Northern Ireland's alcohol abuse totals £900m

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 18 September, 2014

Alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland costs £900 million per year - a figure that could be reduced by earlier intervention.

A report Every Contact Counts: Improving access to treatment for alcohol misuse in NI, published yesterday, identifies barriers that exist to accessing treatment and how they can be lessened.

The report shows the cost of alcohol-related harm equates to around one tenth of the entire block grant the NI Executive receives from Westminster, but that less than one tenth of those in need have access to treatment.

Health Minister Edwin Poots and Justice Minister David Ford joined with addiction services charities Addiction NI and FASA to launch the report. Recent figures from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety show more than 12,000 hospital admissions are made each year with an 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.

"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 £340 million and this report reflects the importance of responding together to reduce the harm that can be caused to individuals, families and communities.

He added that the department is committed to working in partnership to make sure "each and every contact counts".

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