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Drugs project acts out tales of triumph

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Published Date: 15 May 2008
DRAMAS highlighting the success of a drugs support project in the Lothians have been taking to the stage in Glasgow.
The Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) has helped 19 people overcome addictions to illegal substances.

The stories of some of the people who have graduated from the tough programmes were acted out at a recent conference.

Dr David McCartney, clinical lead, was also invited to speak at the event, Building Momentum – A Recovery Movement for Addiction in Scotland.

Edinburgh was also invited to send a delegation to the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) last month to talk about the progress the city has made in tackling drug problems.

Dr McCartney said: "The head of CICAD's demand reduction services, Dr Anna Chisman, visited Edinburgh last year.

"She was extremely impressed with the work of the LEAP project and the way in which the statutory and NGOsector work so well together, and was keen for us to share our experiences.

"It was a great honour to be asked to speak at this conference and a big endorsement of the way we work here in Lothian."





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  • Last Updated: 15 May 2008 10:58 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

OldmanfaeMethil,

Fife 16/05/2008 14:28:32
How many articles are there going to be about LEAP!?!?!?

Their most impressive acheivement is securing such a high level media contact to glibly report on every apparent success, whilst ignoring the far more widespread work done by those who don't follow the 12-step philosophy.

If, say one year on, there is ever any coverage regarding the continued progress of all these graduates who are (unfairly on them) hailed as heroes -no pressure guys!!!, I would imagine that the resultant car crash stats will make horrible reading.....
2

tim1leg,

Ayrshire 17/05/2008 11:01:13

Whats wrong old man don't you think its great to finally see some positive articles about people recovering and becoming productive members of society again or would you rather see the usual negative rhetoric and stories associated with addiction.
To say that leap is only about the 12 steps is either deliberately misleading or just contempt prior to investigation, my understanding is that it really is a partnership between several agencies including NHS Lothian,Edinburgh housing and the charity, Transitions with the aim of helping people dependent upon drugs and alcohol lead substance-free lives.
They are using a variety of various tools with evidence based research in the addiction field including motivational interviewing techniques, CBT, CRA, family therapy and educational training and others,,,,,,quite a comprehensive package I am sure you will agree.
Why try to discourage a programme the first of its kind in Scotland when we so desperately need to see the voices and faces of recovery to offer hope and change in our field.
What could possibly be your motive for discouraging this. I wonder if you are protecting the fragility of the addicts who are recovering here and if you are, well my friend your worries are unfounded as first of all that is their own concern and none of your business and a therapeutic community of support is available to the graduates of leap long after their initial 3 months of early treatment as i am sure you well know.
It is also providing skills and qualifications to allow addicts who take part and Supported accommodation.
I can not recall a partnership with addiction so willing to offer services with the clients need at the forefront of the agenda in Scotland.
Instead of being cynical why not go along and See for your self what they are doing and even offer your experience and knowledge as i am sure it will be very welcome in such a pioneering programme.
anyone WHO has worked in the field for 5 mins knows that you cannot impose
3

tim1leg,

mcdowall avenue 17/05/2008 11:04:11
Anyone WHO has worked in the field for 5 mins knows that you cannot impose a substance free lifestyle on someone. They must want to achieve it themselves.
LEAP is providing a vehical to really do this.
I for one think its great that the Scotsman is challenging myths and stereotypes in their coverage of the 19 people currently clean and in recovery because for too long here in Scotland the media and the industry has focused on the desperation, devastation, and dehumanisation and demonisation off people suffering from addiction. Our challenge is to embrace this shift in the field and encourage the media to pick up on this shift. so as we can help the thousands still suffering on their journey into recovery journey."

 

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