Fed members with an alcohol or drugs problem encouraged to ask for help

28 March 2022

Federation members who feel they have a problem with alcohol or drugs are being encouraged to access the necessary support in order to help improve their mental health, wellbeing and lifestyle.

Professionals from Aquarius Life, an organisation that works with West Midlands Police to help officers and staff overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling, are reassuring Federation members that support is there if they need it.

Senior specialist advisor at Aquarius Life Tony Glew said: “We’re all human, we all have different ways to cope, relax and drinking or alcohol is a quick way of dealing with our emotions. However, sometimes, these can change into a reoccurring habit.

“I help people understand why they are using that substance. I provide them with a safe space to talk.”

Tony explained, for example, he finds that people who once used exercise to combat stress and anxiety, start to swap keeping fit for drinking.

“The thing is, some find it quicker to go down the pub and have a drink, than go for a bike ride or to find other ways to deal with stress,” he added.

“I help people look at their lives, their history and any concerns they might have. If you think of life as a jigsaw, we talk about all of the different pieces and help people put a plan in place to help them to develop. This might include guidance to other support services too.

“I try to enable people to make their own decisions and look at other coping strategies, both short and long-term. The majority of those I see, end up dramatically changing their lives.”

An anonymous user of Aquarius said: “Tony has helped me immensely. We spoke on the phone for an hour each week initially. Tony could see that I still needed help even though my drinking was under control and our sessions continued as long as I needed them.”

Another said: “Tony has helped me to recover from that low. Just by chatting and seeing things in a different way, I am back in control of my life and not worried by those things over which I can have no control. I’m back at work and happy.”

Tony admits there is a stigma surrounding mental health and substances (including gambling), but he is hoping to break these down by talking about it more.

“Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of,” he continued, “A lot of people don’t know what our sessions will be like. A lot of people say ‘I didn’t expect it to be like that’,” he said.

“Often, it turns out, that there may be other reasons behind their drinking such as financial worries, relationship issues or stress and anxiety at work.”

Tony explained that Aquarius tries to take a proactive approach, to prevent people from getting to the point when they are really struggling, supporting them by using proven tools and techniques.

“We are aiming to raise awareness of support within the Force for employees and having Aquarius as a resource,” Tony added.

“And ultimately, this support benefits everyone, including the service, the person, their families and society.”

Find out more about the services Aquarius Life provides. Alternatively, email Tony.Glew@Aquarius.org.uk to speak to someone directly.