Fight against alcohol addiction in Scotland given cash boost

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by Change | 18 May 2009

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Funds provided to Scottish health boards to combat alcohol misuse are set to rise by 45 per cent.

Millions of pounds have been earmarked for tackling alcohol addiction and misuse in Scotland.

Scottish health boards have received 45 per cent more money to combat the problem than last year, £36 million up from £25 million.

According to government statistics, alcohol misuse costs Scotland £2.25 billion a year in extra services and lost productivity.

It accounts for 1,500 deaths a year, according to the government data.

The new funding will be used primarily to treat people with established alcohol problems through NHS and local projects.

Money will also be made available for "brief interventions", designed to help patients with alcohol-related problems.

These sessions are designed for patients who may not be aware of the impact alcohol is having on their health and will offer advice.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde will receive the greatest amount of £9.06 million.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "This further significant investment will help to turn lives around across Scotland by identifying and treating people in need of help."

Measures to combat alcohol addiction in Scotland have provoked controversy in the past two months, with the announcement in March of proposals to impose social responsibility fees on some stores.

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