'Sobriety programme helped me get my life back'

2 days ago

Peter Whittlesea,in Worthingand

Patrick Barlow,South East

News image — Peter Lucas said an alcohol recovery programme had helped him "so much"

Peter Whittlesea / BBC A man in a red hoodie wearing a black baseball cap. He is stood in a cream room with a plant and window in the background. — Peter Lucas said an alcohol recovery programme had helped him "so much"

People recovering from alcoholism say a programme which uses alcohol to achieve sobriety is helping them transform their lives.

Worthing-based homelessness charity Turning Tides says its method of gradually reducing alcohol intake under clinical supervision leads to better outcomes.

The programme aims to move away from using medications such as benzodiazepines.

Peter Lucas, 36, who has been recovering through the programme, said: "At the height of my addiction I thought I would never feel like I feel now."

Lucas added: "I was a quivering wreck, but this place has helped me so much."

Mark Hounsome, 49, who now works in a recovery house after going through the programme, said: "My life has changed so much. I have a purpose now."

Peter Whittlesea / BBC A man wearing a grey jumper with a zip down the middle. He is stood in a cream room with a green fold-up table leaned against the wall. — Mark Hounsome, 49, said working in a recovery house after going through the programme means he has a "purpose"

Turning Tides said its rehabilitation treatment works by gradually reducing a patient's alcohol intake by 5% a day over the space of 20 days.

The charity says it leads to fewer withdrawal symptoms than normal programmes and does not need additive substances such as benzodiazepines to manage symptoms.

Since 2019 the charity says that of the 34 people treated in the programme, nearly 80% remained sober for at least three months, while 41% remained sober for a year or more.

Dr Darren Quelch, a senior research fellow at the University of South Wales, who is researching the method but is not directly involved with Turning Tides, said the charity's programme had "impressive success outcomes", and that those treated were "overwhelmingly positive about their experiences".

The NHS and alcohol charity Drinkaware say stopping drinking overnight can be harmful for people who have become alcohol dependent, and those who suffer withdrawal symptoms require medical support to help them stop drinking.

NHS England was approached for comment about the programme.