Public Health England (PHE) have released alcohol treatment figures in England for 2014-2015, though now in a combined report of drug and alcohol treatment data.
The figures show 88,904 individuals started alcohol treatment in 2014-15, of these 61,404 cited alcohol as their only problematic substance. The report's trend analysis shows the numbers receiving alcohol treatment has remained relatively steady, up 3% over the last five years from 86,385 in 2009-10 (and up 2% for alcohol only clients).
However the demographics have been shifting significantly as explored in this IAS report; the number of alcohol services users aged over 50 has risen by 44%, but fallen by 34% for 16-24 year-olds. This is thought to reflect the general downward trend in young people’s drinking, although younger groups have always been less likely to access treatment.
Previously separate reports on alcohol and drug treatment figures were released, however a change to the recording of those in treatment has been made following consultation. Under the previous approach double counting took place for those with primary alcohol treatment when alongside or followed by drug treatment. Some 6,000 individuals had been recorded in this way as two separate treatment journeys. However this means that 'it is not possible to compare the statistics in this report to previous adult drug and alcohol NDTMS statistical publications'.
In 2014-15 self referrals made up 46% of alcohol referrals into treatment (including via family or friends); a similar proportion to other substances. However 33% of referrals for alcohol treatment were made via health services including GPs; around 15% higher than the referral rate for other drugs. A lower proportion at 8% of alcohol referrals were made via Criminal Justice services, versus 28% of opiate service users.
Whilst total numbers accessing alcohol treatment have remained relatively steady, the number recording successful treatment exits - that is free from dependency - has been rising. 61% of alcohol only clients successfully completed treatment, up from 49% in 2009-10.
Alcohol treatment: sufficient access?
Whilst last year PHE reported that the treatment system was 'working well', the total numbers accessing alcohol treatment represent a minority of those with alcohol dependence in England - as many as 1.6 million adults according to broader estimates. Most people who experience alcohol dependence however do recover on their own. NICE has said that 84% of alcohol dependence is only 'mild' in severity; many such drinkers or indeed health professionals would not typically associate their drinking with dependency or treatment needs. The question of increasing alcohol treatment access is therefore not straightforward, especially if doing more to target those who have not previously engaged with services.
Despite this there is certainly scope to improve treatment access to ensure a recommended capacity of 15-20% of dependent drinkers, as is often called for. However this will be increasingly unlikely given cuts to public health budgets over the coming years and with drug and alcohol budgets not ring fenced.
Earlier this year a review of alcohol treatment in England was released by Alcohol Concern, finding significant changes to local alcohol treatment systems over recent years. As such it looks set to remain that building further alcohol treatment capacity and effectiveness will continue to be a challenge for local areas.
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