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17/09/2014
Alcohol Abuse Costs NI £900m Per Annum
Alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland costs taxpayers £900m annually, according to charity Addiction NI.
A new report released by the charity in collaboration with substance abuse organisation FASA makes the claim, and also identifies a number of barriers that exist to accessing treatment services.
The report says the cost of alcohol-related harm equates to around one tenth of the entire block grant the NI Executive receives from Westminster, but estimates that less than a tenth of the in-need population are treated for their alcohol problems in Northern Ireland.
New figures from the Department of Health show more than 12,000 hospital admissions are made each year with alcohol-related diagnoses.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health challenges we face – increasing people’s risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and poor mental health. Many people are drinking at levels (more than 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units per day for men) which cause real harm without even realising it.
"The report launched today supports the approach set out in our strategy to reduce the harm related to substance misuse. It also helps us make the case for further investment in early intervention, treatment and support services. In addition, I hope the report will act as a catalyst for those working in the health service to recognise the impact alcohol misuse has and to use every opportunity to identify those with an issue and support them to overcome this."
Justice Minister, David Ford said: "Alcohol misuse has been estimated to cost the Criminal Justice system up to £340m and this report reflects the importance of responding together to reduce the harm that can be caused to individuals, families and communities."
(IT/MH)
A new report released by the charity in collaboration with substance abuse organisation FASA makes the claim, and also identifies a number of barriers that exist to accessing treatment services.
The report says the cost of alcohol-related harm equates to around one tenth of the entire block grant the NI Executive receives from Westminster, but estimates that less than a tenth of the in-need population are treated for their alcohol problems in Northern Ireland.
New figures from the Department of Health show more than 12,000 hospital admissions are made each year with alcohol-related diagnoses.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health challenges we face – increasing people’s risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and poor mental health. Many people are drinking at levels (more than 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units per day for men) which cause real harm without even realising it.
"The report launched today supports the approach set out in our strategy to reduce the harm related to substance misuse. It also helps us make the case for further investment in early intervention, treatment and support services. In addition, I hope the report will act as a catalyst for those working in the health service to recognise the impact alcohol misuse has and to use every opportunity to identify those with an issue and support them to overcome this."
Justice Minister, David Ford said: "Alcohol misuse has been estimated to cost the Criminal Justice system up to £340m and this report reflects the importance of responding together to reduce the harm that can be caused to individuals, families and communities."
(IT/MH)
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06 June 2012
Lottery Money To Address Impact Of Alcohol
More than £187,000 of lottery money will be deployed in Northern Ireland to groups trying to reduce the harm caused by alcohol misuse. The grants are being awarded by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG), which helps give away the 28p in every pound spent on the National Lottery.
Lottery Money To Address Impact Of Alcohol
More than £187,000 of lottery money will be deployed in Northern Ireland to groups trying to reduce the harm caused by alcohol misuse. The grants are being awarded by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG), which helps give away the 28p in every pound spent on the National Lottery.
14 July 2022
Man Found Sleeping In Car Was Over Four Times Legal Alcohol Limit
The PSNI discovered a man sleeping in a "seemingly abandoned" car on the M1 and he was almost four and a half times over the legal alcohol limit. The engine of the vehicle was still running. Officers discovered the car on the motorway and carried out an inspection on Wednesday, 13 July.
Man Found Sleeping In Car Was Over Four Times Legal Alcohol Limit
The PSNI discovered a man sleeping in a "seemingly abandoned" car on the M1 and he was almost four and a half times over the legal alcohol limit. The engine of the vehicle was still running. Officers discovered the car on the motorway and carried out an inspection on Wednesday, 13 July.
26 September 2019
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
17 June 2019
Guidance Issued For Alcohol Awareness Week
Drinkers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take a closer look at their habits this Alcohol Awareness Week, 17-23 June. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people to take stock, give themselves an "alcohol MOT" and be aware of the 14 unit per week limit.
Guidance Issued For Alcohol Awareness Week
Drinkers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take a closer look at their habits this Alcohol Awareness Week, 17-23 June. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people to take stock, give themselves an "alcohol MOT" and be aware of the 14 unit per week limit.
29 April 2019
Drunk Driver Rams Car Into Chinese Restaurant
A car has smashed through the window of a Chinese restaurant in Portadown after a drunk driver crashed into the back of it. The "life or death" incident happened on Friday evening, 26 April, when a family parked outside the takeaway with a six-month-old child on board.
Drunk Driver Rams Car Into Chinese Restaurant
A car has smashed through the window of a Chinese restaurant in Portadown after a drunk driver crashed into the back of it. The "life or death" incident happened on Friday evening, 26 April, when a family parked outside the takeaway with a six-month-old child on board.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
