The time that is difficult for those struggling with addiction

But for those with an alcohol addiction, the party season can be a particularly challenging and testing time.

Traditionally, Christmas and New Year celebrations are geared around alcohol. Television advertisements and social get-togethers tend to focus on alcohol, making it difficult for those who are struggling with addiction or recently in recovery.

“People can feel incredibly isolated around the festive period because so many activities and TV programmes revolve around alcohol,” says Vicki Beere, director of operations at Project 6, a drug and alcohol charity based in Keighley.

“It can be a challenging time. If people are in the early stages of recovery they may not choose to go to functions, to protect their recovery, and we want to encourage people to go to our treatment services and access help and support over the New Year period.”

Through support from West Yorkshire Probation Trust and Project 6, Anne (not her real name) has finally turned her life around.

For more than 20 years, the 49-year-old had a successful, well-paid career, but a change in her circumstances led to a downward spiral into alcohol addiction.

“Suddenly I felt as though I had lost my sense of purpose and my self-confidence. I barely recognised myself and I started to drink in secret,” she says. “I became sneaky and deceitful as I tried to hide my drinking from my family and friends.”

As a result of her drinking, Anne committed a motoring-related offence and received ten points on her licence, but instead of the incident acting as a wake-up call, Anne’s drinking escalated to such an extent that she would lose up to three days at a time on alcohol binges.

She says: “I would catch sight of myself in the mirror and think, ‘Just look at the state of you’. I hated the thought of my children seeing me in that condition.

“However, I would also look around my lovely home and think, ‘I can’t be an alcoholic; I have a comfortable home and a loving family’. I didn’t understand that alcohol addiction is a problem that anyone can face at any time in their life.”

Another motoring-related offence while under the influence of alcohol brought Anne before magistrates.

“Going to court was incredibly scary for me and a massive wake-up call. Instead of throwing the book at me, the magistrates recognised that I desperately needed help, for which I am now so grateful.”

Prior to sentencing, Anne was assessed by probation services and received a nine-month driving ban and an Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR), combined with a year’s supervision by West Yorkshire Probation.

Julie Thorpe, Anne’s probation officer, said: “An ATR is for offenders who are dependent on alcohol and who need treatment and are likely to respond well. Offenders are required to attend treatment with a view to reducing or eliminating dependency on alcohol. It is normally combined with a Supervision Requirement to support and reinforce rehabilitation.

“When Anne was assessed prior to sentencing, it was felt that this type of support would prove the most beneficial in addressing her alcohol problem, which was undoubtedly the root cause of her offending behaviour.”

Probation referred Anne to Keighley-based Project 6 to undertake the ATR. Project 6 is a voluntary drug and alcohol charity, which works to reduce the harm caused by substance abuse and reach out to those who have decided to make a positive change in their lifestyles.

It was Anne’s decision to give up drinking.

“Although I have come under enormous pressure to consume alcohol, for instance on my birthday, I have not given in. It’s still early days, but I feel positive about the future and that I can control my compulsion to drink rather than being controlled by it.

“Project 6 has provided me with invaluable tools for coping with pressure to drink from those around me and for dealing with awkward social situations.

“I am taking each day at a time, but I know that if I start to weaken I can always turn to Julie for support. I have had a glimpse of what my life could become if I carry on drinking and it is not a life I want to lead.”

Vicki encourages anyone who needs help and support with alcohol problems – or anyone in recovery and feeling particularly vulnerable during the festivities – to get in touch. “The main thing is for people to come in and speak to us before they have a drink instead of two weeks after they’ve had a drink,” she says.

For more information, call (01535) 610180 or call the progress recovery centre on (01535) 608631.