Following the publication of figures showing a spike in the number of people receiving treatment for misuse of alcohol and drugs, Ulster Unionist Mental Health Spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has warned that without a change in direction, or an Executive in place to implement changes, Northern Ireland’s growing problem with addiction will only continue to get worse.
Robbie Butler said:
“Substance misuse is a serious problem right across Northern Ireland. These latest figures confirm that, but it was already obvious earlier this year when it was revealed that alcohol related deaths had reached the highest on record.
“Addiction can ruin families and destroy lives. It’s an issue that right now is tragically touching many thousands of families.
“It also comes with a huge financial cost. Treating alcohol related illnesses alone costs the local health service approximately a quarter of a billion pounds each year. To put it into perspective - that’s larger than the entire budget for some Stormont Departments.
“We can no longer continue to do the same thing and hope for a different outcome. We need to invest more in specialist addiction services, more early-intervention measures and more front-line support.
“Whilst other countries take steps to clamp down on excessive drinking, as a result of us having no Executive and no prospect of one anytime soon, I fear the problem across Northern Ireland will only continue to get worse.”