Recognising alcohol-related harm and supporting individuals at risk.

Alcohol misuse can have serious consequences for an individual’s health, safety, relationships and overall quality of life.

In frontline services, alcohol-related concerns may present through intoxication, deteriorating physical health, behavioural changes, poor self-care, safeguarding concerns or difficulties maintaining accommodation and accessing support.

Alcohol dependency can also develop gradually, making it important for professionals to understand the early warning signs and distinguish between different levels of alcohol-related risk.

KIKIT’s Alcohol Awareness Training provides a focused understanding of alcohol use, dependency, withdrawal and the approaches professionals can take to identify concerns and support people experiencing alcohol-related difficulties.

What does the training cover?

• Understanding alcohol and its effects: Exploring how alcohol affects the brain, central nervous system, behaviour, coordination and decision-making.
• Patterns of alcohol consumption: Understanding lower-risk, hazardous, harmful and dependent drinking patterns, alongside relevant UK alcohol guidance.
• Recognising problematic alcohol use: Identifying potential indicators of harmful drinking and alcohol dependency.
• Physical health consequences: Understanding the relationship between prolonged excessive alcohol consumption and conditions affecting the liver, heart, digestive system and nervous system.
• Alcohol and mental health: Exploring the links between alcohol misuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional distress and increased vulnerability.
• Alcohol withdrawal: Recognising symptoms of withdrawal and understanding why sudden cessation can be dangerous for individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol.
• Recognising emergencies: Understanding signs of severe intoxication, alcohol poisoning, seizures and other circumstances requiring urgent medical attention.
• Safeguarding responsibilities: Identifying risks associated with alcohol misuse, including self-neglect, exploitation, falls, injuries and difficulties with daily living.
• Supporting individuals: Exploring non-judgemental communication, appropriate professional boundaries and effective approaches to discussing alcohol-related concerns.
• Treatment and support pathways: Understanding alcohol assessments, medically supported withdrawal, psychosocial interventions and referral to specialist alcohol treatment services.

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for supported housing providers, care staff, community support workers, homelessness services, mental health teams, social care professionals and organisations whose employees encounter individuals experiencing harmful alcohol use.

Learning outcomes

Participants will improve their understanding of alcohol-related harm and their ability to identify individuals who may be experiencing problematic drinking or alcohol dependency.

The training will also help professionals recognise situations requiring urgent medical assessment, understand the risks associated with alcohol withdrawal and support individuals towards appropriate treatment services.