Today (Tuesday 28 July), Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, welcomes the publication of the 2019 ‘National Treatment Data for problem alcohol use’ by the Health Research Board. The data reveals that there were over 7,500 cases treated for problem alcohol use in 2019.
Minister Feighan said; “These data highlight the importance of the National Drug Treatment Reporting System. All publicly funded drug and alcohol services are required to report treatment to the system. It is important that we have good data to monitor responses to drug and alcohol misuse as part of the national strategy, “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery ”.
“A key action in the strategy is to expand the availability and geographical spread of quality drug and alcohol services and improve the range of services available. In this context, I am delighted to confirm the release of first year funding of over €220,000 for the establishment of a dedicated community based alcohol service in Galway city. This new service is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The service will be a partnership initiative between Galway University Hospital Emergency Department and HSE addiction services. An alcohol liaison nurse liaising between both services will be accompanied by HSE staff clinicians with appropriate clinical qualifications.”
The Minister noted that people with alcohol-related problems faced greater challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Feighan stated: “Recently, the Department of Health and the HSE published a COVID-19 poster with key messages for reducing the harms associated with alcohol and for supporting recovery. It is important that people know that there are services and supports available to them, such as the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline and alcohol counselling and treatment services. Details are available on www.drugs.ie.
Source: The Department of Health, 28/07/20
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