The 2010 drugs strategy Reducing demand, restricting supply, building recovery: supporting people to live a drug-free life has been released by the Home Office. It outlines that "severe alcohol dependence raises similar issues [to drug dependence] and that treatment providers are often one and the same. Therefore, where appropriate, this strategy will also consider severe alcohol dependency."
An alcohol chapter on page 7 states:
'Alcohol plays an important part in the cultural life of this country, with large numbers employed in production, retail and the hospitality industry. Pubs, bars and clubs contribute to community and family life and also generate valuable revenue to the economy. However, alcohol is a regulated product. Some individuals misuse it, contributing to crime and anti-social behaviour, preventable illness and early death.
The estimated £18-25 billion a year cost of alcohol misuse spans alcohol related disorders and diseases, crime, loss of productivity in the workplace and health and social problems experienced by those who misuse alcohol and the impact this has on their families14. For the NHS alone, the estimated financial burden of the harmful use of alcohol (regularly drinking at increasing or higher risk levels) is around £2.7 billion.
The evidence suggests that a dependent drinker costs the NHS twice as much as other alcohol misusers and that the largest and most immediate reduction in alcohol-related admissions can be delivered by intervening with this group through the provision of specialist treatment.
It is estimated that 1.6 million people have mild, moderate or severe alcohol dependence. About a third of these will face some challenges that are similar to those dependent on drugs in needing support to help them recover. It is specialist alcohol treatment, for those in this group who would benefit from treatment, that this strategy aims to improve.'
Also released this week was the Ministry of Justice Green Paper and consultation Breaking the cycle: effective punishment, rehabilitation and sentencing of offenders. Last week the public health White Paper was released, outlining the new Public Health England service and ring-fenced budget for local authorities.
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