Alcohol Diversion

Individuals receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice as a result of alcohol-related social disorder in the Kirkcaldy area are being offered an opportunity by Police to forgo payment of a fine and instead attend an alcohol awareness course provided by FASS. Attendance is voluntary.

FASS provides 2 x 3 hour courses each month. Each session caters for around 10 clients.

The initial pilot of the scheme will operate in the Kirkcaldy area for 6 months from July 2009.

Clients receive an interactive, non-confrontational Brief Intervention designed to raise awareness of alcohol issues and the consequences of misuse for individuals and communities.

Crucially, it will also provide an opportunity for reflection on personal experience and encourage behaviour change.

Clients will gain an understanding of:

• binge drinking - the social and personal influences that encourage it, and its attendant dangers including accidents and other health and well-being concerns;
• the risk of being involved in further social disorder incidents, or of becoming a victim of crime.

Clients will also learn how to measure alcohol consumption, what happens to the body and mind during stages of intoxication and how long it then takes to become free of alcohol.

The course also covers alcohol withdrawals and the inherent dangers of overdosing.

Finally, participants are encouraged to explore ways of changing their drinking habits so they stay as safe as possible whether they are drinking at home or out and about. Even small changes that produce lower risks are beneficial.