The impact and cost of dependent drinkers with complex needs

In any given local authority, there will be thousands of people who would benefit from interventions or treatment to reduce their drinking.

However, the Blue Light project only targets a small group within this larger cohort: those who face the most severe needs and who place the greatest impact on local resources. Blue Light clients will:

  • have a severe and enduring drinking problem, dating back at least ten years
  • a pattern of not engaging with, or benefitting from, alcohol treatment
  • a pattern of multiple interactions with public services (such as A&E units, social care or criminal justice)

In 2014, we undertook a data analysis which suggested that in a borough of 300,000 there will be at least 375 Blue Light clients, costing local services at least £18m per year.

Find out more

Man In Subway Med
What works with high impact, dependent drinkers

People may often feel that drinkers who are not in contact with services, or who don’t appear motivated to change, are a lost cause.
Mike Ward
The Blue Light training courses

We offer a range of training to help you develop new skills to work more effectively with those drinking at harmful levels.

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