Cirrus 9 @ the National Drug Treatment Conference,
London’s Novotel 15/16th March 2007

When we were approached by Exchange Supplies and offered a free stand at the event it seemed like the perfect place to launch Cirrus 9. Perhaps the ‘novelty act’ of the event, we attracted crowds at times as our interesting and different display generated interest. The delivery of onsite massage certainly enhanced the event and sessions were booked up on both days.

Our stand received a lot of interest from service users, therapists, drug workers, service managers, pharmacies and DAAT commissioners. We were particularly pleased to meet up with the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners who are keen to develop links.

The therapy taster sessions were well received - here is some feedback:

32 x taster sessions of Onsite Massage and Thought Field Therapy (TFT) were delivered throughout the event by therapists Kath Markham and Angela Page. One service user commented:

“Better than the black box and the only massage I have ever had. I would 100% recommend to people – great.”

Our 2 parallel sessions were well attended and seemed to attract people from a diverse range of specialisms.

The TFT workshop was a hit. This self-help routine consisting of tapping acupressure points and is useful for anxiety, anger, phobias and addictions. Angela Page introduced techniques to the participants to relieve minor anxieties and fears.

One gentleman, who had been in the first workshop, turned up at the second. He had an irrational fear of walking down long corridors, always convincing himself that he was being followed. This is a particular problem when staying at hotels. After the conference finished that day, he had headed back to his room, using the tapping technique as he exited the lift. Before he knew it, he was at his room with none of the usual feelings of anxiety. He came to the 2nd workshop just to tell us how amazed he was.

TFT is certainly causing some discussion. As this can also be taught in a group setting it is also cost effective.

For more information on TFT check out our links page for the Association of Thought Field Therapy’s website.

National Drug Treatment Conference 2007
Novotel London West 15/16 March

Cirrus 9 board members have been invited to attend this year's National Drug Treatment Conference at Novotel London West.

Cirrus 9 presentations & workshop will provide the background to the innovations and developments supporting the ongoing treatment of complementary therapies with substance misusers. The presentations will demonstrate the evidence to show the valuable use of CTs as an adjunct treatment during recovery from qualitative and cohort research studies. Angela Page will facilitate a taster session in Emotional Freedom Technique enabling participants to learn useful skills for practitioners to add to their toolkit for use with themselves and clients.

The session will be interactive and dynamic. Not only may you view CTs in a different light, but you will feel energised and inspired.

Workshop times:

Thursday 15th March: 6.15 - 7.15 pm
Friday 16th March: 12.15 - 1.15pm

Free Taster sessions of Indian Head/Onsite Massage are available at our stand during both days of the conference. Come along to experience how relaxed and energised you feel - and find out why service users can't get enough of it!

Research funded by:
Nottingham City Crime & Drugs Partnership have funded the delivery of complementary therapies (CTs) in Nottingham since 2001 within numerous treatment services. They are also the sole funder of Healthy Highs CT course. Double Impact, Compass Drug Services (both Tier 2/3) and The Priory Clinic Nottingham (Tier 4) have been major contributors to the delivery of CT services having integrated CTs into their core service packages. These services have become platforms for evidence presented in this study/presentation.
The Holistic Health Team carries out feedback collation from service users and treatment services providing the content of the cohort qualitative study. Cirrus 9 (previously (ACHPSM) was funded by Val Thomas 2003 - Nov 2005 and is in the process of seeking funding support.

This constituted group is currently being supported by interested professionals and service users and it's representation at the National Drug Treatment Conference is funded by Holistic Health Team Ltd.

National Drug Treatment Conference 2007

OVERDOSE RISK AT CHRISTMAS – December 2006

As you are probably aware, Christmas is a particularly high risk time for overdose. In North Nottinghamshire we have seen a number of deaths over recent years during the Christmas period. There appears to be a number of factors, which may contribute to this risk.

• People who have been opiate free for some time may decide they will have some heroin as a ‘treat’, perhaps while their judgement is affected by alcohol use.
• There is a larger than usual release of people from prison, who again are liable to be drinking as well as using heroin.
• Those people who find Christmas a difficult time emotionally may be liable to over medicate themselves.

In the days leading up to the Christmas break it would be helpful if all drug workers/therapists could raise the issue of overdose with their clients. As those most at risk are less likely to be in contact with community based services, I think the key messages need to be around looking out for friends and associates, particularly those who fit the above criteria. Therefore key messages would be:

• If you know of someone who has little or no tolerance warn them to be very careful about the amount of heroin they use.
• If someone with no/little tolerance does use heroin make sure that they are not alone (and who they are with can be trusted to seek help).
• If you are with someone who does go over, know what to do – put them in recovery position, ring 999 and ask for an ambulance, stay with them and tell ambulance crew what they’ve taken. If person given Naloxone ( Narcan) by the ambulance crew and refuses to go to hospital, stay with them in case they go over again.

Information and advice provided by The Maltings – Harm Reduction Team, Mansfield, Notts
Contact 01623 620121