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| TAKE CARE: Relaxing with a drink can be more dangerous than you think. |
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As a result of the recognition of a gap in alcohol counselling and treatment services within Defence the Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Program (OATP) has been implemented.
This four day program has been developed by specialist alcohol and drug service providers in consultation with Defence Single Service Health professionals.
The program is based on proven alcohol treatment interventions that:
- are consistent with Australian guidelines,
- are set within a public health model, and
- build on existing capacity in the delivery of alcohol treatment services.
The OATP is a tri-service group program which looks at alcohol education, relapse prevention, life skills and goal setting. Major topics covered in the program are:
Day one
Exploring alcohol and other substances, safe and responsible use of alcohol, calculating blood alcohol concentration, financial benefits, stages of change, military values and how alcohol impacts on these values.
Day two
Expectations, decisional balance, triggers, high risk situations and problem solving.
Day three
Goal setting, communication skills, assertiveness, introduction to cognitive behavioural therapy.
Day four
Action planning, relapse prevention, support networks and resources.
The program includes group discussion and interactive activities all of which promote a supportive learning environment.
It is suitable for members:
- who have been identified as drinking in excess of the Australian Alcohol Guidelines, and/or
- who are engaging in patterns of regular drinking of six or more standard drinks a day, and/or
- whose alcohol consumption is affecting work performance, health, relationships or social life.
The OATP is not an abstinence-based program but rather one that educates personnel on safe, responsible use of alcohol. It helps members identify the factors that affect their alcohol intake, and explore their motivations for drinking and attitudes towards change. It educates participants on the various techniques and strategies useful in successfully reducing their alcohol intake to less risky levels.
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines for low-risk long-term alcohol consumption for men is no more than four standard drinks on average a day, (a standard drink is any drink containing 10 grams of alcohol). Short-term is no more than six standard drinks a day on any one day with one to two alcohol-free days a week. For women long term it is no more than two standard drinks on average a day with no more than four standard drinks (short-term) a day on any one day with one to two alcohol-free days a week.
For ARA and RAAF members referral to the OATP is directly through the ADF clinical coordinator or medical and psychology staff and for RAN personnel referral is through the RAN Alcohol and Drug Program 0417 935 586. To ensure equitable access to treatment for all ADF members, the OATP is held Australia wide.
Inquiries to Louise Hawkins, ADF Clinical Coordinator, on (02) 8782 3033 (before June) or Sqn-Ldr Shane Moloney on (02) 6266 3946 (after June).
| WHEN YOU DRINK |
| 1 Schooner full strength beer 4.9 per cent Alc/Vol = 1.5 standard drinks. |
| 1 Middy/Pot full strength beer 4.9 per cent Alc/Vol = 1 standard drink. |
| 1 Middy/Pot low alcohol beer 2.7 per cent Alc/Vol = 0.5 standard drink. |
| 1 Stubbie/Can (375ml) full strength beer 4.9 per cent Alc/Vol = 1.5 standard drinks. |
| 1 Flute (170ml) Sparkling wine or Champagne 11.5 per cent Alc/Vol = 1.5 standard drinks. |
| 1 Glass (100ml) wine 12 per cent Alc/Vol = 1 standard drink. |
| 1 Nip spirits (30ml) 40 per cent Alc/Vol = 1 standard drink. |
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