The Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes the Scottish
Government’s approach to alcohol problems, but remains concerned at
the shortage of alcohol treatment services in Scotland.
The report, commissioned by the Scottish Association of Alcohol
and Drug Action Teams (SAADAT) and published by the Institute of
Psychiatry, King’s College, London, showed that in 2006/07,
approximately 17,000 Scots accessed treatment for alcohol problems
but, according to the research, this represents only 8.2% of people
who could benefit from specialist help.
Dr Michael Farrell, Chair of the Royal College’s Addictions
Faculty and a Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist in South London,
said “Alcohol misuse has been a neglected issue throughout the
United Kingdom for many years. Since the 1970s there have been
rising rates of alcohol related harm, but little investment in
services. Over the past 2 years, however, Scotland has shown the
way within the United Kingdom and in Europe with innovative,
evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists called attention to the
influence of low cost alcohol on consumption and the levels of harm
caused by alcohol as long ago as 1985. The Scottish Government’s
proposals to introduce a minimum price for alcohol have the
College’s full support as an action which is an essential part of
an effective national response to the challenges we face with
alcohol.”
Dr Farrell also welcomed the recent investment in treatment. He
said “This report shows why this is necessary. Scottish services
have not fallen as far behind as those in England, however, a
situation where services can only deal with 8.2% or 1 in 12 people
who need help is a serious one. Effective treatment of alcohol
problems helps individuals and their families and is highly
cost-effective.
I welcome the concerted policy approach taken to tackling
alcohol problems in Scotland. In particular I commend the combined
approach of control of consumption and investment in evidence based
treatment, which are likely to have an impact on the problem. Other
Governments would do well to follow a similar approach.”
Dr Peter Rice, Chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in
Scotland and one of the report’s authors commented. “The focus on
alcohol by the Scottish Government, building on the work of
previous administrations has been very welcome. The College has
drawn attention to the impact of alcohol on many aspects of mental
health, including the influence of adult drinking on families and
children, the links between alcohol and suicide, and the impact on
older people. However, this study shows how much work remains to be
done.”
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
If you wish to cite this publication it should be as follows:
Drummond, C., Deluca, P., Oyefeso, A., Rome, A., Scrafton, S., Rice, P. (2009) Scottish Alcohol Needs Assessment.
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London: London
ISBN 978-0-9563298-0-6
Note to editors:
This study was commissioned by the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (SAADAT) and funded by the Scottish Government to assess the level of need for specialist alcohol treatment and to chart service capacity in Scotland. It was conducted by Figure 8 Consultancy Services Ltd. in collaboration with the National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London."