About Mark Jay

Clinical Background

I'm a Clinical Nurse Specialist in addiction, with a background of 23 years in NHS work, as well as private consultation. I'm also qualified as an Independent Nurse Prescriber. Mark Jay Alcohol Detox is my single-handed private practice, where I'm delighted to be able to offer my clients a tailor-made service that suits them.

I have many years of experience in the medical and psychological aspects of treating alcohol dependence and withdrawals, and have been working exclusively in the addiction field since 1994. My prescribing qualification means I am also able to prescribe any medication you need.

Professional Registration

You can check my professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council here.

Ethics

I only work with clients when both parties are satisfied that it's the best option at the time. I will always point people to another service if I think it would be better for them. I never use a selling technique, and I always give people as much verbal and written information about treatment as I can before they make a choice.

Effectiveness

All of the treatments I use are based on the most up to date evidence. I keep up to date on all reputable sources of research. The main sources I base my practice on are the NHS 'Review of the effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems', and the NICE 'Guidelines on the diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence.

As a very rough guide, the success rate of any individual in treatment depends on:

• Having the help of an experienced and skilful professional who they like and trust.
• This professional using treatment techniques and interventions that have been demonstrated to work.
• The treatment approach should be appropriate, professional and structured, and provided by people who are respectful, and can engage with the client and their family warmly.
• The client being ready and motivated to enter treatment.
• The client fully engaging in treatment, and having the drive and courage to do some difficult work.
• The involvement, where appropriate, of close family and friends.
• Continuing to engage in follow-up treatment, sometimes called aftercare.

I do my best to make sure all these pieces are in place for your treatment to have the best chance of success.

You can read much more about how to make sure you choose the right treatment, and to make sure you're ready to make the most of treatment, in my downloadable book 'How to stop drinking alcohol'.

Before commencing any treatment with any client, I always make sure I can answer yes to two questions: 'Is it safe?' and 'Is it likely to work?'

Why people choose my service

I can give anyone looking for help with their alcohol problem a more flexible and personalised service than your local NHS services or residential rehab centres can offer.

I've found that my clients appreciate having one point of contact with a trustworthy, experienced clinician, rather than being confused by being passed around different people and services.

I provide all treatment myself; I don't have any employees or use any agency staff.

Many - although not all - of my clients choose to see me because I can help them to make sense of their alcohol problem, and to plan a life without drinking, without having to use the '12 steps' of Alcoholics Anonymous that the vast majority all private services use.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology (Lancaster University, 1985)
Registered Nurse (1992)
Community Psychiatric Nursing (ENB 992, 1997)
Diploma in Addiction Studies (Leeds University, 1998)
Non-medical Prescribing (Plymouth University, 2007)

Experience

1983-1988 Volunteer counselling, including substance abuse
1992-1994 NHS Staff Nurse
1994-2000 NHS Community Psychiatric Nurse (Drugs & Alcohol)
2000-2003 NHS Clinical Manager (Substance Misuse)
2003-2009 NHS Clinical Nurse Specialist (Addiction)
2007-2011 NHS Non-medical prescriber (Part time)
2007-2011 Private Alcohol Practice (previously working as 'Devon Home Detox')