Alcohol Help

Responding to the publication of the government’s Youth Alcohol Action Plan
today, Addaction Director of Operations Richard McKendrick said:

"With this plan the government has acknowledged that the UK’s drinking
problem - particularly that of young people - has spiraled out of control.

"While this coordinated approach from government is a positive step forward,
this plan is essentially a raft of measures which risks bringing even more
young people into a criminal justice system already creaking under its own
weight. The UK is already criminalizing more young people than virtually any
other country in Europe to no positive effect.

"The strategy misses all the easy targets. There are no plans for the
thousands of young people - many still just a primary school - coming into
A&E who could be offered information and support to prevent them going on to
put themselves at further risk.

"The police, who come into contact with more young people at risk than any
other agency, should be encouraged to work with local partners to engage
young people, rather than just removing them from sight to be forced into
more isolated or dangerous places.

He continued:

"Parents are responsible for supporting their children, but where they can’t
or won’t support young people there has to be intensive support available
for them and their children - the few areas mentioned in the plan simply
aren’t enough.

"Done well and early enough, intensive support for families can turn lives
around, prevent anti-social behaviour and save valuable money, time and
resources for society. This must be a priority as we work over the long-term
to support young people and parents affected by alcohol misuse."

Addaction