Q: Can I use the service if I just want to cut down rather than stop?
A: Yes – our aim is to help you improve your relationship with alcohol, which may involve either cutting down your drinking or cutting it out altogether. Your goals for the programme are decided by you, in consultation with your DrinkCoach, who will then support you to safely achieve them.
If during the programme it becomes apparent that you are drinking dependently, your DrinkCoach may suggest you access face-to-face treatment such as that provided by local treatment services. Please note that if you are dependent on alcohol, it could be dangerous to stop drinking suddenly – please speak to your DrinkCoach or seek medical advice before doing so.
Q: Will my coaching sessions be confidential?
A: Yes – only your DrinkCoach will be able to see and have access to your coaching sessions, and we will not record your coaching sessions. Access to your personal information is restricted to a minimum of authorised personnel who are contractually bound to maintain your confidentiality and security. We may use anonymised data for evaluation and research purposes, which will be stored in accordance with our privacy policy. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Whilst all information is confidential there are times when we have to exercise a duty of care to keep you or someone else safe. The limits to confidentiality are outlined in our terms and conditions.
Q: Are online sessions secure?
A: We are committed to protecting your privacy and use appropriate standards of technology and operational security to protect your information, including a Secure Server, network firewall connection and high strength passwords on all restricted information. Various online video platforms use encryption for all calls. Please see your chosen provider for more details on privacy.
However, the Internet is not completely secure. Personal data submitted by means of the Internet is vulnerable to unauthorised access by unauthorised third parties. Whilst we take every reasonable step to ensure that your personal information and data are stored securely, submission of personal data using the Internet is always at your own risk. For more information, see our terms and conditions.
A: Your coaching sessions are delivered by one of our team of experienced and trained alcohol treatment specialists.
Q: Are online coaching sessions as effective as face-to-face treatment?
A: Initial indications from our local pilot of the DrinkCoach coaching service show comparable results to face-to-face treatment in terms of reductions in number of drinking days and overall alcohol consumed. This is supported by findings from research.*
* Wallace P et al (2011) On-line randomized controlled trial of an internet based psychologically enhanced intervention for people with hazardous alcohol consumption. PLoS.One; 6: 3, e14740.
Q: How much do the coaching sessions cost?
A: Each coaching session costs £55, with payment made online via PayPal at the time of booking. Promo codes for discounted sessions are available through some local authorities - please contact us if you’d like to know more.
The profits from DrinkCoach are reinvested into our wider face-to-face treatment and recovery services.
Q: I’m not an alcoholic but want to cut down my drinking – can I still get help?
A: Yes – DrinkCoach can help you cut down your drinking whatever your current level of drinking, as your goals for the programme are decided by you, in consultation with your DrinkCoach.
If during the programme it becomes apparent that you are drinking dependently, your DrinkCoach may suggest you access face-to-face treatment such as that provided by local treatment services. Please note that if you are dependent on alcohol, it could be dangerous to stop drinking suddenly – please speak to your DrinkCoach or seek medical advice before doing so.
A: Each session will up to 40 minutes and will review your current drinking levels, explore your relationship with alcohol, help you set your desired goals and then support you to achieve them. For more information, see the programme overview.
Q: Can I book a session for my friend/partner/family member?
A: Yes, but they first must consent to the sessions and agree to our terms and conditions. Ultimately, changing someone’s drinking is their own decision. It’s important to remember that it’s a big step for someone to realise they are drinking too much and need to cut down. Find out more about how to help someone else with their drinking.
Q: What days/times are coaching sessions available?
A: DrinkCoach sessions can be booked at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends.
Coaching sessions are available weekdays between 8am and 10pm, as well as Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 4pm subject to availability.
Q: Can I book an individual session, or do I have to book the whole programme?
A: Sessions are booked one at a time, so you can book as few or as many as you wish. A typical programme involves four coaching sessions plus up to two follow-up sessions.
Q: Can I have a coaching session over mobile, or do I need a computer?
A: Yes, you can have your coaching session over mobile – all you need is an internet connection.
Q: Do you offer face-to-face support, and if not, where can I find it?
A: Waythrough, the organisation that delivers DrinkCoach, offer local face-to-face treatment services in areas where they are commissioned to do so. If you live outside of the areas that Waythrough serve, you can find local treatment services in your area by using the NHS service search here. Otherwise your coach will help to refer you to local services where needed.
Q: I live outside of the UK. Can I access the service?
A: You must be resident in the UK to access our coaching sessions. For more information, see our terms and conditions.
Q: Who runs DrinkCoach?
A: Waythrough, the organisation that delivers DrinkCoach, offer local face-to-face treatment services in areas where they are commissioned to do so. If you live outside of the areas that Waythrough serve, you can find local treatment services in your area by using the NHS service search here.