Surge in numbers treated for drink addiction

The number of people treated for alcohol abuse -- some of whom are just 15 years old -- has jumped by at least a fifth over three years.

Growing numbers are also seeking help for a combination of drink and cocaine addiction, a potent mix which heightens the risk of violent behaviour, new research revealed yesterday.

Between 2004 and 2006, there was a 21pc surge in people attending alcohol abuse centres for the first time. One in 10 of these were under 19.

New cases rose from 2,827 to 3,432 over the three years, the report by the Health Research Board (HRB) has revealed.

During the same period, the number of cases treated for both drink and cocaine spiralled by 40pc.

The report -- which admits the real figures are higher -- found that 16,020 cases aged between 15 and 64 years were in treatment for drink abuse during that time.

Returning

The numbers returning for treatment also went up, from 2,029 to 2,110.

"The number of cases that return for treatment are an indirect indication of chronic alcohol use," said Dr Jean Long, head of the alcohol and drug research unit in the HRB.

She added: "It is important to note that the number of cases receiving treatment for problem use of both alcohol and cocaine increased by 40pc in the three years period, although, overall, the number of such cases is still low.

"Research has shown the use of these two drugs together results in the formation of cocaethylene, which potentiates the cardiotoxic effects of cocaine alone.

"Taking cocaine and alcohol together can also increase the likelihood of violent thoughts, which can in turn lead to violent behaviour".

She also found that one in four of the new cases who presented for treatment had started drinking by the time they were 15 years old -- and a similar number had started using drugs at that stage.

"This illustrates a link between starting to drink alcohol and taking drugs, and highlights the importance of delaying for as long as possible the use of alcohol in young people.

"The fact that one in 10 new cases is aged under 19 is further evidence of the risks of alcohol misuse among teenagers".

The report showed a link between between drink abuse and the less well off.

"It can be difficult to determine whether long-standing alcohol problems leading to social advantage or whether failure to secure or retain employment and accommodation increases the likelihood of developing chronic alcohol problems".

Around 16pc of people who had to return for treatment left school early -- and this was also the case of 14pc of new patients.

"A similar pattern is evident in relation to unemployment, with only 33pc of previously treated cases and 44pc of new cases in employment.

"This suggests that ongoing problem alcohol use results in loss of employment or that factors, such as low self-esteem or inadequate problem-solving skills, which are barriers to employment, are also associated with failed treatment and chronic addiction".

Comparing regional trends was difficult because of insufficient data from all treatment centres.

On the basis of the preliminary data, 43pc of people presenting for treatment were in Cork, Kerry, Tipperary SR, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.

Nearly a quarter were in Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary NR.

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