The All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse today (18/05/09) published its report on the future of alcohol treatment services in England.
The report is the result of an Inquiry launched by the All Party Group in October 2008 in order to investigate the obstacles faced by those working with problem drinkers. The Inquiry heard from treatment service providers, service commissioners, local authorities, Drug & Alcohol Action Teams, Department of Health representatives and experts in the alcohol field.
The Inquiry revealed patchy levels of funding and inconsistencies in the way treatment services are being planned across the country.
The report proposes practical solutions to Government to improve the level of care for people with alcohol misuse problems. These start with clear cross-departmental leadership from Government, right down to recommendations to improve GPs’ understanding of alcohol problems and provide patients with the information and help they need to seek treatment.
Chair of the All Party Group, Lynda Waltho MP, said:
“The scale of the problem we set out to investigate is huge – of the 1.1 million people dependent on alcohol, sadly only 1 in 18 access specialist treatment every year.
“There is still a lot of work to be done to highlight alcohol as a public health concern, while breaking down the stigma and lack of understanding that surround problems with alcohol.
“Clear, joined up thinking is necessary from Government, combined with adequate funding for treatment services so that they can meet the needs of all those affected by alcohol misuse.
“Helping people with alcohol problems to get their lives back on track is an important boost, not just for them but also for their families and wider society.
Alcohol Concern