£4M drugs and alcohol strategy announced

The government has outlined its plans to tackle the problem of alcohol and drug abuse among young people in Northern Ireland.

The publication, which has been named the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (2006-2011) was launched today and a total of £4 million will be used to fund the first year of the five year strategy.

Commenting at the launch, a spokesperson for the Department of Health Social Sevices and Public Safety said: “This strategy will ensure that tackling the worrying growth in alcohol and drug misuse is made a priority. Research shows that 13% of young drinkers (11-16) have been drunk more than 10 times and 12% have tried cannabis.

“Through a wide range of programmes and activities designed to educate, treat and support young people, I am determined to combat the growth in the use of alcohol and drugs among this section of the community."

“Binge-drinking among adults also continues to be an on-going concern, with 48% of men and 35% of women reported having binged. In addition, alcohol and drugs misuse costs Northern Ireland society hundreds of millions of pounds each year and causes undoubted misery to many individuals, families and communities."

The new strategy contains a wide range of activities aimed at providing treatment and support to all problem users, as well as targeted education and prevention programmes.

4NI