SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has responded to the Department of Health’s Census for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services released earlier this week.
He said an increase in the number of people receiving treatment for addiction issues should be welcomed, whilst acknowledging a dearth of adequate addiction support services within Northern Ireland.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The 13 per cent increase in the number of people receiving drug and alcohol treatment services whilst shocking is somewhat positive.
“More people accessing the support they need must be welcomed, I would however be more concerned with the numbers of individuals suffering alone with addiction issues.
“We know drug and alcohol related issues have increased particularly throughout the North West, as evidenced in the last Health Inequalities Report.
“It is glaringly obvious that more must be done to help both individuals suffering with addiction and to educate young people on the very real dangers or drug and alcohol misuse.
“Increased investment in this area through the health service and indeed charities is crucial.
“But we must also look at other contributing factors including poor mental health, lack of employment opportunities and poverty.
“The issue of drug and alcohol addiction is multifaceted and as such the solutions to tackle it must also be multifaceted – it requires a multi-agency approach and more integrated thinking.
“We must ensure people can access the help they need when they need it and on a larger scale we must also address the societal complexities associated with addiction.”
Tags: