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| Case
study
An AB at sea self-referred to an ADPC due to concerns about her own
level of drinking and due to pending Defence Force Disciplinary Action (DFDA).
She wanted to deal with the issue.
Given the sailor was highly motivated towards
changing her behaviour, she sought fortnightly ADPC appointments until the next
available SAPEG.
On initial assessment, the sailor was using alcohol problematically
(Level Two).
It was also identified she was generally coping ineffectively
and the member was referred to a psychologist for support.
She attended SAPEG
for six weeks after the initial assessment. During SAPEG the sailor developed
a greater understanding of the physical effects of alcohol.
Her response to
stressful situations was identified as a trigger for drinking.
The sailor
identified strategies to deal with risky situations in relation to problematic
alcohol use and found that education on the effects of alcohol; goal setting and
problem solving were of the most benefit during SAPEG.
At a follow up 12 months
later – the Divisional Officer (DO) report indicated her work performance
had increased, no DFDA/civilian charges had occurred and the member maintained
a positive workplace ethic.
The sailor stated she was feeling more in control
of her alcohol consumption and felt positive and in control of her life.
The
12-month assessment by the ADPC found the member was at low risk of further alcohol
related incidents. |
The
RAN Alcohol and Drug Program was established in the early 1980s, by the late Brian
Kelly, a recovering alcoholic, and has evolved over the years to become focused
primarily on prevention, identification, intervention and treatment.
The
program is a fundamental pillar of the tri-service ADF Alcohol, Tobacco and Other
Drugs (ADF ATODS) program and coordinates and implements within Navy, new resources
and initiatives as they are developed by the ADF Mental Health Strategy.
Navy’s
culture of support fosters a mentoring approach in assisting potential alcohol
and drug affected members, it aims to educate first and provide early intervention
through its Peer Support Program.
The Peer Support Program consists of
Alcohol and Drug Program Advisors attending a three-week course conducted by the
Alcohol and Drug Program Coordinators. The ADP advisors are the first point of
contact onboard ship for potential clients, however, divisional officers and supervisors
are initially expected to identify if a member has a drug or alcohol problem or
issues.
If the ADP advisor becomes involved then they can assess and refer
appropriately to a level of service according to whether the behaviour is an isolated
incident, where for instance, education would be provided or if there is a pattern,
then counselling and or treatment may be assigned.
ADP services include
24-hour confidential telephone support, face to face counselling, treatment and
referral to other agencies. The RAN coordinators are able to assist with a range
of concerns, including alcohol and drug issues, nicotine addiction and problem
gambling.
The Safe Spirit or the Random Alcohol Breath Testing (RBT) program
under the umbrella of RAN ADP was instituted in January 2004. This program has
enabled education and intervention leading to appropriate and effective monitoring
and management of members who need support for alcohol problems.
Coordinators
also provide alcohol and other drug education for all entry/management courses,
the annual Safe Spirit Brief and any other divisional presentations as requested.
The coordinators also provide pre and post deployment briefings (on request),
and offer policy advice.
Additionally, Alcohol and Drug Awareness Courses
and Alcohol and Drug Program Advisor Courses are run for personnel of the rank
LS and above.
Members who have alcohol issues will be supported by the
RAN ADP.
There are currently six full-time and one reserve coordinators
employed within the RAN ADP program, based at HMAS Kuttabul, HMAS Stirling, HMAS
Cerberus and HMAS Albatross.
