Recovery worker Dan Mushens examines the effect of giving increased financial support to those with long-term alcohol problems

Seldom discussed and under-diagnosed, alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) refers to the physical damage inflicted upon the brain due to prolonged and sustained alcohol use resulting in thiamine (B1 vitamin) deficiency.

ARBD is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions such as Korsakoff syndrome, Wernickes encephalopathy and alcohol dementia to name but a few.

Sufferers of ARBD experience dementia-like symptoms such as impaired memory and cognition which is exacerbated by any continued alcohol use. Manifestations of ARBD may include lack of insight or self-awareness, poor concentration, confusion, confabulation, peripheral neuropathy, apathy and reduced balance, mobility and coordination.

In my role as a recovery practitioner, I support people with ARBD to settle into and subsequently maintain their tenancies having usually just left a care home setting.

We focus on daily living skills such as social inclusion opportunities, budgeting and preparing meals, whilst also working towards other self-defined goals. The people I support are regularly reminded that up to 75% of sufferers will make significant cognitive recovery following a two year period of abstinence along with appropriate nutrition and supplements.

The people I work with tend to be either in the early stages of achieving abstinence - but with a high risk of relapse, or are still actively drinking to some extent.

However, from my own experiences I find that promoting the much-desired life of abstinence can often be hindered by also supporting people to maximise their income and reducing their outgoings - leading to a greater disposable income.

A sound financial footing is needed by all members of a capitalist society and is pivotal when assisting people to successfully maintain their tenancy and recover from a past which has usually been described as chaotic and self-destructive.

Over the years, I’ve routinely helped people to apply for any appropriate welfare benefit they may be entitled to such as DLA, PIP, ESA, AA or the state pension. Most benefits can often be topped up with various disability premiums and add-ons to further increase income.

Successful applications have also been made to benevolent charities such as GroceryAid and Hospitality Action who assist eligible people in times of hardship. They can often provide specific items such as pieces of furniture as well occasionally making one-off or even regular financial payments.

Some people have been helped to trace old pensions they’d paid into decades earlier with others supported to apply for council tax exemption due to ARBD being classed as a severe mental impairment. In some instances, people have received thousands of pounds in refunded payments following successful applications.

I’ve acquired this specific knowledge over time and feel a sense of duty to share these financial interventions to the people I support in order to aid their recovery journeys.

I’d estimate that only around 10% of the people I’ve supported over the years have achieved total or near-total abstinence with most continuing to drink alcohol regularly.

However, with knowledge comes responsibility and I’m more than aware that aiding people with addiction problems to generate a healthy disposable income could be considered as part of the problem. ‘Take away money from the equation, then they won’t be able to buy alcohol’, I often hear people say.

It’s a moral dilemma which prays on my mind but I rationalise it by thinking I’m promoting choice and giving people the tools to make a positive change.

Dan Mushens is a recovery practitioner for Scottish mental health charity Penumbra