What Do We Do?

As a service we acknowledge that problematic alcohol and/or drug use may have many causes and can affect us all very differently. We believe, however that this is essentially a l'earned behaviour' and as such we will work with an individual to affect a change in their level or pattern of use and/or their wider social wellbeing. ADSiS will work with an individual towards their own goals, incorporating a cognitive behavioural and solution focussed approach, motivational interviewing techniques, goal setting and relapse management.

We aim to make our services accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, disability or sexuality.  We offer daytime and evening appointments and provide outreach provision in a number of localities. We offer a range of interventions, which we will continue to develop informed by the views of our clients. Our services are free (except for some training provision) confidential and flexible.

ADSiS is a registered charity and company limited by gurantee.  The service is run by an Executive Committee made up of volunteers from the local community and business world who bring with them their own particular skills and expertise.

The Committee holds an Annual General Meeting each year at which new members can stand for election.  There is also a provision for co-options on to the Committee at other times during the year.  If you are interested in joining our Executive Committee please go to our page how to become an Executive Committee Member


Adult Services: 
Across the County we provide free confidential information, advice and support to anyone concerned about their own or someone elses misuse of alcohol and/or drugs (illegal or prescribed). All our services are provided by a combination of fully trained project staff and volunteer support workers.

In North Staffordshire and the Moorlands our service provision is focused on alcohol.

Needle Exchange:
We operate a Needle Exchange facility at each of the team bases and at specific outreach venues.  ADSiS fully supports the 'harm reduction' approach to alcohol and/or drug use.

Offenders:
We are proud of our long term partnership with the National Probation Service in Staffordshire.  We have staff working within their offices across the County, delivering a structured programme of work with offenders to address their alcohol and/or drug problems and related offending behaviour.


Concerned Others:
Families, friends and colleagues of those affected by alcohol and/or drug misuse are encouraged to access free confidential information, advice and support from our service for their own needs.  Both telephone and face to face support is available.  Our fully trained Support Workers are happy to help concerned others from their nearest ADSiS base.  Complementary Therapies may be available to you as the concerned family member or close friend of a drinker and/or drug misuser.


Complementary Therapies:
Evidence has indicated the benefits of using complementary therapies within alcohol and drug services. ADSiS delivers auricular acupuncture to clients and concerned others.

Rural Communities:
Outreach provision is an important part of the work we deliver in order to improve accesibility to dedicated alcohol and drug services.  As an example of this we provide alcohol services in the Staffordshire Moorlands area, utilising local venues and linking in with local services.


Women:
Alcohol and Drug Services nationally are working to improve access to services and support for women. Across the County we run Support Groups and individual support sessions dedicated to women.

Alcohol and Mental Health:
ADSiS has a partnership with Stoke on Trent Social Services Department to deliver targeted service provision for clients with both alcohol and mental health related problems.  This is available in North Staffordshire.


Training:
Training is an essential element for any organisation if it is to ensure quality service provision.  ADSiS has a strong reputation for the standard of training delivered both internally and externally.  We deliver an accredited training certificate for all Support Workers and a full programme of staff training throughout the year.  ADSiS has also developed training packages specifically targeted to young people.  These are used in scools and youth groups across the County.


Workplace Policies on Alcohol and Drugs:
ADSiS offers advice and support to businesses on Alcohol and Drug Workplace Policies.  Associated training for your Managers and/or staff can also be arranged.

To find out more about this bespoke service and our unique Membership Scheme please call theTraining and Development Manager, Becky Crowther at ADSiS HQ on 01785 224771 or email becky@adsis.org.uk