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Is Chocolate a Drug?

Posted by on Feb 19, 2013 in Main Blog | 2 comments

At this time of year when many people give up something for Lent, chocolate is often one of the things that they relinquish. I did this a few years ago and I found it to be one tough challenge. I craved chocolate each day, but those feelings did eventually subside and after Lent I felt quite indifferent to eating chocolate again. When I did finally have some, it didn’t take long for the desire for chocolate every day, to return. So my question is: Is chocolate a drug? This is a question I ask during some of my training sessions and I love the debate that comes with it. Here is my take on that answer. Chocolate can be thought to be a drug because: The sugar it is cut...

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Denzel’s New Film Tackles the Subject of ‘Hidden’ Dependency

Posted by on Dec 17, 2012 in Main Blog | 0 comments

I am looking forward to Denzel Washington’s new film, Flight, not just because it has Mr Washington as the lead character, but because it is about a topic that is close to my heart. Denzel Washington plays William “Whip” Whitaker, a pilot who is dependent on alcohol. Following a night of heavy drinking, he still has a large amount of alcohol in his bloodstream the next day, yet has to fly a plane. The plane gets into trouble during its flight but Whip manages to save nearly all of the passengers and crew through his crash-landing. His heroic accolade is short lived when it is discovered that he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. (Incidentally...

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Do women make better bosses?

Posted by on Oct 24, 2012 in Main Blog | 0 comments

This post has nothing to do with drug awareness, but is about something else that I feel strongly about, and is work related. I spoke on BBC Radio Nottingham today, about the proposal for a European directive that will make sure more females are employed in senior/director positions. The question I was asked was if women make better directors/bosses? The point I raised was that it shouldn’t be a question of gender. You can have great female or male directors and you can have some that don’t live up to the role. Women do need to be given a greater opportunity. What I do find is there is a common assumption that women may want to have families and are...

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2 for 1 on Soft Drinks?

Posted by on Oct 18, 2012 in Main Blog | 0 comments

I keep questioning why there are always 2 for 1 offers on alcoholic drinks, but where are the 2 for 1 offers on soft drinks? I know we know the answer to this but it is a nagging point in my head. People are penalised for drinking non-alcoholic drinks. My dad has never drunk alcohol and he is always commenting on how expensive his pint of orange and lemonade is compared to some of the alcoholic drinks on offer. What about for those of us who go out and choose not to drink, or are the designated driver for the night? Where are our deals? What kind of message is this sending out in a country that already evokes a stereotypical image of a binge drinking nation. I hasten to...

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Drugs?

Posted by on Oct 17, 2012 in Main Blog | 0 comments

Do you know what Annihilation is? Or what about Spice? Have you heard of Dimitri? What is Pink McDonalds? Have you ever had Cough Syrup? Have there been Jellies at any parties you have been to recently? Have you seen Bath Salts? Are you familiar with Tina and Christine? Have you been on one of our courses?…….

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Girls and gangs-Working in Partnerships

Posted by on Oct 4, 2012 in Main Blog | 0 comments

I had an interesting and enjoyable day at Groundwork’s Girls and Gangs conference in Nottingham, this Tuesday. There were a number of speakers who are experts in this area of work, including Carlene Firmin, who received an MBE at the age of 27. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/City-conference-help-girls-involved-gangs/story-17018873-detail/story.html What really stood out to me was that with over 100 women from various local services attending the event, we all shared a common goal, to help girls who are at risk of joining, or are already involved, in ‘gang life’. It is a complex issue and there are many elements to consider. This will rely on...

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