What really lies behind problematic drug and alcohol use? Lecture with Lucie Hartley

Sinning or sinned against? What really lies behind problematic drug and alcohol use?

Lucie Hartley talks about underlying issues behind drug and alcohol use and links to mental health. She explores how negative perceptions from professionals can hinder people’s ability to move forward with recovery, particularly when people feel judged or overly ‘pathologised’.

Lucie charts the history of social policy in relation to drug and alcohol use and how this too affects societal perceptions and impacts on people seeking help.

Lucie began working in social care over 30 years ago as a volunteer with homeless people. For over 20 years she worked for drug and alcohol services in the NHS and in the third sector.

Until May last year, she was chief executive of EDP Drug & Alcohol Services, a charity working with people with drug and alcohol problems in communities and prisons. Lucie trained as a social worker and counsellor, and has an MBA specialising in leadership; she now works as a consultant and coach.