Government targets alcohol abuse hotspots

Categories

Addiction Treatment
Alcohol
Drugs
Gambling
In the papers
On TV

News Archive

Home » News » Alcohol » Government targets alcohol abuse hotspots

by Change | 5 Nov 2008

Bookmark

E-mail

The government has agreed to spend £6 million on alcohol rehabilitation programmes in the worst-hit areas of the UK.

Areas in the UK most affected by alcohol abuse are to receive government funding for rehabilitation treatment, it has been revealed.

The programme, backed by £6 million, will employ regional managers to raise the profile of alcohol treatment in 20 areas at a local level and increase access to specialist rehabilitation care and advice.

A further £1 million will be allocated to fund a new national alcohol care centre where best practices are drawn together from all the areas targeted.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said over one-quarter of adults in England drink above government guidelines and around 15,000 people die because of alcohol consumption every year.

"We clearly have a serious problem that needs urgent attention," she added.

"Starting with the most deprived areas in inequality hotspots, we are going to roll out a new programme which will identify and help drinkers who are at risk."

Ms Primarolo went on to say that the money will be well-spent as £5 of taxpayers money will be saved for every pound[£1] spent on alcohol rehab.

Last month, charity Drinkaware launched a campaign aimed at highlighting the risks of drinking inside the home.

Bookmark this: