Saturday, 06 August 2011 09:16 | Print | E-mail

Cannot believe the difference in me: my life seems normal and I understand myself for the first time

JA April 2012

Just to say a big thank you to all at Linwood for the fantastic work that you all do.

J.J. April 2012

Many thanks to you all. The Therapy was fab, the food even better!!

K.L. April 2012

My family is so proud of me for the first time in my life. Thank you to all staff at Linwood for giving me hope.

P.I. April 2012

Everything about my Rehab was fantastic: I understand why I drank for the first time: the staff was all fantastic.

K.G. April 2012

Excellent Detox programme, excellent, therapy and excellent staff.

R.T. March 2012

Felt safe and secure throughout my whole detox, thank you

F.F. March 2012

Thank you to everyone at Linwood for caring and helping me to stop drinking. The therapy was great and the staff are terrific.

A.L. March 2012

First time sober in over 10years.

D.M. March 2012

It was really hard work, the first few days were awful, I put my trust in the staff and they brought me through it. I worked hard and now its all paid off. I am back at work and doing well.

A.O. Feb 2012

Wake up feeling alive again. Many thanks to all the staff at Linwood Park

J.A. Feb 2012

The programme is excellent: fantastic staff and fabulous therapy. Thank you

J.J. Feb 2012

I never thought I could do it but I did, the whole Detox and Rehab gave me a new life.

R.D. Feb 2012

Completed a 4 week Drug Detox Programme. Never thought I could do it but with time, patience and understanding from the staff I did it. Do one day at a time, stay strong, trust the professionals at Lonwood. They also have invited my to their free aftercare programme and free family programme. Excellent unit, excellent staff.........

December 2011

Just had a weeks Detox, great Addiction Nurses, fab Therapists and the best food ever!!

Dan: November 2011

I have just finished rehab and what a difference its made to my life: I have been on a Detox programme twice before but never went into Rehab: it is so important to understand why we drink, take drugs, the effects on our families....... the best treatment programme that I have ever done.

Peter October 2011

I have just completed 4 weeks at Linwood Park: its the first time that I have really understood myself and why I drank. I take one day at a time, if I need help I can ring the clinic and speak to one of the Therapists at any time. Thank you Linwood.

A. M September 2011

Thank you Linwood for everything, this is my second Detox and I understand more this time round. The therapy session were great, the sessions on physical health, nutrition and smoking cessation were very helpful. Thank you again...

L.M. August 2011

My life was a mess before Linwood Park. My family hated me and had almost given up on me: this was my last chance and I have made it count. Still sober after 11 months. I take each day at a time.

Sarah: July 2011

Linwood helped me turnaround my life. I stayed for over 2 months: it was this time that I worked through my problems, problems that were years old and would never have surfaced before. The Therapy and Nurse team are professional and kind: the best bunch ever. Thank you.

Neil: July 2011

I came into Linwood after years of abusing Alcohol: I stayed for 10 days, in those 10 days I came off the Alcohol and became a new person. I attended the Therapy sessions 3 times a day: it was in Therapy that I began to understand why I turned to drink and how I can re manage my life…….. well done to the staff, they are thoughtful understanding and over all extremely patient!!

James: May 2011

Last Updated (Friday, 04 May 2012 15:39)

 

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