Reports on Alcohol Diversion Schemes (ADS) in Herts and Derbyshire have been released by Druglink.
The schemes were set up to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder by offering those fined for alcohol-related offences the chance of a reduced payment by attending a 3 hour course. Individuals given Penalty Notices for drunk & disorderly, drunk & incapable or Section 5 Public Order offences were offered the option of halving the £80 fine to a £40 course attendance fee.
Druglink says the course encourages 'offenders to face up to the reality' of their behaviour in terms of personal health risks, whilst also being 'encouraged to think of the consequences of alcohol fuelled violent behaviour to others around them.' The reports provide further details of the project including feedback from participants and course outcomes based on surveys.
The Derbyshire report states:
"Post course interviews saw a significant reduction in unit intake; the average units per person had decreased from 36 units to 15 units per week... 11% were still drinking above the safe guidelines falling within the 25-35 units per week, however this represented an overall reduction of 60% who were previously drinking at [hazardous or harmful] levels."
"Pre course interviewees were drinking on average 4 days a week, this was reduced post course by 50% to 2 days a week... Attendees reported actively managing and reducing frequency of consumption; they considered this a key element of managing their drinking and reducing the incidents of binge drinking."
Further alcohol-related Offender Health projects and reports are available on the Alcohol Learning Centre. A Home Office guide to Alcohol Arrest Referral schemes is also available.
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