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24/02/2006
Review report calls for addiction services for young people
The lack of provision for people under 17 years of age with addiction problems in Northern Ireland has been highlighted in a review study.
The report 'Alcohol and Substance Misuse' is part of a major review by the body reviewing mental health and learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, UUP Health spokesperson Robert Coulter said: “Services for children and young people are totally inadequate and this report only compounds what has already been said.
"There are no specialist doctors, nursing staff or psychologists, and no facility to admit anyone under 18 for treatment. The DHSSPS also stated recently that it is "essential" for services to be developed for under-17s – and with alcohol and substance misuse increasing among young people, we need these services sooner rather than later.
“We also need to tackle the source of drugs and alcohol misuse - prevention strategies are key. The Government must give its full support to voluntary sector bodies that develop programmes in schools. These programmes empower children and help them make healthy choices.
“The report shows that school absenteeism, conflict with parents, criminal activity, sexual risk taking, violent behaviour and debt are associated with alcohol and drug misuse. If these issues are talked about in schools it would help young people understand that substance and alcohol misuse will not solve their problems.”
The Rev Coulter was critical of the "utter foolishness" of the Direct Rule Administration's proposals to "liberalise" licensing laws in NI.
"He said: "The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that it would be the most vulnerable who would suffer from such proposals. This report emphasises the need for a regulatory regime that promotes - rather than undermines - socially responsible use of alcohol.”
The report said a "co-ordinated, multi-agency, long-term specific strategy for substance misuse services should be developed for young people under 18 years of age".
According to the report, while Northern Ireland has a high level of voluntary abstinence, it also has a high level of binge drinking amongst young people.
(SP)
The report 'Alcohol and Substance Misuse' is part of a major review by the body reviewing mental health and learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, UUP Health spokesperson Robert Coulter said: “Services for children and young people are totally inadequate and this report only compounds what has already been said.
"There are no specialist doctors, nursing staff or psychologists, and no facility to admit anyone under 18 for treatment. The DHSSPS also stated recently that it is "essential" for services to be developed for under-17s – and with alcohol and substance misuse increasing among young people, we need these services sooner rather than later.
“We also need to tackle the source of drugs and alcohol misuse - prevention strategies are key. The Government must give its full support to voluntary sector bodies that develop programmes in schools. These programmes empower children and help them make healthy choices.
“The report shows that school absenteeism, conflict with parents, criminal activity, sexual risk taking, violent behaviour and debt are associated with alcohol and drug misuse. If these issues are talked about in schools it would help young people understand that substance and alcohol misuse will not solve their problems.”
The Rev Coulter was critical of the "utter foolishness" of the Direct Rule Administration's proposals to "liberalise" licensing laws in NI.
"He said: "The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that it would be the most vulnerable who would suffer from such proposals. This report emphasises the need for a regulatory regime that promotes - rather than undermines - socially responsible use of alcohol.”
The report said a "co-ordinated, multi-agency, long-term specific strategy for substance misuse services should be developed for young people under 18 years of age".
According to the report, while Northern Ireland has a high level of voluntary abstinence, it also has a high level of binge drinking amongst young people.
(SP)
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