Cognitive Impairment in Dependent Drinkers - Half-Day Training Course

Over half of all dependent drinkers are likely to experience alcohol related cognitive impairment. They may seem difficult to engage due to their difficulties with remembering, concentrating, reasoning, processing information, planning ahead and a sense of direction.

Therefore, this training is designed for frontline practitioners with the aim of improving the way services identify and address the need of cognitively impaired dependent drinkers.

Course Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the training are to:

• Raise awareness about cognitive impairment in drinkers
• Provide guidance on communication techniques with people with cognitive impairment
• Describe interventions and model pathways
• Identify how best to engage with existing brain injury services

Who should attend the Cognitive Impairment in Dependent Drinkers training?

Frontline workers in substance misuse, adult social care, mental health services, memory and brain injury services, housing and homelessness, primary and secondary healthcare, police, domestic abuse, probation services and community safety services.

A bout the Trainer

Susan Laurie is the in-house trainer for Alcohol Change UK, author, and mental health advocate specifically relating to alcohol issues and alcohol dependence. Following university, she had a successful career in marketing in the pharmaceutical industry and was then an entrepreneur with her own company before succumbing to a serious drinking problem. This escalated to a life-threatening situation, despite many attempts at familiar interventions, including counselling, rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous.

After her recovery, she authored the book ‘From Rock Bottom To Sober Forever’, which has provided inspiration and hope to thousands of people and has been praised for the exceptional account of the stealth-like progression of addiction.

Susan contributed to the House of Lords Commission on Alcohol Harm and has written blogs for the Alcohol Health Alliance and Alcohol Change UK. She is a frequent guest on alcohol related podcasts and recently hosted a meeting for Public Policy Exchange where MPs and experts on alcohol harm discussed alcohol dependence and misuse. She was also recognised as a ‘Woman of The Year’ in 2020.