First UK clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment welcomed by RCPsych

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The Department of Health and Social Care has published the first ever UK clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment.

Dr Emily Finch, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of Addictions Psychiatry, said:

“We warmly welcome the development of these new guidelines, which will help clinicians and other professionals care for vulnerable people who have alcohol dependence or harmful patterns of drinking.

“The number of deaths from alcohol-specific causes is at a record high. It is crucial that we reverse this trend and provide people with more readily available and effective care. 

“People who have alcohol dependence and a co-occurring mental health disorder particularly struggle to access timely treatment because addiction and mental health services often work in silos. The guidance provides specific advice for the care of this patient group. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference that clear and accurate guidance can make to professionals working on the ground and would encourage every service working in this field to take full advantage of this new resource.

“A recent College report also outlines ways in which services can deliver more joined-up support. It is important that governments across the UK provide substance use and mental health services with the training, staff and funding they need to make full use of this guidance and address the difficulties they face.”