Space From Alcohol

The Space from Alcohol programme has been designed to be a brief Intervention to help users identify a real or potential alcohol problem and motivate an individual to take appropriate action. The programme is aimed at adults engaging in excessive, risky or harmful alcohol consumption at a precontemplation/contemplation stage of change. It is not designed for heavy and long-term problematic consumption.  

The programme is geographically localised in its screening of alcohol consumption, alcohol unit measures and recommended limits, to the UK. 

The Space from Alcohol programme draws from the evidence base in applying principles from Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), which is a brief intervention that consists of 6 basic steps summarised in what is called the FRAMES model (Miller et al., 1994): 

• Feedback: Give feedback on the risks and negative consequences of substance use.  
• Responsibility: Emphasize that the individual is responsible for making his or her own decision about his/her drug use. 
• Advice: Give straightforward advice on modifying drug use. 
• Menu of options: Give menus of options to choose from, fostering the client’s involvement in decision-making. 
• Empathy: Be empathic, respectful, and non-judgmental. 
• Self-efficacy: Express optimism that the individual can modify his or her substance use if they choose.  Self-efficacy is one's ability to produce a desired result or effect.  

It also includes components of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and applies the Prochaska and DiClemente (1986) model of change to guide the target of the intervention to its intended population. Given the assumption that users of the program will be users in the pre-contemplation and contemplation phase the programme aims to support them by facilitating them to look at their relationship with alcohol and provide factual information. It then assumes that if individuals are progressing through the content they may be moving toward contemplating or taking action. The programme accordingly supports individuals as they decide what the best course of action is for them. 

The programme is accessible 24/7, allowing users to access the programme at a time that suits them and in the comfort of their own home. 

Programme Modules

Alcohol and You	Raise awareness of potentially problematic alcohol use  Educate about safe/unsafe levels of alcohol consumption
Considering Change	Increase awareness of own relationship with alcohol to enable users to decide as to whether any changes are needed  Empower users to make own decision regarding their alcohol consumption
Reducing Harm	Increase awareness of harm associated with alcohol misuse   Introduce harm reduction strategies  Empower user to identify own risk and harm reduction strategies
Triggers and high-risk situations	Increase awareness of triggers and of high-risk situations and develop a plan for alternative responses  Increase sense of ownership over decision and responsibility to facilitate and support move into action  Facilitate users to identify own triggers and coping resources
Moving Forward	Increase awareness of process of change, differences between lapses and relapses  Remind users of own motivation for change  Support users in setting own goals for change  Increase awareness of supports

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