0:00:02 > 0:00:03PHONE RINGS
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Good afternoon. FASA. How may I help you?
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Can we put you through to one of the crisis team?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17I'm going to put you through to Paul.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20PHONE RINGS
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Hi, this is Paul. How can I help you?
0:00:22 > 0:00:24What are you scared of, Colin?
0:00:25 > 0:00:27What are you scared about, Colin?
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Drugs is alcohol and drugs is prescription medication.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33You're petrified about what, buddy?
0:00:33 > 0:00:37They're our two biggest issues in this country, for sure.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Take a deep breath and relax.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42It's all age groups and it's all professions.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Is anyone with you, Colin?
0:00:44 > 0:00:45It's everywhere.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47You're on your own?
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Addiction can kill.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51No-one speaks to you?
0:00:51 > 0:00:54'When we have thoughts of life's not worth living
0:00:54 > 0:00:57'and we feel hopeless, and we add
0:00:57 > 0:00:59a strong depressant to that,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03whether it be a drug or alcohol, that recipe is very dangerous.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06At the moment, are you thinking about hurting yourself?
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Are you thinking about hurting yourself, Colin?
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Simon, this is Paul.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Hey, Simon. What's up, man?
0:01:20 > 0:01:23FASA, the Forum for Action on Substance Abuse,
0:01:23 > 0:01:28has been fighting a battle against drug and alcohol dependency
0:01:28 > 0:01:31for nearly two decades.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Its front-line is the crisis team.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- Is this all new prescriptions, buddy?- I've been on these for years.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44That's very powerful, man, tramadol. Diazepam too. Antidepressants.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48This is to get you up and temazepam to bring you down.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53So, right now your body is just like one big rollercoaster of chemicals.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03When I came upon FASA, and researched their foundation
0:02:03 > 0:02:06and how it was a group of really concerned parents
0:02:06 > 0:02:08who got together as a forum
0:02:08 > 0:02:11to discuss the issues using their own children
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and the seriousness of suicide and substance misuse
0:02:15 > 0:02:17within the community, and what could a family
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and what could a community come together and what could they do? I just loved that ethos.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- Thanks for coming in, man. - Thank you.- Take it easy.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27This was an organisation that comes from the heart.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29It was just my goal to be a part of it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Referral form...
0:02:33 > 0:02:36FASA supports anyone who is in need.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39..in relation to alcohol abuse.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43It was the first community-based charity in Northern Ireland
0:02:43 > 0:02:46to offer support for substance abuse, self harm, mental health
0:02:46 > 0:02:48and suicide under the one roof.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52So many times, I have prayed to God, don't let me wake up.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Don't let me wake up.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Inside, it's like crying like a baby, you know.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Please help me or let me die.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04So, Jade, thank you very much for coming in today.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Basically, what we do on our first sessions is we get a little brief history on you.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Jade returned home from Canada
0:03:10 > 0:03:13when her marriage broke down nearly a decade ago.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17I want you to tell me a little bit about you and why you're here today.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20She suffered from bouts of depression ever since.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- Right.- I started drinking very heavily.- To block out the pain?- Yeah.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- What medications are you on at the moment? Do you know?- Effexor.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34- 300 milligrams.- Mm-hmm.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Amitriptyline is 30 milligrams.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Propranolol, I take that four times a day
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- and it's 40 milligrams per tablet. - Mm-hmm.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- I started taking a lot of co-codamol. I take 32 a day.- Yeah.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- I actually go into the chemists and buy them.- OK.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- So, yeah, I would be an addict. - OK.- I would be an addict.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Thank you for sharing that.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'We have a pharmaceutical-driven health system
0:04:03 > 0:04:06'which - drugs seem to be the only answer,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08so we end up with many people in our communities
0:04:08 > 0:04:13either getting antidepressants, painkillers, depressant drugs.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17In the last two decades, the number of prescription items
0:04:17 > 0:04:20in Northern Ireland has more than doubled.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- At this moment, that's how you cope. - Yeah.- And it's a negative way.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26It's not the best way for Jade to cope.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29What we need to do collectively is look at the impact
0:04:29 > 0:04:32the prescribed medications are now having in our communities,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35look at the prescribing rates, and see - is that justified?
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Is there alternatives out there?
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Should someone who is depressed be referred for talking therapies,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43rather than being given an antidepressant and told to come back in six months.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It's hard to explain that to the likes of the medical profession -
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- doctors, the GP - because they don't want to know.- Right.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51Thank you very much...
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'That's not to say that prescribed medications don't have a place.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I think they do. But it shouldn't be the first or the only alternative.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- This is the last resort.- OK.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- This is the last resort for me.- OK.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Well, this is definitely not the last resort, Jade. We're going to definitely work on a programme
0:05:08 > 0:05:12that is going to support you and allow you the safety to talk,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and be heard and be acknowledged.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Thank you so much for coming in. - Thank you.- Really, really appreciate it.- Thanks very much.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22'Jade is typical of people all over the world.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25All families break down at some point.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Husbands and wives break up, kids grow up and leave the family nest.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- OK, if you want to come in, I'll get you a card for next week.- Sure.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35'If we don't have a support system and a coping mechanism
0:05:35 > 0:05:38'that's healthy, people can turn to other ways to cope.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41And addiction and alcohol and drugs
0:05:41 > 0:05:44are a pretty popular way to cope.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I take it I put my handbag in the car
0:05:46 > 0:05:50because I just need to put this on nights...
0:05:50 > 0:05:51That's us on nights.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Relaxation tape. Car keys.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Shop keys.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00And we're out of here.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Whoa, wrong one. Back!
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Andrea manages FASA's charity shop in Bangor.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Is it Friday the 13th or something today?
0:06:11 > 0:06:15After my husband had killed himself,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18which was a total shock,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I just couldn't cope.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Couldn't see a future of what I was going to do
0:06:25 > 0:06:28and it was just very, very tough.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I actually had a nervous breakdown at that time.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39And I just had no hope of anything.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44And through... My family and friends got me through it all.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Nobody told me that this was here when he died.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Whereas, yes, I would have came here then to get the help.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59Andrea's volunteered to help start up a women's group in Eden Village,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03FASA's newest venture on the Ards Peninsula.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Is that the bedroom? - Oh, dear!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I think we need the heating on. What do you think, we need a blast?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- It's been cold today.- It was. Wasn't it cold with the sun?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We're going to make name badges!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21I think I'll have to study the equipment here first.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24It's nice to feel you're part of a group where we all know each other.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29And this seems to be quite a good way to get to know each other's names.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- Because I... What is your name? - Eileen.- Eileen. There we go.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35If I wasn't coming here,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I'd be sitting in the pub getting absolutely paralytic.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43And that, that, is why I'm here because that is my problem.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Well, good on you.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- That's me!- Go, Ann!
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I have a drinking problem. I have depression.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54I have a lot of issues in my life.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Ann was hospitalised when she felt suicidal around six months ago.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01When she was discharged, they referred her to FASA.
0:08:01 > 0:08:07FASA has made me see the damage that I was doing to not only my body,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10but the damage it was doing to myself.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Ann's therapy sessions are drawing to a close,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and to stop thinking about alcohol,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20she's been encouraged to join the group to build her self-confidence.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26I would love to totally stop drinking, but I...
0:08:26 > 0:08:32I would love that to happen, but I'm just taking one day at a time.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Yeah, well, just keep going up with it.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Is there much else other than this?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Is this to stay? This is part of that, is it?
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Eden Village is being built by clients, volunteers and staff.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Karl helps out once a week.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Following a month on sick leave, he's being eased back to work
0:08:59 > 0:09:02after a couple of his clients lost their lives.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04There's a very thin line at times
0:09:04 > 0:09:08between sitting on one side of the counselling room and other.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14As much as you try to keep yourself separate to other people's stuff,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17you do take it on.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22It is that analogy of somebody coming in and just vomiting on you.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24They feel better when they walk out,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29but you're still sitting with sick on you. And...
0:09:29 > 0:09:34You know, I don't think I was really aware of just how much I was letting that sit.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40When you're dealing with people's lives, you can't help but get involved.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44You can find yourself
0:09:44 > 0:09:47going home and just faces flashing up in your head
0:09:47 > 0:09:50or names and just thinking, "I hope they're all right.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54"I hope I get speaking to them tomorrow or next week."
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Andrea, any more black bags?
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Look at all my care in the communities I have.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10And Karl, my special man.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13When he isn't helping out at Eden,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Karl works above the charity shop in FASA's Bangor office.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19SHE GIGGLES
0:10:19 > 0:10:21All the money that's generated here helps to support
0:10:21 > 0:10:23all the stuff that goes on up the stairs.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26And I was just getting sick of things one night
0:10:26 > 0:10:29and I just decided to take an overdose.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Basically, FASA's a lifeline for me.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37What would be the most important thing to you?
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Alcohol.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52Alan left school at 15 with no qualifications and can't get a job.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55With so much free time on his hands,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58he's becoming worried about the amount of alcohol he's consuming.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02I've always done it. Whenever I was younger, every time I had a problem, I always hit the bottle.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- From what age?- 12...
0:11:07 > 0:11:10..I started drinking.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15But my alcohol didn't get worse until I was 16.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18And I caused a hell of a lot of problems.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Alan is typical of more than half of all young people
0:11:21 > 0:11:23in Northern Ireland, who take their first drink
0:11:23 > 0:11:27between the ages of 11 and 16.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I've a really bad surprise.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It's somebody's birthday, have a drink.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35It's Christmas, let's celebrate, have a drink.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Somebody's died, bad news, let's have a drink.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43We dangle it in front of them.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47And then when people actually take part in it, we're surprised.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53How are you at the minute, social-life wise?
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I just keep myself to myself.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58And do you think that that's helping you, benefitting you,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00cutting yourself off?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Not really.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Why?
0:12:03 > 0:12:07I get bored and then I'll just end up dandering over to the offies.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- And the cycle continues?- Yeah.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17So how does that make you feel?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Useless.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26So we need to get retraining, don't we? Reprogramming.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I think the illusion, especially from a male point of view,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33is that you don't need help.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38So, from that side of things, even just to get him reconnected with
0:12:38 > 0:12:43things and back into a routine and being able to take control of things.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Surfing.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Gym.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Five-a-side.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Is that something you think you would like to try again?
0:12:51 > 0:12:53OK. Definitely put that down.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Before Karl tackles the extent of Alan's substance abuse,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00he wants him to list the activities that will take his mind off alcohol.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03This is going to be the start of you
0:13:03 > 0:13:06taking hold of things in your life.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10The more stuff I've got going on with all this here,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- the better for me.- OK.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Top of the list is finding work.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20..what it shows is that you're capable of making things happen.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Karl's has encouraged him to go to the Jobcentre.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Yes, I'm here to speak to someone about Steps to Work.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Do you have an appointment?- No.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It's not about going and doing it all for him.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Maybe for the first couple, it's walking through the door with him,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39just to give a wee bit of support. But he's more than capable.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51'Welcome to the O2 messaging service.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54'The person you are calling is unable to take your call.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57'Please leave your message after the tone.'
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Jade hasn't shown up for her session with Paul.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Hi, Jade. It's Paul calling from FASA.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Just calling to see how you're feeling, how your weekend was.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09I'm also just a little concerned because we had an appointment set up
0:14:09 > 0:14:12today at 1pm, and I'm just hoping that everything's going well
0:14:12 > 0:14:16and there's a reason why you couldn't make it. Thanks.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18It's like a pre-requisite almost for her.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20She's setting herself up for failure.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24At this point, it's very important for me to reassure her
0:14:24 > 0:14:28that missing the appropriate time or the appropriate day
0:14:28 > 0:14:32is fine and we can reschedule and offer her the support she needs.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34PHONE RINGS
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Hello.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Yes. All right, thanks. This is Jade now.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Hi, Jade.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I'm good. How was your weekend?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Just all right?
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Jade admits she's been depressed and forgot about her session.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It takes a big step for anyone to admit that they feel powerless
0:14:55 > 0:14:58or out of control over something like that. No, no, no. It's OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02It's no problem. I can reschedule you for...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Is Wednesday at 3:30pm OK?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08You're not alone. You know, you have people that care,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11so if you ever get that feeling between now and Wednesday,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14just don't hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call, OK?
0:15:14 > 0:15:16PHONE RINGS
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Hello, FASA. Michelle speaking.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26No problem. Can I get your number?
0:15:26 > 0:15:30'Something that we've seen a lot with people coming over the door is
0:15:30 > 0:15:33'this ability to live up to labels that they're given.'
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Bye. Bye-bye.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40I remember speaking to the GP myself and when the word depression
0:15:40 > 0:15:44was used to me, I remember the weight of that sitting on my shoulders,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47like, "I'm going to have to tell people this."
0:15:47 > 0:15:50And, as much as you even have experience of working in the
0:15:50 > 0:15:53field around mental health issues,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57the stigma's powerful in society.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Hi, Ann. How are you? Do you want to come on down?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Ann's now completed her therapy sessions.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10What I want you to do is just close your eyes and we'll get started.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- It's OK. I'll do it for you. - You relax.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19She's been referred on to FASA's complementary therapy team.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26A client once said that for her the therapies
0:16:26 > 0:16:29were like counselling without the talking.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30And not everybody wants to talk.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39The people that are coming who have been dependent on alcohol or
0:16:39 > 0:16:42other substances, they already have the feelings of shame
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and self loathing and disgust.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52If we can reduce their anxiety, reduce their stress,
0:16:52 > 0:16:53increase their relaxation,
0:16:53 > 0:16:58people are more likely to stay in recovery or achieve recovery.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59That was lovely.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05It just makes you feel a little bit not so deep in thought.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- You know? Like she's just... That's it. All the thoughts are gone.- Bye.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11Bye.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Check out Karl's reception skills here.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Hello, Karl speaking this is reception.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28You have Sarah just gone up the stairs.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31She's in the waiting room for you. For your 12:30.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33No problem.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- Did you ever have an issue with drugs or alcohol?- Alcohol was my big thing.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- How bad?- I went over to university and had to leave after a year.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Probably did more in a year than people do in a lifetime.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51You just distance yourself.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53And I think that's where the isolation side of it crept in for me.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56And that's why it is something I would
0:17:56 > 0:18:00recognise in... particularly guys I work with now.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Why social isolation is one of the biggest killers.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09That was one of the scariest times for me. Do 10 minutes for me.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13'People just see the brokenness and the problems
0:18:13 > 0:18:16'and just see that that's all you are.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20'And expect you to let them down and expect you to be the mess up.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21'That's you.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26'I'm grateful for a lot of people that have been patient with me'
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and worked with me.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32To believe in the best, as well.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- PHONE RINGS - Hold that thought.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Good afternoon. FASA, Karl speaking.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44Jade had an appointment with us at 2:00 which she didn't attend for.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48This is the second out of four sessions.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49So I'm going to give her a call now
0:18:49 > 0:18:51and make sure that she's in a safe place.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57PHONE RINGS
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- Hi, Paul.- Hey, Jane. How are you?
0:19:06 > 0:19:12Oh, you are? All right thanks. Bye. She's outside.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16OK, Ms Jade.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Thanks for coming in again. How has your week been?- Rough.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Very, very rough.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Very grumpy, you know.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Just wanted to finish it all off.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32How come I didn't get a phone call during the week?
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- I couldn't do it. I would have been crying.- That's fine.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38You can cry, I can cry, we can all cry together.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Yeah.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44OK, so what we're going to do today is just create a little plan for you.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46A safety plan showing you your options...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Part of the recovery is to give an alternative to any
0:19:49 > 0:19:51thoughts of suicide.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Let's deal with your thoughts of suicide.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57And you know that would be a horrible mistake.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01What would make you safe?
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Well, talking to someone would probably be the important thing.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Who would we call and who would we talk to?
0:20:08 > 0:20:12As part of the safety plan, Jade's given numbers for Lifeline
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and the Samaritans for when FASA is closed.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17What else would make you feel safe?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- It will seem strange if I say it. - I could tell you stories.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Sitting in a corner.- OK.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30With a blanket over my head and wishing the world would go away.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33And you just cry it out?
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- Yeah.- Crying out is the best way. Let the emotion run out of you.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Just remind yourself when you're feeling bad that this is temporary.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Yeah.- This is temporary. This will pass.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Would I be right in thinking I have a long road?- It's a journey, Jade.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49It's a tiring journey.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- It gets easier and it gets more rewarding on a daily basis.- Yeah.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53It does.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Most people want to be fixed right away.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59They want to know right away when they can re-engage in the world.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02And unfortunately there is no answer for that.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Some people are more dedicated than others.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08There's always going to be a trigger. There's always going to be something.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Part of our journey often involves relapse.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- And I will see you next Thursday at what time?- 1.30.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- 1:00. You're joking with me, aren't you?- Yes.- You crazy woman.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Do you drink at all now?- I do.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I do.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Ann's mental health is being boosted by complementary
0:21:29 > 0:21:31therapy and the women's group.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34But she still struggles to keep her drinking in check.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37I was given a sheet from FASA.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42To show them exactly what I was drinking.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46She keeps a weekly diary to monitor her alcohol intake.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Monday I haven't had anything.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52And then on Tuesday at 6:30 I was in the pub.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58This is how I felt, I felt OK. I just had one vodka.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03I was just having it to be social. That's how I meant I felt OK.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07But on the Friday night I went out and had five vodkas.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10I tried to limit it to four.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12And I'm going to make another go
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and I'm going to try to stick to
0:22:15 > 0:22:18three vodkas when I'm out.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23I'd love to be off it altogether but I don't see that right at the minute.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- Needs to be ridden downstairs. - Sorry?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Karl's plan for today's session is to focus on building Alan's
0:22:33 > 0:22:34self esteem.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39Slowly but surely I'm actually getting my life or trying to
0:22:39 > 0:22:40get my life back to normal.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Colour that in. - Colour all that in? No bother.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- Where's your colouring pencils? - What's normal for you?
0:22:49 > 0:22:52What's the ideal? What life do you want for yourself?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Not what Karl wants for you, not want FASA wants for you.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58What's the life that Alan has that Alan wants?
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Settle down, have me own family.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Wow. - That there's what I've always wanted.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11Great. Such an answer. So your own family.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Be a wonderful life for me.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16The smile on that face.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20What else?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Employment, full-time employment.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28See how it's starting to link?
0:23:28 > 0:23:31It's OK to dream.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33You have a licence to do that.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36You're not going to be ridiculed for that.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40If you just have this rough outline of where you hope to be
0:23:40 > 0:23:45and it's a wee bit wispy and out there.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47It will stay that way.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51I think it will be about him
0:23:51 > 0:23:54actually buying into a new life for himself.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55I think it's about him
0:23:55 > 0:23:59actually seeing that a few other doors can open for him.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Health and safety there, Alan. Health and safety.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Karl's brought Alan to Eden Village to help out for the day.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19A big part of turning things around for me was getting motivated and
0:24:19 > 0:24:23caring about your body and your mind and what you're doing to yourself.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27So that would be a big focus of some of the work
0:24:27 > 0:24:30I would do with other guys as well now.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Why do you think you're down here?
0:24:35 > 0:24:37To help me get back into full-time employment, well a start.
0:24:39 > 0:24:45What do you think the purpose of lifting bits of wood is going
0:24:45 > 0:24:47to do for you.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Makes me feel good about myself.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59I can't ask anything of anybody else that I'm not willing to do myself.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03It's not about trying to be one of them.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06But it's certainly not being afraid to get your hands dirty.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08And be alongside them.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12So you're kind of taking parts of the journey with them.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- So, job done.- Yep.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Now you have a day's work behind you, how are you feeling?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Big achievement. Over the moon.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27So, well done. Good hustle.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Great. Do you need a hand with that or you all right?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Aye.- A bit heavy.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Go ahead, Alan.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36LAUGHTER
0:25:36 > 0:25:40They're going to be sore tonight. And it'll be for a good reason.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It's not going to be from bumps and bruises from having a drunk
0:25:43 > 0:25:45night out and then regretting why they're sore.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50It will be interesting to see how that goes forward.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I'm just really tired.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56So I am.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Yesterday wasn't a very good day for me.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07My daddy died three years ago and it was on my mind.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08It was one of those days.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12I walked straight into the pub and got drunk.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It is hard sometimes for people to pick up the phone
0:26:15 > 0:26:17and reach out for help.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's not hard for someone to open a bottle of wine.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25Or pop a pill. That's a private thing. That's a guaranteed numbness.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I just think this will make me forget about it.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30This will help but I know it doesn't help. You know?
0:26:30 > 0:26:33But it's just, I don't know what it is.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Something in here's not clicking into place.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Did your counselling at FASA prepare you for a moment like this?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44They've given me everything and I've taken it all in
0:26:44 > 0:26:49and they've given me enough to get me out of these situations.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Mentally, addiction can last for a lifetime.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57And then we're coping with the psychological supportive change.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Which can take for ever.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04I'm going down to the group to do some crocheting and that this
0:27:04 > 0:27:07morning and get out of that sort of stupid place that I'm in.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- Have a seat.- It's Jade's third session with Paul.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I had a very depressive week.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20I woke up quite early with a pang, a feeling of deep depression.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- Pain right here.- Anxiety or... - Yeah.- What do you think caused that?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I stopped taking everything over the weekend.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- OK.- And I think it was a withdrawal urge.- Did you reduce it slowly?- No.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Just stopped. That made me feel very ill.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Yeah. Well, it would.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40- Very ill.- Yeah.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- It wouldn't have been something I would have suggested doing.- No.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- I wouldn't recommend it. - I wish you would have called.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- I couldn't even speak. - Talked about it.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52By about 5:00 I thought, "I can't take it any more."
0:27:52 > 0:27:56I had to go and get some wine and just sit and have that.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00How would you say you felt when you started taking the alcohol again?
0:28:00 > 0:28:01Heavy, sick.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Disgusted.- OK. Let's not beat ourselves up too much.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09It is part of the recovery process.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- It's not where you've lost the battle.- No.- We're still in the war.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16You will come out of it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The fact that she tried to stop the drugs and alcohol on her own
0:28:19 > 0:28:22without my intervention or medical intervention...
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Does show that she definitely wants to make a change.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29But she's not making the change in a healthy way.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Just wonder where it all went wrong.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39Maybe it didn't go wrong. Maybe this was the path that was handed to us.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46And maybe at this point you needed to be here to help yourself get
0:28:46 > 0:28:47to a better place.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Questions that you ask me about I don't know when this started,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53I don't know what happened, I don't know why.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58Those questions are in there but they are enveloped in alcohol and drugs.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02And even if they came out at this stage...
0:29:03 > 0:29:06..honestly I don't think you'd be able to process them.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- No.- So, I wouldn't even worry about asking those questions now.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Let's just get you onto a programme where you're reducing
0:29:13 > 0:29:16the alcohol, you're reducing the pills
0:29:16 > 0:29:20and when we're in a better place then questions like that can be asked.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22And more importantly questions like that can be answered.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25When you're dealing with addiction you're not only dealing with the
0:29:25 > 0:29:30addiction, you're dealing with the mental health associated with it too.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31See you later.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35'The question there is which one do you deal with immediately?'
0:29:35 > 0:29:36- Bye.- Bye.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40For me, at this point, it's her addiction.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42It's feeding into the mental health, of course.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46It is fuelling her depression and her self-worth.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49It has to be done in a very safe and managed programme.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- You love my seat.- You want it? - I'm not precious over it.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08- It's fine. How you doing?- Dead on. - Talk me through the last week or so.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10How's that been for you?
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Last Saturday I went out for a three-hour game of snooker.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20Alan is taking FASA's advice and is starting to change his routine.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Next on the list of priorities is to tackle his binge drinking.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Last time you had a drink?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Last time I had a drink...
0:30:31 > 0:30:34..would have been last Saturday. Just after the snooker.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41I think I had about four or five cups of cider and I was...
0:30:41 > 0:30:43It went straight to my head like.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- So how do you feel you're doing in terms of all that now?- All right.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Just all right? Why are we here?
0:30:57 > 0:31:00To get off the drink permanently.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01So when you're telling me that.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04I'm not really working towards that, am I?
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Whenever I tell you I was out with my mates last Saturday.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Every time the question is asked, "What is a win here for you?"
0:31:12 > 0:31:14For him it's alcohol-free.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19That's why the danger of that is then what happens if he has a beer?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23You know, does that suddenly make him a failure?
0:31:23 > 0:31:28So I think how to gauge success is more to do with his self-worth.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Is he doing things that are enhancing his life?
0:31:32 > 0:31:35That are moving him in a direction towards the dream.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Is your goal to completely cut out alcohol?
0:31:40 > 0:31:41It could be in the long run.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Even that's changed from what you said before.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49You need to be really clear on what your goal is.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51And why it is you want to get there.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58Then I come in beside you on that. And work towards it.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Maybe it's something you need to have a think about?
0:32:02 > 0:32:04If he's going by what other people tell him,
0:32:04 > 0:32:09our reasons for him to change, they'll only take him so far.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13And when he's in that circumstance where he's out with friends
0:32:13 > 0:32:15and that bottle of vodka is in front of him
0:32:15 > 0:32:18it's really going to come down to what does he want?
0:32:20 > 0:32:22And does he have enough in him,
0:32:22 > 0:32:27resilience-wise and otherwise to say, "I know what my goal is
0:32:27 > 0:32:30"and I know what I'm moving towards and this isn't it."
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Yes, doctor, my name is Paul. I'm calling from FASA in Belfast.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Paul has got Jade's GP on the line.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42She's relapsed a few times.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45So I think at this point I would refer her to you folks.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Just to help her get through the initial shocks of detox.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51She seems very committed to it.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55But it does seem she needs some medical intervention to get
0:32:55 > 0:32:56her through it.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59'When we look at Jade as a person who has been addicted
0:32:59 > 0:33:03'we see that the primary addiction was co-codamol.'
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Thank you, doctor. Bye.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13The drug itself is so complex.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16You had the codeine aspect and the paracetamol.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21And that in itself is much harder for Jade to withdraw from.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24And that's why we're getting some professional medical advice
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and support on that transition.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- Hello.- Hey, Jade, it's Paul. How are you?
0:33:31 > 0:33:32You feeling good?
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I'm glad you're making jokes. It's good.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41I did get a chance to speak with your GP.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45They're very willing to start you with some medical
0:33:45 > 0:33:46prescription for detoxing.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Provided you still engage with us and we can work on the psychological
0:33:52 > 0:33:55aspects of what you can expect when you're detoxing.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58OK, Jade. I will see you next Tuesday.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59All right, take care. Bye.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05After Ann's latest set back she's on her way back to the women's group.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10This is my release. This is the real person that I am.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15There was a time I couldn't talk to anybody.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I didn't want to talk to people at all.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I make a point now where I speak to people.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Ann started to come out of her shell.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29And it hasn't gone unnoticed.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33I was just saying about how well you're looking tonight.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- I'm gorgeful.- That's a good word. I like that word, gorgeful.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- I'm only doing the top one, right? - Yep.- But with the next one...
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- You go into the further one down? - You go into that one.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Arts and crafts are proving such a big draw at Eden, FASA has
0:34:50 > 0:34:54created a government Steps to Work vacancy for a part-time stitcher.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- How many hours?- 30 hours.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01Crikey.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Go on, you will. You will.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- They just sent me an e-mail of it today.- Did they?
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- It's up in the Jobcentre.- Oh, is it?
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Yous are all a gag, aren't yous?
0:35:19 > 0:35:22And what sort of thing would you be doing?
0:35:25 > 0:35:30Making stuff or to help other people to make things. It closes on Friday.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Oh, get away.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36It's confidence. Confidence, really.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42But watch this space. You never know.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Let's get a wee sort of catch-up of what's been happening over
0:35:48 > 0:35:50the last few days.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53You know. I think you can actually smell it right now.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Just got paid yesterday
0:35:56 > 0:36:01and met up with a mate I haven't seen in about three years.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Had a wee catch-up with him. Went on a wee drinking session.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I know it's no laughing matter.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13I shouldn't even go out.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Alan's been on a drinking binge
0:36:18 > 0:36:20until the early hours of this morning.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Just seems pointless.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Why do you say that?- Cos it is.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Cos I know I'm going to slip up one way or the other.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30So what do you think needs to change?
0:36:35 > 0:36:38For me, in reality, just to move out of Bangor
0:36:38 > 0:36:40because I know too many people.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43So you're telling me
0:36:43 > 0:36:49that for you the easier option is to actually move out of Bangor
0:36:49 > 0:36:52then you learn the skills to be able to say no.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- I know an even easier option. - What's that?
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Just get a bottle of vodka and a hell of a lot of pills.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04That there would solve my problem.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- So what problem is that solving? - Me own.- Which is?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18You're telling me that you know what?
0:37:18 > 0:37:22Vodka and pills would answer your problem. What's your problem?
0:37:26 > 0:37:31I only went up to ASDA to get my dad a two-litre bottle of milk.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35And I ended up running into a mate standing in the alcohol section.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38I was trying to fight the temptation.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- So I was. - In what way did you do that?
0:37:43 > 0:37:46I was just getting a wee bit agitated and I'm not going back
0:37:46 > 0:37:49when he's standing here talking.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55There's no way am I buying alcohol
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and then I end up give in and just bought it.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04'From conversations previously'
0:38:04 > 0:38:06it would have been described as
0:38:06 > 0:38:08more of a coping mechanism.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13What he described today is dependency.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19I'm hoping he got to eyeball that and maybe see for himself
0:38:19 > 0:38:23that it's maybe a bigger issue than even he wants to admit.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33We went into the place where hangings took place. And he opened it...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Jade's been to see her GP to get additional help in weaning
0:38:36 > 0:38:38her off her co-codamol addiction.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Hi, Jade. I'm Hilary.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Do you want to grab your bag and we're going to take a seat in here.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Do some of your paperwork.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Paul's referred Jade to FASA's complementary therapy team
0:38:49 > 0:38:52for extra support while she's detoxing.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54What's your symptoms like at the minute?
0:38:54 > 0:38:59- Still very much go and get some. - So cravings are still there?- Yeah.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01What about migraines and or headaches?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I suppose what I mean by those is regular.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- No.- Codeine is highly addictive. It's an opiate.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It's an opiate in the same way that heroin is an opiate.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- So are you thirsty a lot of the time?- Yeah.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16The number of opiate painkillers prescribed in Northern Ireland
0:39:16 > 0:39:19has more than tripled since the year 2000.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22The auricular acupuncture is five points
0:39:22 > 0:39:24done on the outside of the ear.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27So just on the outside surface point of the ear.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31It's been designed for detox and relapse prevention.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34And it was originally designed for opiates.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38For opiate addiction so it's absolutely perfect for you.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- That's wonderful.- Great. So I'll see you next week.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- You will indeed.- For the next six weeks
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Jade will receive complementary
0:39:44 > 0:39:47therapy alongside her sessions with Paul.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Hello, Alan.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55It's Karl here from FASA. How are you doing?
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Karl's keen to find out how Alan is coping.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02That's an early start.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Have you thought about it like that at all before?
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Why do you think you're taking it more serious now?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Older and wiser, you hope so.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25That's good going for a Monday morning as well.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Good man. Look after yourself this week and I'll see you Friday.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Take care.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Jade has contacted Hannah at reception just to say that
0:40:41 > 0:40:44she's going to have to cancel her session today.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46So, she's not feeling well.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48What I'm going to do is give her a call
0:40:48 > 0:40:50and reschedule her appointment for next week.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03So, there's no answer.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08It's not uncommon for people to not feel great.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Particularly with a reduction and to cancel a session.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Feel that they can't make it.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18What sort of things might she be experiencing now as someone
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- coming off codeine? - She may feel a bit sick.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22She might have unpleasant thoughts.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24It may well be impacting on how she sleeps.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27She may get shakes and tremors from it.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Some people get muscle pain, as well.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32That's why the therapies can be so good
0:41:32 > 0:41:34because we can help with some of those symptoms.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Jade also cancels her session with Paul.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- Hello.- Hey, Jade. Good, how's it going?
0:41:47 > 0:41:48Not feeling good today?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52He's worried her depression is hindering her recovery.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We don't want you to relapse.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58'It's frustrating when I hear a client saying
0:41:58 > 0:41:59'they have had a rough week.'
0:41:59 > 0:42:02It undervalues me a little bit because I feel like maybe
0:42:02 > 0:42:03I am letting her down.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06That I haven't reached out to her more often.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Or I haven't given her enough trust.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11All right, listen.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15I have total faith that you're going to get through today
0:42:15 > 0:42:17but if you do feel like you need additional support,
0:42:17 > 0:42:19don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21OK.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25'It does take time to change someone's mental outlook about themselves.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28'You're telling someone that what they've been doing for ten
0:42:28 > 0:42:30'years, even though they know it's wrong.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33'You don't have that safety any more.'
0:42:33 > 0:42:35All right? OK, Jade. You take care. Bye-bye.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46- Talk to me.- From last Saturday I never had a drink until yesterday.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47How did you feel?
0:42:48 > 0:42:51I took my mind off it by smoking dope.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58There's a dangerous game could be played here.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Where we go from swapping one substance for another.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03For another for another.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- Do you think it's the answer? - I thought it was the answer.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- I really do want to get off drink. - Do you?
0:43:18 > 0:43:21From last Friday to yesterday...
0:43:24 > 0:43:26..I was sober.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31Sober but stoned.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39What happened there represents something that we would see
0:43:39 > 0:43:44often enough. More around self reduction, this self reliance.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46"I can do it. I can reduce.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52"I've got this." The denial element is almost
0:43:52 > 0:43:57still in there as well of, there isn't really that big a problem.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59I'm capable of stopping.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04That when that begins to happen that to help...
0:44:06 > 0:44:08Help somebody function.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12They start looking at another source.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- Have you been using anything today? - Nope.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19No.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23I guess what's going on at the minute and why I'm going to
0:44:23 > 0:44:25highlight the fact that it's going to be very difficult for me.
0:44:25 > 0:44:31I'm not hearing or seeing evidence of somebody who wants to do
0:44:31 > 0:44:32something about that.
0:44:32 > 0:44:38I'm seeing someone who's coming in week after week where use has
0:44:38 > 0:44:40stayed either exactly the same or worse.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43And you feel OK about that.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45That is not progress.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49There will be no change unless you choose to do it.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- Can I make that choice for you? - Uh-huh.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58No. I can't live your life, Alan. Nor do I want to.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03One life is enough for me. I struggle enough with that.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05This is down to you.
0:45:06 > 0:45:07Your responsibility.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13You want to change that, you want to address that. We'll work with you.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16I'd love to come back here next week and say...
0:45:18 > 0:45:20..I haven't had a drink all week and I haven't been stoned.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- Why? For my benefit or for yours? - For mine.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30Good.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- So what do you think needs built up then?- Confidence.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Confidence for what?
0:45:38 > 0:45:43- Just to stay strong.- That's why I'm here. I'm employed to do this.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48You lucky guy. But that's why I'm here.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51So let's be under no illusions.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54The big thing is really centred around why you're here.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59You're so welcome here.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04And we will work with you.
0:46:04 > 0:46:10But not under the premise that you're not...
0:46:13 > 0:46:15..even looking at why you're here in the first place.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Do you think Alan will ever be able to make this change?
0:46:20 > 0:46:25It's a question that would underpin the value of why we're
0:46:25 > 0:46:27here in the first place.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29We believe in the person.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33So do I believe that there's hope for Alan and that he can change?
0:46:33 > 0:46:34Absolutely.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- OK?- Yep.- So I'll see you shortly.
0:46:40 > 0:46:45- The crochet class is today. Will you take it for me?- At 11.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Ann plucked up the courage to apply for the Steps to Work vacancy.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- So, Ann, you got the job. - I did and I love it.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01Here she comes.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04I got called the blanket lady yesterday.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06Belle couldn't remember me name
0:47:06 > 0:47:08so she says, "We have to ask the blanket lady."
0:47:10 > 0:47:14I thought, "I've been called many a thing in me time but a blanket lady?"
0:47:14 > 0:47:18The crochet bit is the simple bit. It's the wee fiddly bits, you know?
0:47:19 > 0:47:22I love anything to do with this. And this is me.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27It's never too late to follow a dream and this is kind of a wee dream.
0:47:27 > 0:47:32It's a lot better than thinking where I'm getting my next vodka from.
0:47:32 > 0:47:37Round, in through the bunny hole. OK?
0:47:37 > 0:47:41For the next six months Ann will lead the craft sessions at Eden Village.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- Can you see my wee corner happening? - Yes. I do.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49This is an overview of how the last wee while has been for you.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51Karl's managed to persuade Alan to
0:47:51 > 0:47:54stop replacing alcohol with cannabis.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58But he's still worried about his binge drinking.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59The last month,
0:47:59 > 0:48:03how would you describe your drinking from week to week?
0:48:08 > 0:48:10Was a wee bit quite high.
0:48:10 > 0:48:16- OK. What's that look like?- A litre and 24 mini Bud.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18So 24 Bud.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- A litre bottle of vodka. - Litre bottle of vodka.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- In what sort of a time frame? - I'll drink it...
0:48:26 > 0:48:28..right through to about...
0:48:30 > 0:48:32..maybe 2:00 in the morning.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36So was that a stand alone moment with that amount of alcohol
0:48:36 > 0:48:37or was that a regular?
0:48:39 > 0:48:42There have been about three days.
0:48:42 > 0:48:43But not in a row.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Let's try and get it down on paper.
0:48:46 > 0:48:50Just get an actual visual of what that looks like.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52What about putting that in for me.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58Karl gets Alan to write down what he drank in the last four weeks.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03- First of all, writing it down, that's not easy.- No.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06So, well done for trying to recall that.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08Looking at it, how do you feel about it?
0:49:10 > 0:49:13I wouldn't class that as an alcoholic in my view.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16- What's an alcoholic? - Drinks every day.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21- But I'm not one.- Why?
0:49:22 > 0:49:24I'm not drinking every day.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- Can you cope without it? - Probably not.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33That's a brave thing to say.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- Now we're getting somewhere. This is good honesty.- Scary.
0:49:38 > 0:49:43This is a lot deeper than what you've alluded to before.
0:49:45 > 0:49:50This has a much stronger grip than was first mentioned before.
0:49:54 > 0:49:59With your permission I'm going to write a letter to your GP.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03And ask that you get a liver function test.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05To see how you're doing.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Because I would be concerned at the high level...
0:50:11 > 0:50:13..that that's coming out at.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21OK. Thank you very much.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26Jade's latest bout of depression has passed.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29- Tea?- A wee cup of tea would be great.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31- Milk?- No, just black.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40What's your relationship with co-codamol and the wine?
0:50:40 > 0:50:42We've fallen out.
0:50:42 > 0:50:43Are you divorced or just separated?
0:50:43 > 0:50:45No, we're going for the full divorce.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48The alcohol thing has gone.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52But the co-codamol is still sort of lingering.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55That's why the restraining order is coming out.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59Now that Jade's in a better place mentally, Paul feels
0:50:59 > 0:51:02she is ready to face up to a life beyond addiction.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04How do you see it now?
0:51:07 > 0:51:13I know how I feel. Still to this day I feel how I let it get that far.
0:51:13 > 0:51:19In your case it would be that you were using a substance to cope.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23Life became uncontrollable.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25You tried to control it the best way you could.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29- Yeah.- With the best way you knew. And there's no shame in that.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32Once we removed that crutch, that Band-Aid,
0:51:32 > 0:51:36that fog from her life of addiction, Jade started to reflect
0:51:36 > 0:51:39and started dealing with the issues of why she had to escape.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42Why she needed to isolate and drink
0:51:42 > 0:51:45and take severe amounts of co-codamol.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48When you started changing the negative behaviours associated
0:51:48 > 0:51:52with any sort of addiction, the light starts shining again.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55- People will want to be around you. - Yeah.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58Outside someone said to me two months ago,
0:51:58 > 0:52:01"You know, you're going to be feeling so good.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05"You're going to have a purpose in life. You're going to feel strong."
0:52:06 > 0:52:08I thought, "Yeah, right."
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- Without your "friends." - I don't need them any more.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14Don't need them any more.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Yep, Courtney. Andrea, it's for you.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19You'll have to go into the system.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Hello.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26- Alan's just got the results of his liver test.- Everything's normal.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31OK.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33That was literally what they said over the counter.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35How do you feel about that?
0:52:36 > 0:52:39- Pretty good.- OK.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41Doesn't mean to say I'm going to carry on doing what I'm doing.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47- Might as well stop now before it is too late.- Great attitude.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51Good way of looking at it. Do you think you can do that on your own?
0:52:54 > 0:52:57I think the pivotal thing is always going to be, whichever
0:52:57 > 0:53:00the result, what his attitude was towards it.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04So the fact that he's seen it as an opportunity, before damage is done,
0:53:04 > 0:53:09to push on from that. At least that's what he's saying.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12I'll go with that that that's a win.
0:53:13 > 0:53:18I'm going to suggest again about the likes of Eden.
0:53:18 > 0:53:23I know that you thrived when you were there. Is that a possibility?
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- Oh, aye.- Even if it was once or twice a week?- Aye.
0:53:26 > 0:53:31To be able to use that now to signpost him on to a support that
0:53:31 > 0:53:34can continue on with him would be the ideal move
0:53:34 > 0:53:37because it will widen the opportunities, as well.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40What do you think's going to change?
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Everything. My lifestyle.
0:53:42 > 0:53:43It's really about trying to get him
0:53:43 > 0:53:46the best wrap around service that we can.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48Saying it was too short. She was in yesterday.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- Too short.- It's now five months into Ann's work placement.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56This has just brought me back to life.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00They have given me a sense of worth.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04And she's brought her drinking under control.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08I don't say I don't have a drink any more because I do. I would be lying.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09I don't see the need to lie now
0:54:09 > 0:54:12because my life doesn't revolve around that any more.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19The one thing that stands out for me
0:54:19 > 0:54:24is that the community of FASA is out there.
0:54:25 > 0:54:30For anybody that needs it and I hope people can find it.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35I hope they're pointed in the right direction.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Because it's a real life saver.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46- Right, we going or what?- Aye.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50Six months after his first session with Karl, Alan has started
0:54:50 > 0:54:53a Steps to Work placement at Eden Village.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56'This morning I nearly slept in. I didn't leave until about 8:20.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59'So I was in a rush cos I was wanting to come.'
0:54:59 > 0:55:02- That must be it there. - That must be it.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05It's good to get out of the house as well.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07Cos I was always complaining that there was nothing to do.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10That was my excuse anyway to have a drink.
0:55:10 > 0:55:11There's nothing to do, I'm bored.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20Drinking was up and down for a while but now it's completely down.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21Turn the back slightly.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23No vodka or nothing.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29Alcohol no longer dominates Alan's life.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35All I can do is just keep trying and trying.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38Go on, you'll be fine. That's it. Job done.
0:55:41 > 0:55:42You want to come on in?
0:55:44 > 0:55:47OK, Ms Jade, how have you been all week?
0:55:47 > 0:55:52'This fight with the pills is really exhausting.'
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- Yeah. - I'm not taking them.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58My body, my brain is telling me to go get them.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01Jade is no longer dependent on co-codamol.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06Every 30 minutes you're still going through the physical withdrawals.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09Yeah. And I don't understand.
0:56:09 > 0:56:12Keep reinforcing the fact that you're winning this battle.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Yeah.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17Paul reminds Jade of how far she's come by reading
0:56:17 > 0:56:19the notes from their first session.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22That was...three months ago.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Three months ago, is this the lady I'm talking to today?
0:56:27 > 0:56:32- No. No, so much has changed. - So much has changed.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36Yeah.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40- But the struggles are still there. - Yeah. But nothing compared to that.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42In 90 days.
0:56:43 > 0:56:49We can't expect everything to be flipped and reversed in 90 days.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52From what you have accomplished in that short period of time it is
0:56:52 > 0:56:53tremendous.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57The next step will be working further on maintaining what you've
0:56:57 > 0:56:58achieved here.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01The lessons that you've learned in yourself
0:57:01 > 0:57:04and seen how you can cope with stress.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Without going to the co-codamol or the alcohol.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09That is an ongoing process.
0:57:10 > 0:57:16- Can you allow yourself to feel the amazing things you have done?- Yes.
0:57:16 > 0:57:20I can say for the first time I can say yes. I'm proud of myself.
0:57:20 > 0:57:25But I did lift the phone that you answered and got help right away.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28Because I don't think I would be sitting anywhere if I didn't....
0:57:29 > 0:57:32Because it was taking me out.
0:57:32 > 0:57:36I'm thankful that you picked up that phone that day.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38Very proud of you.
0:57:39 > 0:57:43OK. We all want to live a peaceful full life
0:57:43 > 0:57:48and life without self-medicating and isolating.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51So when you see people go through that transition
0:57:51 > 0:57:55'those are the moments with each client that we live for.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58'And Jade is at the point now, at the threshold, of major
0:57:58 > 0:58:00'change in her life.'
0:58:01 > 0:58:03- Thank you. Bye.- Bye-bye.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07Next time on Watch Over Me.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11SHE SIGHS
0:58:11 > 0:58:16It's a hard one. What's the impact of suicide on a family?
0:58:18 > 0:58:22People look on attempted suicide or suicide as people who are not
0:58:22 > 0:58:24all there.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26But you are all there.
0:58:26 > 0:58:29It's just a matter of your thinking becomes twisted.
0:58:29 > 0:58:30I found the right people.
0:58:30 > 0:58:32At the right time.