Penumbra provides services to support people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) to live in the community. 

ARBD Supported Accommodation

We provide an alcohol free environment which aims to assist in all aspects of an individual’s recovery programme and rehabilitation. Service users live independently in Penumbra flats, with 24 hour support from live-in staff. There are opportunities for group activities and ongoing one to one support from staff.

Supported Living

We support individuals with ARBD to live in their own homes.  Support is individually based, flexible and tailored to individual needs.  We provide support with daily living skills, health issues, social activities, education and employment.

For information on Alcohol Related Brain Damage services in your area see the menu on the left.

About ARBD

Alcohol related brain damage, (also widely referred to as alcohol related brain injuries, or disorders), describes physical damage to the brain as a result of sustained long-term alcohol consumption. The damage incurred results in some degree of permanent neurological disturbance or impaired short-term memory. Symptoms and residual deficits vary from mild to very severe. Although referred to as dementias, alcohol related dementias are not true dementias in that they are not degenerative; the level of impairment will not worsen given abstinence from alcohol, a balanced diet and appropriate intervention and support for the individual. People with ARBD will still retain the same level of intellectual functioning; therefore ARBD is not the same as an intellectual or learning disability.

Effects of Alcohol

Long-term excessive alcohol consumption, coupled with a poor diet, and crucially the inability for the body to absorb thiamine (vitamin B1), leads to specific neurological and physical damage described under the umbrella term ARBD. Alcohol damages the gut and heavy drinkers tend to have a very poor diet, as a result sources of thiamine are scarce and the ability of the gut to absorb this important brain nutrient is impeded. Alcohol also has an effect on the central nervous system and produces changes in metabolic rate, heart functioning and blood supply. As we all know, alcohol causes dehydration, which over a long period of time can lead to shrinkage of the brain and wastage of brain cells. Intoxication is also responsible for traffic accidents, falls and other head injuries.