Agencies 'must communicate more effectively'

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by Change | 9 Dec 2008

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Alcohol Concern claims better communication between agencies will allow substance abuse to be tackled more effectively.

There needs to be a greater degree of cooperation between health services and the police in tackling alcohol addiction, an organisation asserts.

A spokesperson speaking on behalf of Alcohol Concern claims more needs to be done in order to identify those engaging in substance abuse.

The representative asserts the current system does not allow those with drink dependency to be located and referred to an addiction treatment programme before being brought to the attention of the authorities.

"Many binge and heavy drinkers will not receive any help until they are arrested for alcohol-related crimes or are admitted into hospital," the spokesperson states.

If health services and related agencies were to operate more closely with both police and probation services, the organisation claims people with drink addiction could be treated earlier.

The representative asserts this would reduce the number of binge drinkers who end up caught in the criminal justice system.

According to figures produced by the Department of Health, every pound spent on drug abuse treatment saves the country £9.50.

Since 2003, those referred to this form of substance addiction programme have been 20 per cent less likely to reoffend.

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