'Change resistant drinkers'? The blue light approach with Mark Holmes & Mike Ward

In this episode we talk to Mark Holmes and Mike Ward about the Blue Light approach, which aims to challenge the belief that nothing can be done with drinkers who may be deemed as 'not wanting to change'. 

The Blue Light approach aims to show there are a range of positive strategies that can be used to manage risk, reduce harm and promote change. We discuss the ideas and myths behind 'change resistant drinkers', and explore what approaches and strategies are most effective when working with people with severe alcohol problems who are not currently engaging in alcohol treatment or other support. 

Mike Ward is from a Social Work background but has worked most of his career in the alcohol and drug field.  He is the co-author of the Blue Light Manual on Working with Change Resistant Drinkers but also other practical guides including Safeguarding Vulnerable Dependent Drinkers.  He is the author of over thirty serious case reviews about individuals with alcohol and/or drug use disorders.

Mark Holmes. BSc, RMN, SPMH has been a mental health nurse for over 30 years.  Mark was being twice awarded Nursing Times Awards; The Mental Health Nurse of the Year in 2012 and LTC Team of the year 2016. He also works as an associate for Alcohol Change UK co-authoring the Blue Light Project and has had over 20 publications. He currently sits on UK alcohol clinical guidelines expert group, and Alcohol Care Teams Steering group (ACTION). 

Details of the Blue Light approach can be found here. It is an initiative to develop alternative approaches and care pathways for drinkers who are not in contact with treatment services, but who have complex needs.

It challenges the belief that only drinkers who show clear motivation to change can be helped, and sets out positive strategies that can be used with this client group.

The Blue Light manual sets out these strategies in detail and offers a fundamental positive message that change is possible. It contains:

• Tools for understanding why individuals may not engage
• Risk assessment tools which are appropriate for drinkers
• Harm reduction techniques workers can use
• Advice on crucial nutritional approaches which can reduce alcohol-related harm
• Questions to help non-clinicians identify where individuals may be at risk of serious health problems
• Management frameworks
• Guidance on legal frameworks