OffTheWall

No.23 Autumn 2011

InformatIve

supportIve

creatIve

h Just s a y n e ig m o K e tl ath abinte ! t ou fu tru

The pain Special K...

in this issue... Los Angeles in pictures healthy recipes Rehab Centres - good idea? Whats happening to our schools? Dhi Whats On

Midsomer Norton Rural Recovery Hub

New free and confidential Multi-Agency Drug and Alcohol Service for Midsomer Norton, incorporating employment and housing information and support
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COMES TO DHI
I was pleased to learn recently that DHI now offers free yoga classes on Wednesday evenings. As I am a participant in the weekly Monday morning Mindfulness Meditation group, I thought yoga might be a useful complement to this activity. According to Denise, our yoga coordinator, I was right, as she considers yoga and meditation to be inextricably interlinked, putting my description that they go together, innit? in more educated English. Anyone is welcome to join the group, which takes place every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. You dont have to have an interest or participate in meditation, as I do, and you need have no previous experience in yoga. I find the hour well spent, as the benefits are physical, mental and emotional and I leave feeling these benefits in every way. If you are interested in learning more, have a word with your key worker, if you have one, or simply turn up at 1730h on any Wednesday. You will be pleasantly surprised.

YOGA

Address: The Cottage, High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP (behind the Midsomer Norton Sainsburys store)
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For further information about services available and opening times contact: 01225 329411

We look forward to seeing you!

The DHI Allotment

As a service user of DHI in Bath I was told of a gardening project on their allotment in Victoria Park and being a fan of anything natural I thought Id give it a shot.
I was introduced to Louis Wearing and his enthusiasm for all things green was very encouraging. I started coming on a regular basis and there was always a lot to do, from planting veggies to hard landscaping to just chilling out and relaxing by the pond, feeding the goldfish. I can highly recommend getting involved if you are in need of some meaningful occupation, and getting back on track, Im hoping to get into a gardening career and set up a little business selling veggies to people on low incomes.

If you want to get involved contact us on seankehoe@dhibath.org.uk

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Hello!
Welcome to our Autumn edition of Off The Wall. Weve got some service user experiences of Ketamine which makes for some thought-provoking reading, and the first part of a travelogue to Los Angeles. Plus the usual reviews, recipes and puzzles... so get stuck in and let us know what you think. Look out for our next issue should be out by the end of November...

the off Wall team

Pictured clockwise from above: Check out Tanyas sumptuous recipes on page 15; Andrew visits Los Angeles and sees some eye-popping sights; turn to page 12 for Jims book reviews.

contents
Are rehab centres a good thing? 4 Green Fingers 6 Puzzle Corner 7 Not-so-special K 8 Book reviews 12 Whats happening to our schools? 14 Recipes 15 A Scot in LA 16 Whats On at DHI: B&NES 18 Whats On at DHI: South Glos. 20 Whats On at DHI: Swindon 21 Letters Page 22 Useful Info 23 The Back Page 24
Patron Midge Ure Off The Wall Editorial Team Feature writers: Jim Timoney, Alan Cupit, Andrew Campbell, Colette Lyons, Kangy, Rachel Garvin; Jessica Lovelace; Tanya Galic. Books & Poetry editor: Jim; Recipes: Tanya Galic Contributors Steve Langston, Rebecca Warner, Saffron Reid, Bex McQueen Check us out online: www.dhi-online.org.uk/off_the_wall Get in touch! Off The Wall Magazine The Beehive, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD. Tel 01225 329411 Email info@dhibath.org.uk. Copyright 2010 DHI. All rights reserved. The Group of Seven assist with production.

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FeAtuRe

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Are residential rehab centres the answer?

After personal experience, a member of the Off The Wall team puts the case against rehabilitation institutions. Let us know what you think.

have been drinking heavily for at least six years and my habit has got progressively worse during this time. As it became clear that I had no intention of stopping or even tackling the problem out of sheer desperation my family booked me into the Priory (Bristol). When I was booked in my alcohol consumption was reasonably modest (in my terms) and the detox was manageable with the aid of Librium and 24-hour medical care. After a couple of days I was able to attend group classes (two a day) which were based on the AAs 12-steps principle. The clients were a friendly bunch and I appreciated the repartee and the opportunity to exchange experiences. The therapists were adequate but their approach was rigid and unimaginative. I gained far more from my fellow addicts than from the counselling I received. Added to this, we had a lot of spare time on our hands and I, for one, was bored. I returned home after two weeks and was back on the bottle within days. My drinking accelerated and I returned to the Priory, in the main to have another assisted detox. My brief stay there was dj vu the counsellors were simply regurgitating old stuff and there was no provision for our individual needs or idiosyncracies. I saw no point in staying so I left pretty rapidly. My view is this: the Priory is useful for detox but the therapy they offer is limited. Increasingly I needed to feed my habit on a larger scale as I became

more and more immune to the numbing sensations I was seeking. My then counsellor was searching the web for an alternative place and found a centre in South East England. Their site was filled with lie upon lie and the treatment was in a word rubbish. I left after 2 weeks. They charged even more than the Priory unbelievable. The one positive thing I can say is that the counsellors were all ex-addicts so at least they had some conception of the demons that can take possession of our lives and our very beings.

clappies and God botherers are not to my taste, I am by no means against religion and have always kept an RetuRning hOme open mind. In any case, nothing else When I returned home I searched had worked, and I had nothing to lose. all my hiding places and to my joy I By this time my mental and physical found a litre of whisky in an empty health was declining at an alarming suitcase in the basement. Ecstasy pace and to my mind it could well be I could indulge in my favourite give it a go or die. So, topped up with pastime alcohol. Now my health was declining at such a pace that I was alcohol so that I would go meekly, I arrived at Gilead on August 31 last no longer able to engage in former year. activities namely music, exercise I remained there for over 3 months and Badas. My raison detre was finding the means to acquire adequate and it did give my poor organs a rest! In comparison with my previous supplies of vodka: I decided vodka experiences Gilead was top notch. It was preferable to whisky under the delusion that people would be unable believed that a working environment to smell it on my breath and, indeed, was in itself an excellent therapy, and the students (patronising my entire body. I avoided rehab for a year or so until word to use and I soon referred to us as inmates) were kept busy in in August 2010 a couple of friends the kitchen, the garden, plus house (both committed Christians but not sickly sweet do-gooders) suggested an cleaning and manning the reception desk. Gilead is a working farm so the organisation in Devon called Gilead, men and some of the women did farm a Christian charity. Although happy

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

5
At the end of November I arrived home on a Sunday evening in high spirits (excuse the pun), found half a bottle of vodka hidden in a cupboard and that was that. Weird, considering that while at Gilead I had no craving for alcohol not once (a big plus point and a gold star for Gilead). My drinking intensified yet more. I was frequently bed bound as my body refused to function and I returned to Gilead, albeit reluctantly, the following March. Things were much the same not all bad but the negative outweighed the positive for me. I returned home 10 weeks later and within an hour I was at Sainsburys feeling very excited at the prospect of that bottle (probably a litre) of vodka. Again, that was that. Within a week my poor body was really protesting and there were threats from family and friends of sending me back to Gilead yet again. When I drink I become spineless and I knew that I could be sent back forcibly I wouldnt be able to stand up for myself. That hideous thought licked me into shape and I detoxed on my own, at home, without Librium. It was hell, utter hell. on my own such a contrast to being continually surrounded by people. So I finally asked for help chiefly DHI but also the Genesis Trust. Since then I have started to put my life into gear, with the odd hiccup. When Im sober (I do have the occasional lapse) I go to Genesis once a week, DHI twice a week. Genesis is not solely for addicts I believe the emphasis is on helping the homeless. But it does have a number of creative classes that nourish my brain. For me, exercising my mind is vital as it fills my thoughts with things other than alcohol. And I enjoy sharing ideas with other people; this is why the Off the Wall group at DHI is so palliative for me. Trying to create a crossword last week certainly stretched my brain and I enjoyed it although I wasnt very good at it. So what. And there are so many other creative activities on offer.

work (cows and chickens). I opted out of milking; a 3 am start was not appealing. Filling my day with manual tasks was helpful as I familiarised myself with a working schedule rather than gazing into space while I gulped down vodka. And it kept me busy. As it was a Christian organisation we had to attend bible-study meetings every morning and evening. If nothing else, this gave me the opportunity to exercise my festering brain and I do find the Bible a fascinating read. Church was hideous a happy-clappy Kumbya approach with pop hymns and ardent worshippers falling to their knees or raising their arms and praising the Lord. This sounds harsh but I could not stomach it; I prefer a more formal, ritualistic approach. And although the one-to one-counselling was inspired and sensitive, I possibly gained more from my relationships with the other inmates than from the therapy sessions. Also the rules were rigid (necessary because inmates were known to run awry) but to my mind I was continually patronised (the organisation generally were dealing with addicts from deprived backgrounds who never had the opportunity to receive adequate education, but we were all lumped together. Gilead did not cater for the individual. And with time the daily chores became intensely boring. To summarise, I would say that Gilead is invaluable for the homeless or those with inadequate means, and for anyone who suffered abuse or endured a dysfunctional upbringing. I would also stress that although the charity struggles financially, they NEVER turn anyone away, even if someone is unable to acquire funding. In fact, many of the inmates remain there indefinitely, and the farm becomes their home. Anyhow, I did sometimes feel like a fish out of water although hearing some of the inmates gruesome experiences did open my eyes to the suffering that can drive people to drink Then I ask myself, I had a privileged, comfortable upbringing. What went wrong? And I feel so guilty.

ChAnge OuR WAy OF thinking The four-week alcohol education programme on Thursdays is beneficial for other reasons. The focus is on trying to change our way of thinking by asking ourselves WHY we drink, plus do we WANT to do something about it. The brain is so powerful, so nOt the AnsWeR Everyone now accepted that residential invasive, and this group has made me realise that even if I dont physically rehab was not the answer, so what want alcohol, my brain is saying to do?. I desperately wanted to CHANGE; I was so disenchanted with otherwise. I accept that AA has a phenomenal success rate but it doesnt being a zombie. The solution came work for me. Its philosophy is too rigid to me quickly; I could only attempt and I find sitting anonymously in a to change in my home environment. This approach, to my mind, had more large hall is just not helpful. Others want to be invisible; I dont. And the chance of working and would cost group is fairly small which allows for nothing except time and hard work. the programme to be flexible. Also, by working at my recovery at At DHI last week (Alcohol home I would be taking complete Education Programme) we were asked responsibility of my life and actions, to fill in a questionnaire and one of rather than being controlled by the questions was When will you institutions. My attempt at dealing be able to reduce (in my case stop) with my addiction would be up to your alcohol intake? I wrote down me. In retrospect it is obvious that I I dont know. All I can say is that I relapsed as soon as I returned home have a far better chance of succeeding because I was suddenly thrust into continuing as I am than by suffering the real world with no transition the restrictions of a residential centre. period. I felt lonely, isolated, scared And, in filling my time with a wide and ANGRY that I had frittered range of activities, I hope this will away my savings on treatments that didnt work. I returned home with no incline me towards voluntary work structure, no plans and no goals. I was and eventually part-time employment.

enfingers Gre
FEATURE

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

An Interview with Peter (pictured), Head Allotment Worker At DHI Bath.

The Allotment was started several years ago. Groups run every Wednesday 12 pm to 2 pm and every Saturday 11 am to 2 pm (3 pm in summertime and when weather permits.) When the weather is good, there is plenty to do at the allotment and there is the opportunity to stay on a little later. The size is two and a half allotments and is situated at the Lower Common East, Victoria Park, Bath. Peter has been running the Gardening Group for ten months now. There are flowers, a pond, a patio and birdhouse. There is also produce which is carefully grown behind netting and cages.
Whats in season now?

July: Raspberries, Strawberries. August: Brassica, Broccoli, Potatoes, Chinese cabbage, Lettuce, Onions, Runner beans. There are also Blackcurrants, Redcurrants and Gooseberries. If you work on the Allotment and help care for the produce and flowers, you get to take some (not all!) home with you, how great is that? Cheap, locally sourced, real vegetables.
What Do you get Out Of gardening?

There is a sense of satisfaction in growing flowers and produce from seed. Engaging with them

and taking care of them. There is says Peter , a sense of completeness and respite from the stresses of the everyday world At the end of the summer there will be Red Baron Onions (white ones too) both grown from seed. There is no greenhouse so Peter grows the seedlings and germinates them in his flat, ready for willing volunteers to plant them. No Apples - trees are not allowed in the Lower Common East, but Peter would love to have an Orchard. There is also Spinach and Cauliflowers grown in the Allotment. Get Peter s mobile number from DHI Reception (01225 329411)

and join us. Bring a packed lunch; wear suitable clothing and stout shoes/wellies. Peter will text you if it is raining (or snowing) to let you know if the Gardening Group is cancelled. Allotment Number 134 and 135. Jessica Lovelace

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Puzzle corner
Good luck with our cryptic summer puzzles... Film Buffs crossword
1a & 1d 2d 3d 4d 5d

FUN!

Andrews 70s quiz

events 1. Which war came to an end in 1973 with the Paris Peace Accords? 2. The infamous murder of eleven Israeli athletes took place at which Olympics? 3. In which year did Richard Nixon resign as US President following the Watergate scandal? 4. Who became king of Spain in 1975? 5. The first floppy disks appeared in 1971. Which company created them? tV 6. What was the full name of the character played by Ronnie Barker in Porridge, as stated in the opening title sequence? 7. Who were the four main cast members of The Good Life? 1 point for each. 8. Who was the main presenter of Its a Knockout for most of the 1970s and 1980s? 9. Fawlty Towers was set in which seaside resort? 10. What was the name of the spaceship in Blakes 7? music - no.1s 11. Who had a No. 1 hit with Tears of a Clown in 1970? 12. The New Seekers 1971 No. 1 Id Like to Teach the World to Sing was originally from which TV advert? 13. The Pipes and Drums and Military Band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards reached No. 1 in 1972 with which hymn tune? 14. Which group had a No. 1 in 1974 with Tiger Feet? 15. Art Garfunkels 1979 No. 1 Bright Eyes came from which animated film?

2a

3a

4a

5a

6d

6a

7a

7d

8d

9d

8a

9a

10a

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

Across 1. Oscar-winning Robert De Niro Vietnam war film. 2. Some liked her hot. 3. The villians wanted their revenge in Star Wars Episode 3 4. Miss Thurman wanted to Kill Bill. 5. Spielbergs creation wants to go home. 6. Kindergarten in Beverly Hills. 7. Enough Oscars to sink a ship. 8. The Untouchable Garcia. 9. 80s lawmaker made of steel. 10. Mr McGregor liked Trainspotting.

Down 1. 50s war epic featuring Barnes-Walliss bouncing bomb. 2. Mr Spocks was pointed. 3. This Bond girl was Berry good. 4. Not monks on the run. 5. An actor with no name. 6. He thought the A-Teams Murdoch was a crazy fool. 7. Spiderman actor you could drink from. 8. Mr Nolte worked with Eddie Murphy for 48hrs. 9. Batman had a Fear of coats.

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FEATURE

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

not-so-special K
Off The Wall presents the darker side of the painfully destructive Ketamine. Over the next four pages we print some personal experiences of K... judge for yourseleves.

Ketamine addiction

y view of Ketamine before I went to Leeds was pretty bad, scummy and dirty was my opinion of it and the kind of people I perceived doing it were quite trampy and low lifes. I have always had an addictive personality and going to Leeds for university it was quite hard to abstain from drink and drugs. There are three unis there so the city is full of students many of whom are experimenting and partying a lot. I first tried Ketamine at the back end of a three day party where I was with a bunch of people I had met throughout the binge, so having an open mind to all this when Ketamine got passed around no wonder I didnt hesitate to try it. The feeling I got off it was much better than I had expected. I did enjoy it and felt my mind expanding and opening up. It was very serial and I could tell it was strong stuff as we were only having small bits on the end of keys. Compared to other drugs it was cost effective as it was just

15 a gram at the time. The more we did it the more weird things became. It was quite trippy and I felt small hallucinations. I was laughing and my body felt very strange, really relaxed and every key I sniffed I felt the effects deepen. I got up after sitting for an hour steadily sniffing little keys while drinking in a pub and when I attempted to walk to the bathroom I was aware I could not walk properly. My motor functions became impaired. I laughed at myself because I was aware I must have looked ridiculous staggering through the bar like a robot on a funny setting J Shortly after this me and the lad I was with went back to his and I called a taxi to pick me up in twenty five minutes. The lad decided to put what we had left in two big lines which was substantially bigger than what we had been taking previously, I felt a bit excited as I knew it was going to do something crazy to me but I did not realise it was going to quite so intense. After sniffing it I almost instantly went into my first

K-hole where I guess I lost track with reality and was in some kind of dream world where I was no longer human but a small part of graphics on this computer system of some kind. I was really scared because my mind was trying to find the part of me that existed but being part of a system to me was no existence I wanted!! I felt trapped and like I had died and was in some other reality. This eventually subsided and when I started to come to I realised I was still human and somehow had managed to leave the room where we had taken the K and were now upstairs in the guys room. I became very scared and unsure of what had happened worrying whether the guy had tricked me and robbed me while I was in the K hole!! Luckily all my stuff was still in my pockets. A massive surge of life came into me as I came to almost like I had been held under water not being able to breathe then bursting up out of the water with a big breath of air whoosh like a rebirth, like a heroin addict

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

9
very exciting and different. I also felt later down the line that K energised me and helped me to tap into my creative self, believing things that were not true; I felt I was telepathic, psychic, I thought I was the reincarnation of Alistair Crowley at one point as we did a Ouija board and conjured up a spirit, it seemed so real I still believe it happened the presence of a trickster spirit trying to lure me and my friend into the spirit world. I came to in a praying trance where I was pleading with the spirit to let me come back to the real world as I was too young and did not want to abandon my family. Again this only made me feel more excited about the drug rather than scare me off it I thought I was getting special powers and became more and more delusional. I started to hate being sober and normal and found it so boring, I became preoccupied with the reality of K and what it did to me. I ended up doing it every day and loved it, however, it did start becoming a bit dark and I nearly died a couple of times while bingeing on it. I would forget to sleep, eat and drink water for days at a time. Even after all this I still could not stop. However now I was starting to resent the drug and realised what it had done to me and how much of a slave I had become to it. I knew about the stories of people who had burst bladders and needed piss bags. There were also cases of people who had died from Ketamine abuse and I did not want to be one of those statistics. It took me two to three months to finally manage to kick the habit and the effects were very detrimental I suffered from depression and paranoia and have got a slipped disc which I believe Ketamine helped to cause as my two lower discs are degenerated and dehydrated. I think staying up for two and three days at a time slumping in chairs not eating or drinking water played a big part in my back problem. My perception became very warped and distorted, things became very dark and my health and immune system broke down rapidly, not to mention my relationships with friends and family. I still suffer today from the effects of Ketamine. I regularly attend Narcotics Anonymous and am still trying to pick up the pieces of destruction I caused throughout the addiction. My story may sound glamorous, it was anything but. Looking back on my life it there is anything I would change it would be to erase the Ketamine days.

getting a shot of adrenalin after overdosing. This was really empowering for me and felt really amazing. I felt like shouting and talking about the experience with the excitement of a child who first discovers something. My taxi arrived and it was hard to believe that only twenty five minutes had passed as I felt I had gone through and learnt so much stuff!!! I was overrun by excitement and could not stop talking about it to the taxi driver and then to my friends when I got back to the halls of residence. For the next few days I could not stop thinking about the experience I had. Drinking in the SU was mundane now and boring compared to how I had felt before and I felt the urge to have another experience on the Ketamine. I continued to dabble in K for the next two years having equally as powerful experiences and my friends from uni began to indulge also. I really liked it because it was new and so crazy it would take me away from my self, from reality and seemed to make everything much more exciting and different almost like going into Alice in wonderland or some land like Narnia. However I did begin to realise how dangerous and addictive it was and started to worry about its addictive qualities and tried to do it sparingly. Every big party or celebration of some sort we would end up doing it as we were already drunk and what have you. Ketamine quickly became very attractive and would get us that much more out of it than we already were. The crazy things we got up to and weird experiences only strengthened our view of Ketamine even though there were negatives which were evident all along. I felt K opened up my mind and altered my awareness and imagination making situations

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Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Me, Myself and K

I am 20 years old and want my health and life back. In 2004 I started a journey that has left me in the state I am today.

used to take Ketamine at the weekend and a gram would last me the whole night with a bit left over. I cant even remember those days now. Currently I use anything between 3 and 10 grams a day, sometimes more. I have no idea how much I take or why I still do it. I have been fooling myself into thinking that I am taking it for the pain. Due to my massive Ketamine habit I have developed severe bladder problems. At first I thought it was cystitis and started to take over the counter medicine. I thought things were OK and to be honest my drug use varied a lot at the time so I wasnt taking it everyday. Today I am in constant pain when needing to go to the toilet. I am going to struggle with describing just how bad it is so please be patient. Sometimes it feels like you really need a wee, like your bladder is so full its about to burst but then when I try and go to the toilet nothing comes out and the pain intensifies. If I strain my muscles really hard I can then go but this is not the relief I craved. I can pass between 20 to 100 ml of urine depending on how my day has gone. This is just amount, as for frequency well I dont know where to begin. Some days I try and count the number of times I need to go but I lose track. I can go for an hour without needing to go and then I feel almost human again able to do simple tasks, but at other points I can be passing 20ml of urine

every 2 to 5 minutes for an hour. The pain feels as if my bladder is going to explode like it is so over stretched, even the slightest movement will tear it to pieces. At times it feels like Im passing red-hot razor blades. The pain is similar to having acid rubbed into an open wound with no way of washing it out. My stomach swells sometimes due to the continual strain put on my bladder; it almost feels as if my bladder is no longer elastic but a hard shell inside me. There have been days when I have screamed the house down and physically passed out due to the pain that I am in. At times like these one thing helps, Ketamine. The one thing that is destroying me is the one thing that gives some relief when I just cant go to the toilet and just cant handle the pain any more. I was referred to the university college hospital in London and saw Dan Wood. He has performed surgery on

a few other people who have had bladder problems caused by Ketamine. I have had a Cystoscopy and a Biopsy of my bladder; this is something I never wish to repeat. I would have rather died than endured the pain I was in afterwards. The painkillers I am taking df118 Dihydrocodeine and these do seem to help. I can pass urine with less stress and pain and I am generally more relaxed. I have also been given some Vesicare tablets which are for an over active bladder but when I took these I found that every time I tried to go to the toilet my bladder would spasm causing immense pain and it would take about 5 minutes before I could pass anything. At the moment my urine is sort of normal, well normal compared to what I was experiencing a few months ago. I was tested for any infections and came back clear so Im sure this was due to the Ketamine. I

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

11

used to pass massive lumps of blood and a jelly like substance almost like a clear membrane around the blood, it was sometimes more white in colour and often larger than a 5p coin. The pain I experienced when passing these blood clots was horrific. I can never go through that again. It looked like the inside of my bladder was falling out. I have been offered surgery but its just not for me. I need another chance in life and I need to help others by exploring just how to deal with this. I am also desperate to stop the K but I am addicted, I have tried and failed repeatedly. Im looking into getting hypnotherapy but I cant afford it as I am too ill to work. I hope this helps, I find it hard to express the state I am in. My boyfriend Gilly also has the same problem and he has now had a catheter fitted which has helped a lot. He is no longer in as much pain but it is no solution really.

Was utterly wasted but of course wanted more

Ketamine, ketamine, ketamine. What can I say? Not my favourite drug by far, but still I couldnt say no to it. There came a point when I was living in London in the late 90s when Ketamine was everywhere. Very popular amongst the gay scene and I happened to have a lot of gay friends at the time. 1st time - down in South London. At a party. Drunk. Looking at a line of cocaine. Great!! Did it, then the my mate says by the way that was ketamine Oops. Was utterly wasted but of course wanted more. Got to the club, Vauxhall. I was found unconscious in the upstairs room of the club at the end of the night.The cleaners were cleaning round me. Not cool and certainly not glamorous. I was living with a friend and he was a heavy cocaine user (as I was I at that point) and here my drug using went up a notch. I would often search his room for wraps when he was out and end up taking ketamine instead of coke. Easily done when already loaded - but also frightening. The long term impact has been more noticeable than any other drug that Ive done. It damages and scars your bladder. The only good thing about it, in fact, is that its a very short acting drug. The whole experience doesnt last more than a couple of hours, unless you keep going that is. I still find it nuts that people are taking substances like horse tranquillizers and plant food (!!!!?) - but if youre an addict then you are constantly looking to be altered in one way or another. Ive been clean of drugs for over 3 years now - although I still struggle with alcohol on a daily basis, Im so relieved that I dont put that other horrible poison in my body anymore. Tanya Galic

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Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

timeout: Book reviews

No ordinary Life.
Jim Timoney reviews Keith Richards new autobiography, Life.
his over-long autobiography was our Book Club choice for March. I was, initially, put off by the first chapter, which is a blatantly glorifying account of the amusing and fun behaviour of Keith and his fellow users during a tour of the States, high on drugs and carrying vast amounts (possibly exaggerated) of coke, etc. Fortunately, I read on and found much of interest and a more considered approach to the issue of drug use and abuse later in the book. Keith then starts from his childhood in Dartford. He was an only child and it was at school that he first met Mick Jagger, as they attended the same one for a time. He describes his early experiences with the guitar and his growing love of music. After he was expelled from school, he enrolled in art college. During this time, he met Mick again, as well as Brian Jones. Eventually, the Rolling Stones lineup was complete. The Stones cut their teeth in a messy flat in Edith Grove. Gradually, they began to get more gigs and their popularity grew and spread, leading to pandemonium at their endless line of gigs. They were signed to Decca, having been recommended by George Harrison of the Beatles, previously turned down by Decca, and started to get hit records, helped by having one written by the already successful Lennon/McCartney. Once the Stones took off, there was no stopping them. Having established themselves as one of the top bands in Britain, they quickly
REvIEW

went on to conquer the States and the rest of the reachable world. This led to four years of hard slog, with hardly a break from recording, touring and, increasingly, song-writing. As the Sixties progressed, despite their lasting popularity and success, difficulties began to assail them. Drugs such as LSD entered the picture; there were musical and other problems with Brian Jones, whose girlfriend, Anita Pallenberg, transferred her affections to Keith, causing a growing rift between them. By 1967, the Stones were very much part of the growing drug culture and began to look and behave in an increasingly avantgarde, hippie way. Keith and Mick were both busted for drugs in that year, were sentenced to twelve and three months respectively, only to have the sentences quashed on appeal. Even the Times, newspaper of the Establishment, showed support, with its famous article, Who Breaks A Butterfly On A Wheel? By the late Sixties, Keith was drifting more and more into heroin use; at the same time, dark forces were at work in the Stones camp. In 1969, Brian Jones was officially sacked from the band, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor. Within months, Brian was found dead in his swimming pool, in circumstances which still cause debate to this day. In the same year, the notorious Altamont concert took place in the States, where a member of the audience was knifed to death

in front of the stage by a Hells Angel security guard. Around this time, the Stones were beginning to feel a growing resentment about the crippling taxes they were being charged, so, like many other celebrities and others at the time, they elected to live abroad, choosing the south of France as their new base. During the Seventies, Keith, living in Switzerland and Jamaica, was getting more and more heavily into heroin use. The Stones, meanwhile, were still recording and touring, with Ron Wood replacing Mick Taylor, but a serious cloud descended on them in 1978, when Keith was busted in Toronto on charges of possessing and intent to supply heroin. Facing a hefty prison sentence, he underwent rehab and other treatments, finally escaping a custodial sentence and being ordered to perform a concert for the blind. This commitment was fulfilled in due course by the Rolling Stones, no doubt much to the relief of all concerned. The Stones career was somewhat in abeyance for most of the Eighties. Keith met and fell in love with Patti Henson, who he later married. By then, Mick and he had been drifting more and more apart and

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

13

timeout: Book reviews

undertaking solo work away from the band. In 1991, stalwart bassist, Bill Wyman, quit, eventually being replaced by Darryl Jones. By then, the Stones were a tight-knit unit again and just kept on rockin (and rollin), as they have been to this day, despite both Keith and Mick being sixty-eight-year-old pensioners. The book ends with Keiths accounts of some sadder events, such as his fall from a tree and subsequent life-threatening operation from blood clots on the brain, sustained as a result of his fall, and the death of his mother, Doris, to whom he had always remained especially close. I found this book extremely interesting, as I knew very little about Keith Richards life outside the Rolling Stones. He comes across as a very intelligent and talented guy not just the drugged-up hippie his persona suggests. He admits he has played up to the part written for him, with the skull ring, broken tooth and general demeanour. He insists, though, that a) he gave up hard drugs thirty years ago and b) he has never undergone the much publicised complete blood change. Some of this book necessarily went over my head, as he spent a lot of time discussing chords, notes and other guitar talk. I didnt find this detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book, however. Is it too long? Well, maybe. I did find the later part a bit tedious, probably because I remember the early days, as they are part of my youth, whereas the later years are less familiar to me. On the other hand, it was interesting to learn things I never knew about Keith or the band, due to lack of interest and alcoholic indifference. I am hanging on to this book as a valuable part of rock history.
stuart A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters (Harper Collins, 2005) l Aprils Book Club choice was one of the titles chosen for World Book Night 2011. It is a biographical account of the life of one Stuart Shorter, but it is a biography with a difference, in that it is largely told backwards! In other words, it starts with his recent experiences and gradually works back through earlier and earlier periods of his life. It was the authors first book and won him a number of prizes and commendations. Stuart was homeless when Masters first met him, with a long history of problems with drink, other drugs and mental disorders. He also suffered from muscular dystrophy, which impeded him physically. Although this is a serious topic and was treated as such by the author, Masters also manages to introduce a degree of very necessary humour. Stuart was a man of many facets; his behaviour swung from angry to kind and back again, with all shades of emotion in between. The book concentrates on Stuart in recovery from hard drugs like heroin and being no longer homeless, whilst at the same time taking the reader back through his life stage by stage. At the time of writing, he was in a flat and, although off the harder drugs, he was still drinking alcohol and smoking weed to some extent. The authors attitude towards Stuart is somewhat ambivalent. He admits to hating him sometimes, unable to cope with Stuarts endless and often inane chatter and his erratic behaviour. At other times, he seems to begin understand (or tries) the behaviour and the frustration and background which underlie it. Travelling back through time, we reach Stuarts childhood and the traumas it contained. At school and among his peers, he was mercilessly bullied because he was considered a weakling and his muscular dystrophy gave rise to taunts about being a spasy (spastic), monkey boy and other such cruel names. Eventually, he managed to fight back, but this led to his violent reputation. At home, he was sexually molested by his older brother, a babysitter and others. All of this undoubtedly left emotional and mental scars and contributed in no small way to his later drinking, drug abuse, self-harm and mental problems. I am not revealing anything that the author doesnt mention early in the book when I say that Stuarts sad end was to be run over by a train as he was crossing a railway line. Masters, as well as Stuarts family and friends, were, of course, devastated. In Masters case, this helps to illustrate that, during the research for this book, Stuart and he had developed a relationship which was more than that of a former addict/homeless man and his biographer; they had, in spite of having absolutely nothing in common, become friends and spoke of and to each other as such. I found this book gave an incredible insight into homelessness and its accompanying problems. It is a moving and sincere account by someone who obviously cares. My impression is that Masters, however he started out, ended by not just wanting to use Stuart as material for a book; he grew to care about him and others like him and to understand, as far as anyone can, their situations. This is a serious, often disturbing work, handled with great skill, not forgetting snatches of wry humour. (Jim Timoney)

14
OFF THE WALL RANT

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Whats happening to our schools?

Al Cupit gives us his opinion on a changing education system... tell us what you think.

hen I was at school many years ago we were all encouraged to take part in the dreaded school sports day and swimming galas. I cant speak for all the school but I dreaded it each year! Not just because I didnt want to participate but I couldnt stand the thought of my own and loads of parents and teachers watching me make an absolute fool of myself. I once came second in the egg and spoon race but only because the winner had his thumb over the egg on his spoon so obviously won. I never ever forgot that episode as a youngster. I was forced to take part in the swimming gala. I detested every day leading up to it but did as I was told anyway. I got changed at the swimming pool and duly lined up at the waters edge in front of everyone. I felt so out of place you wouldnt believe it! The last thing I remember is my mums face smiling at

me from the crowd as the whistle was blown. Everyone around me dived in with confidence and swam hell for leather while I just stepped off the side and sank! By the time I surfaced everyone had finished while I just splashed my way to the end in total humiliation and received my medal for being last as usual. I never asked to be there! In those days parents and guests were welcomed but I digress. I recently found out that sports days and the like are no longer compulsory but that parents are not allowed to film their little darlings taking part. The most worrying change, to my mind anyway, is that they actually now have beer tents for the parents and the teachers are very often seen with glasses of wine. Call me old fashioned but I honestly cant see how this can happen

in our present climate in this country with drink and drugs taking over the daily lives of lots of people in my area. Surely children shouldnt be subjected to this kind of so called norm in their young lives? I for one dont like it!

Get involved with Off The Wall!

Like films? Music? Books? Art? All of them? Why dont you get in touch with the editorial team at Off The Wall and let us know exactly how you feel about tom hanks, Lady gaga or katie Price. Or maybe youre a fan of the golden oldies and youd like to share your favourite film or music memory. Whatever your taste, wed like to hear form you, so get in touch at Off The Wall Magazine The Beehive, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD. Tel: 01225 329411 or email info@dhibath.org.uk

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

15

timeout: easy Healty recipes

Super Easy Basil Chicken
Serves 4; ready in 25 minutes
ingredients SIMPLE RECIPE #1

1 tbsp olive oil; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 200g pack cherry tomatoes; 3 tbsp pesto; 3 tbsp crme frache (half fat is fine); fresh basil, if you have it
method

Heat the oil in a frying pan, preferably non-stick. Add the chicken and fry without moving it until it takes on a bit of colour. Turn the chicken and cook on the other side. Continue cooking for 12-15 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Season all over with a little salt and pepper. Halve the tomatoes and throw
SIMPLE RECIPE #2

them into the pan, stirring them around for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Reduce the heat and stir in the pesto and crme frache until it makes a sauce. Scatter with a few basil leaves if you have them, then serve with rice and salad or mash and broccoli.
making it veggie

Fry the tomatoes in the oil, add the pesto and creme fraiche and serve over griddled halloumi slices or spoon over some spinach and ricotta-stuffed ravioli. Tanya Galic

nutritional Value Per serving: 262 kcalories, protein 37g, carbohydrate 2g, fat 12 g, saturated fat 5g, fibre 1g, salt 0.37 g

Beetroot Salad
Serves 4; Preperation: 10mins
ingredients

250g vacuum packed cooked beetroot finely sliced; 40g feta cheese; 1 red onion or a couple of spring onions; 1/2 red chilli, washed, de-seeded and finely chopped; 20g toasted pine nuts - or other nuts would work!
Dressing

of sugar; 1tbsp of white wine vinegar; 1 tbsp of mint sauce.

method

1/2 red chilli; 2 tbsp olive oil - or some oil!; pinch

Slice the beetroot and arrange it on a plate. Crumble over the feta and the nuts. Scatter over the sliced onions. Make the dressing whisk it all and add it to the ingredients. Spoon over the salad and serve! Tany Galic

16
TRAvEL FEATURE

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

A Scot in LA
In 2004, Andrew Campbell went on holiday to Los Angeles for a day short of a week, thanks to some money left to him by a sadly deceased aunt. Heres part one of his travelogue for the time he spent there. Pt2 next issue.
Day 1 the Journey there

I catch the Bath Flyer bus to Bristol Airport, at 4 a.m. Too early in the day for catching buses! When I get to the airport and check in, I have several hours to kill so I pass the time getting some breakfast in one of the airport restaurants. Very nice it is too. At about 11 a.m. I board the plane, and after a short wait it departs, and after a short hop Im in Paris! Well, Paris Charles de Gaulle airport anyway. I have a couple of hours to wait till my next plane, so I get some lunch and sit in the waiting area near to the boarding gate, eating my lunch and reading a book. 2 p.m. (approx) Were off! On an American Airlines jet, bound for Los Angeles, and its massive! Settle down in my seat, enjoy a bit of chocolate on takeoff to stop my ears from popping, and now I wont set foot on land again till tomorrow morning! I spend the time listening to my personal stereo and reading my book, with pauses for food, then later on I settle down in my seat for some sleep. Morning comes, and as I go for breakfast, I look out the window and northern Canada is below me! Ive never seen Canada before, except on TV, and its amazing seeing all the ice. Time flows on, then in late afternoon the plane finally lands

Pictured clockwise from this pic: Andrew in front of the hollywood sign; Art, hollywood style; he never grouched at the time about his star; Bruce Willis lends a hand (and foot).

at Los Angeles International Airport. I get my passport stamped and go through customs, then get what I could only describe as a communal taxi to my hotel, the Kawada Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Very nice for the price, and my room is comfortable, with its own en suite cooker. I decide to phone for dinner, and call a local pizza delivery firm. When the pizza arrives, I munch my way through it and watch some American TV, which turns out to be the local news and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Naturally for the American release they had to change the title, so now its called Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Go to bed after a while, but cant get to sleep

for ages since theres still lots of noise coming from outside, the general noise of LA traffic and LA people.
Day 2 Chill Out

My plans for the first day are simple have a lie in and do as little as possible to recover from the journey. These plans are scuppered somewhat when I realise that I left some of my travellers cheques at the airport, so I take the the subway train back there. Fortunately for me, someone handed them in to the security desk, so Im able to get them back. I use some of the money to go to a local shopping centre, and buy myself a new personal stereo, then head back to the hotel for some serious chilling out.

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

17
into a wall of people. Along to the Graumans Chinese Theatre first, to look at the hand and foot (and horseshoe) prints of the famous. Its amazing how small Mel Gibsons feet are! Onward to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, walking slowly down Hollywood Boulevard taking photos along the way. Many famous names, including the original cast of Star Trek, the crew of the 1969 Moon landing, and film, music and TV stars such as Mario Lanza, Ritchie Valens, Tony Curtis and Kermit the Frog. From stars to the place that honours them, I move on next to the Kodak Theatre, the venue for the Oscars or, as theyre properly called, the Academy Awards. Go round as part of a guided tour, and discover that the theatre also plays host to the finals of American Idol, which I suppose is interesting for those who like that sort of thing. I move on next to pay a quick visit to the outside of the Capitol Records building, and look through the window at all the gold and platinum records on the walls of the foyer. Capitol Records has of course been the home of Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys, among others. In the evening, I go to a jazz restaurant called Catilenas, for a concert by singer Karrin Allyson, and have a thoroughly relaxing time. I meet her afterwards and get a CD signed, and shes a lovely person, and sexy too!
Day 5 meeting new Friends

Day 3 universal studios

The holiday starts here! Get the subway train to the nearest station to Universal City, then a courtesy bus to the main gate. Then much of the day is spent seeing samples of some of the best films and TV ever made, including The Flintstones (the film), Shrek, Babe, The Blues Brothers, the Jurassic Park films and Jaws. The highlight undoubtedly is the Back to the Future ride, where visitors get to sit in a multi-passenger version of the DeLorean time machine which Doc Brown has invented (another hilarious performance on video by Christopher Lloyd) and go on a trip through time to get back the original DeLorean, stolen by Biff Tannen. Amazing special effects, and because of the brilliant way its done I got completely absorbed into the whole experience and for a while forgot that I was on a Hollywood ride. Absolutely fantastic!
Day 4 graumans Chinese theatre & the hollywood Walk Of Fame

contact with. Like me, shes a big Doctor Who fan, and Ive arranged to meet her at the shop. Of course I have a browse and buy a couple of things, then after the shop closes for the day she takes me to a diner to meet some of her friends and have some dinner, and I have a very pleasant time. We dont finish till late in the evening, so Im given a lift back to a street near the hotel.
Day 6 theres A song named After that Place! & heading home

Another place with wall-to-wall people. Get the subway train to Hollywood & Vine station, and as I leave the front entrance I walk

A change of emphasis today. Take a trip to the Barnes & Noble booksellers to have a look round, and its one mighty book shop, huge in size. After a while I leave Barnes & Noble and take a bus further downtown to a science fiction bookshop, to meet a woman I made e-mail

My final day in LA. I decide to visit places that have been mentioned in song, so I start with Route 66 ((Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 Nat King Cole), which unfortunately only has the now-overgrown begining of the route at Los Angeles. I then move on to Santa Monica Boulevard (All I Wanna Do Sheryl Crow) and finish at MacArthur Park (MacArthur Park Richard Harris). I then go back to the hotel, pick up my luggage and get the taxi to the airport. After the usual wait following check-in, I board the plane and sadly say goodbye to LA. Back home to normal life again! Visiting Los Angeles was a wonderful experience, with lots of noise, lots of people and a lot of excellent food. There wasnt one part of the holiday that I didnt enjoy (except maybe for forgetting my travellers cheques on the first day), with the highlight being the Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios. Maybe when I have enough money again Ill go back.

18

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Whats on at DHI

Bath & ne somerset services

Dhi Bath The Beehive, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD

DHI Bath The Beehive, Beehive Yard, Bath. Telephone: 01225 329411, Fax: 01225 334734, info@dhibath.org.uk DHI Information Takeaway 31 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AN. Tel: 01225 334185 (Counselling Service: 01225 422156), fax: 01225 465774, info@dhibath.org.uk For information on the Genesis Trust contact Carey or Denise on 01225 463549 monday
10.30-12.00 1.002.30 5.30 - 7.30

thursday Mindfulness Group Abstinence Group Monday Clubs Book Club, Film Night, Games Group Football (At Percy Community Centre)
11.0012.30

6.45 - 8.15

1.00-2.30 3.00-4.00 6.00 - 7.00 6.00-7.00

Alcohol Education & Change Programme (4 Weekly Cycle) Positive Change

Acupuncture

Family Group Relapse Prevention (Abstinence Support Group)

tuesday Friday
10.30-12.00 1.00-2.30 3.00-4.30

Womens Group Positive Change Alcohol Education & Change Programme (4 Weekly Cycle)

12.00-1.00 1.00-2.30 3.00-4.00

Off The Wall Abstinence Group

Acupuncture

saturday Wednesday
12.00-2.00 1.00-2.30 3.00-4.00 5.30-6.30 10.00-2.00 10.30-11.30

Gardening Group Lifestyle Workshops

Acupuncture

Gardening Group
Acupuncture

Yoga

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

19
Open group Positive Change group: What pleasures does my drug use bring? ... What difficulties does it take away? ... What problems does it add to my life? ... What good things does it take away? ... How can I develop my confidence and coping skills? ... How will I keep this going? Structured 6 week course for clients who are working towards either controlled use or a drug free lifestyle. Intake dates for this group are available from reception. Alcohol education and Change groups (4 weekly programme starting on the first Thursday of each month) Week 1 - Alcohol Education Group A group offering information on alcohol, exploring the impact on health, social and personal functioning. Weeks 2, 3 and 4 - Alcohol SelfDirected Change Group: 3 session structured group, to elicit motivation and discuss strategies for making changes in drinking. Drop in support group for abstinent clients. Womens group Women only support group. Battle Against tranquillizers (BAt) A support group for people wishing to make changes to their use of tranquillizers. Family group A support group for family members affected by anothers substance use. monday Club A social activity group which meets weekly. This includes a film club, book club and games evenings. gardening group Award winning service user led allotment project Off the Wall Service User led magazine group. NB Anyone wishing to attend groups needs to ensure that if they are still using drugs that they have not used since midnight the night before.

Groups & Services

Auricular acupuncture Acupuncture sessions are open to anybody experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol,no need to book just turn up a little before the session start time and come as and when youd like. Sessions are also open to family members and carers. Dhi Beehive Drop in and internet caf 9-5 pm Monday - Friday, Saturday 10 1pm Abstinence group: What is the next step? ... How can I increase importance without adding stress? ... How can I build a lifestyle to support my recovery? ... What are my triggers and how can I manage these? ... How can I prevent lapses becoming relapses? This group aims to support people who are drug and alcohol free and who are committed to remaining abstinent. It is an open group that clients can join at any time Lifestyle Workshops: Series of single issue support groups focusing on recovery. Topics include: Becoming Assertive Improving Self-Esteem Better Relationships Managing Stress and Anxiety mindfulness group : A meditation group to help with managing emotions and cravings.

Dhis award-winning allotment

20

Off The Wall No.18, July/August 2010

Whats on at DHI

south Glos. services

Tower Road North Warmley
DHI South Gloucestershire South Gloucestershire Drug & Alcohol Service, 130 Tower Road North, Warmley BS30 8XN. Freephone: 0800 0733011, Tel: 01454 868750, Fax: 01454 868755, Info@dhisouthglos.org.uk monday
1:00-2:30pm 6:30-7:30pm

The Bungalow Yate

Yate Treatment Centre The Bungalow, 24a North Road, Yate BS37 7PA. Tel: 01454 273643, info@dhisouthglos.org.uk monday
11:00-12:00pm 12:00-1:00pm 1:30-3:00pm 3:00-5:00pm 1:00-5:00pm

Open Group Peer Support Group

Acupuncture Meditation Engagement Group Cannabis Awareness & Information Session Through Care DROP IN

tuesday tuesday
1:00-3:00pm 3:00-5:00pm 5:00-6:00pm 6:00-7:30pm

Alcohol Course Cannabis Awareness & Information Session Acupuncture Relapse Prevention

11:30-12:30pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:00-4:00pm 7:00-9:00pm

Acupuncture Open Group ACE Group Family Group

Wednesday
1:00-2:30pm 1:00-4:00pm

Wednesday Into Action Computer Access

11:00-1:00pm 2:00-3:00pm 3:00-4:30pm 4:30-5:30pm 5:30-6:30pm

thursday
10:00-12:00pm 1:00-3:00pm 7:00-9:00pm

BAT DROP IN ACE Group Family Group

Grandparents Group 1st Wednesday of every month BAT DROP IN Induction Course Acupuncture Open Group

thursday
1:30-2:30pm 3.00-4:30pm 6:00-7:00pm 7:00-8:00pm

Friday
10:00-11.30am 10:30-12.00pm 11:30-12:30pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:00pm 2:30-4:00pm

Induction Course Womens Group Acupuncture Meditation Healthy Lunch Club Engagement Group

Healthy Lunch Club Into Action Relapse Prevention Peer Support Group

Friday
10:00-12:00pm 10:00-11:30pm 12:00-1:30pm

Housing Clinic By appointment only Alcohol Course Alcohol Course

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

21

Whats on at DHI

swindon services
The Old School House Swindon
DHI Swindon The Old School House, Maxwell St, Swindon SN1 5DR. Freephone: 0800 9704830, tel: 01793 617177, fax: 01793 486591, info@dhiswindon.org.uk monday
11.00-1.00pm 11.30-1.00pm 1.00-2.00pm Cooking class

The Boxing Gym

There is access to the boxing gym above the Old School House. Contact us for more information.

1:1 Sessions
Other appointments outside of these times are available to you at a place of your convenience.

Stimulant Group workshop Basic sewing class

tuesday
11.00-12.30pm 12.30-2.00pm

Triage
An initial assessment can be completed over the phone Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5pm. Call us on 0800 970 4830. This number is free from call boxes and landlines.

Pre-treatment workshop Cannabis Group workshop

Wednesday
11.00-12.30pm 1.00pm

Relapse Prevention workshop Acupuncture and relaxation

thursday
1.00pm 2.00pm-4.00pm

Acupuncture and relaxation Allotment

Friday
11.30-12.30pm 1.00pm

Positive Change workshop Acupuncture and relaxation

22
OTW REGULAR

Off The Wall No.23, Autumn 2011

Letters page
Time to get it off your chest?
Reader response In issue 22 we had a reader asking for advice in relation to Ketamine - the reader used the drug but hadnt experienced any bad side effects. Dear OtW

Dear Reader If you can, its best you just stop taking it now, but bear in mind that your body needs to adjust to a lack of it. If its just too difficult to quit in one go, then just reduce your intake. Your poor body needs to adjust to lower levels, so take it less, later in the day, not so much etc., then finally quit taking it altogether. You need to build positive new routines into your days. Try to encourage others to do different things together. Have fun again, (apart from K what did you like doing?) try new things to do. You may well be more anxious or angry so try and treat that with alternative therapies, Acupuncture is good. Also Aconite & Arnica will help. (Ask about all homoeopathic remedies). Milk Thistle will clean and rejuvenate the liver. (All of these remedies can be bought from health shops, herbalists and/or some chemists).

Id appreciate your advice about a guy who I foolishly let into my life around last Christmas. I met him one rather drunken night during a relapse, outside the home of a mutual friend. After a few pints in a local pub, we bought some cider and went back to my flat, where, being homeless, he ended up staying the night, after which I agreed to let him kip on my sofa for a few nights while he sorted out somewhere to live. God knows how I expected him to achieve this and he ended up staying for three months. After I finally got rid of him, he still kept bothering me, pressing my door buzzer in all sorts of states of drunkenness, despite my repeated refusals to see him and demands to leave me alone. I even had to call the police one night, as he was so abusive and threatening; naturally, by the time they arrived, he was long gone. I had a two month respite while he was banged up in Horfield, presumably for one or more of his shoplifting, train fare dodging or non-payment of fines offences. However, immediately on his release, the whole thing started again. Hed been given a large sum of money by his mother and wanted to give me some for

helping him out previously. The last time I spoke to him through the intercom, when he sounded fairly sober, I spelled it out once again I dont want anything to do with you; I dont want your money; all I want is for you to go away and leave me in peace. His reply was something like OK, sorry, mate (?), no trouble. Thankfully, I havent seen or heard from him since then (several weeks ago), but Im still living in a nervous state, especially when the buzzer sounds. What I need to know is if, heaven forefend, he starts up again, is there anything I can do through the police, courts or whatever to stop him coming around bothering me? I mean, Ive heard of things like exclusion orders or something and ASBOs. I hope the need doesnt arise and that hes finally got the message, but I need to know what to do, just in case. I do hope you can print this and that someone can offer a reply. Anonymously yours

Got a problem? Get in touch! Off The Wall Magazine The Beehive, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD T 01225 329411 E offthewall@dhibath.org.uk. Each issue we will be printing readers problems and letters, and rather than giving our response we want our readers to offer their advice. So if you can help this issues readers, please write in... And dont forget, theres a crisp tenner for the best response each issue. Answeres to Andrews quiz on page 7 eVents 1. Vietnam War; 2. Munich, 1972; 3. 1974; 4. Juan Carlos I; 5. IBM. tV 6. Norman Stanley Fletcher; 7. Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington; 8. Stuart Hall; 9. Torquay; 10. Liberator. musiC no. 1s 11. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles; 12. Coca-Cola; 13. Amazing Grace; 14. Mud; 15. Watership Down

Check out www.dhi-online.org.uk for more useful information

useful numbers
National contacts
Alcohol concern 0207 9287377 Alliance, the (methadone) 02083 744395 Cannabis Hemp Information Club 0145 8835769 Cocaine www.cocaine.org Date Rape Drugs www.roofile.com Drugscope www.drugscope.org.uk Drug Education Training 0117 99415810 Ecstasy.Org www.ecstasy.org Erowid www.erwid.org Good Drugs Guide www.thegooddrugsguide.com Green Party Drugs Group 0171 7370100 Hemp UK 0186 5311151 Hit www.Hit.org.uk Howard league For Penal Reform 0171 2817722 Justice For Woman 0181 3403699 Lifeline www.lifeline.org.uk Mainliners 0201 5825434 Medical Marijuana Foundation 0157 9346592 National Alcohol Helpline 0345 320202 National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 National Sexual Health/HIv 0800 5671123 Oxfordshire User Team 0800 0320829 Project LSD 0171 2881500 Release www.release.org.uk/bust.html Re-Solv www.re-solv.org Traffasi 02085 339563 Transform Box 59, 82 Colston Street, Bristol. BS1

Local contacts
DHI Head Office and Bath Area Office The Beehive Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD tel 01225 329411 fax 01225 334734 email info@dhibath.org.uk DHI Information Takeaway 31 Monmouth St Bath BA1 2AN tel: 01225 334185 (Counselling Service: 01225 422156) fax: 01225 465774 email: info@dhibath.org.uk DHI South Gloucestershire South Glos. Drug & Alcohol Service 130 Tower Road North Warmley BS30 8XN Freephone: 0800 0733011 tel 01454 868750 fax 01454 868755 email info@dhisouthglos.org.uk DHI Swindon The Old School House Maxwell St Swindon SN1 5DR Freephone: 0800 9704830 tel 01793 617177 fax 01793 486591 email info@dhiswindon.org.uk DHI Kingswood Office 10 Kingswood Foundation Bristol, BS15 8BD Yate Treatment Centre The Bungalow 24a North Road Yate BS37 7PA Tel: 01454 273643 Email: info@dhisouthglos.org.uk