Safety & Disclaimer

Change to Thrive is the trading name of Paul Staves, an independent sober coach based in the United Kingdom.
Throughout this website, “I”, “me” and “Change to Thrive” refer to the same coaching practice operated by Paul Staves.

Please read this page carefully before acting on any information from this site or engaging with coaching.

1. Not medical, psychiatric or therapeutic advice

  • Nothing on this website, in my emails, or in coaching sessions is medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
  • I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or addiction clinician.
  • Coaching focuses on behaviour, habits, mindset and practical support. It is not a substitute for professional healthcare or mental health treatment.

You should always consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional about your physical and mental health, including alcohol use, medication and any changes you plan to make.

2. Who coaching is and is not suitable for

Coaching is generally suitable for adults who:

  • Are worried about their drinking or want to change their relationship with alcohol
  • Are safe and stable enough to reflect, plan and take practical steps
  • Are willing to seek medical or specialist support if recommended

Coaching is not suitable as the primary support if you:

  • Are physically dependent on alcohol or suspect you might be
  • Have a history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations or severe shaking
  • Have a serious mental health condition that is unstable or untreated
  • Are in immediate crisis or at risk of harming yourself or someone else

If any of the above apply, you should speak to your GP, NHS 111, local alcohol service or emergency services before considering coaching.

3. Alcohol withdrawal and medical risks

Stopping or sharply reducing alcohol can be physically dangerous for some people.

  • Do not suddenly stop drinking or significantly cut down without medical advice if you have been drinking heavily or daily.
  • Only a healthcare professional can assess your personal risk and advise on a safe plan, including whether you need a supervised detox.

If you feel unwell, unsafe or unsure at any point, contact:

  • Your GP
  • NHS 111 (or NHS 111 online) for urgent medical advice
  • 999 or your local emergency department in a medical emergency

4. Mental health, crisis and emergencies

This website and coaching do not provide crisis, emergency or safeguarding services.

If you are:

  • Having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
  • Experiencing a mental health crisis
  • Feeling unable to keep yourself safe

You should contact:

  • 999 in an emergency
  • NHS 111 for urgent advice
  • Your GP or local crisis team
  • A suitable helpline, such as Samaritans on 116 123 (UK)

Do not delay seeking urgent help while waiting for a coaching session or an email response.

5. Personal responsibility and decisions

Any decisions you make about alcohol, health, work, relationships or anything else are your own responsibility.

  • Information and tools I provide are general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
  • You are responsible for checking what is safe and suitable for you with appropriate professionals.
  • You should not ignore or delay seeking professional advice based on something you have read on this site or discussed in coaching.

6. No guarantee of specific outcomes

Every person and situation is different.

  • I do not guarantee any particular outcome or result from coaching or from using the information on this website.
  • Examples of progress, testimonials or case studies, where used, are illustrative only and do not promise that you will have the same experience.

7. Fitness to work, drive and operate safely

You remain fully responsible for ensuring you are fit to:

  • Work, especially in safety critical roles
  • Drive or operate machinery
  • Care for dependants

If you are unsure whether you are safe to work or drive, you must seek professional advice and follow the law and any relevant employer or licensing rules.

8. Age and jurisdiction

This website and coaching are intended for adults aged 18 and over.

Services are designed around the legal and healthcare context of the United Kingdom. If you are in another country, you must consider your own local laws and services.

9. Acceptance of this disclaimer

By using this website, joining my email list, or engaging in coaching, you confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood this Safety & Disclaimer page
  • Accept that coaching is not medical or emergency care
  • Take responsibility for seeking appropriate professional help when needed

If you do not agree with this disclaimer, you should not use this website or engage with coaching services.