§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were receiving treatment for alcohol addiction it Northern Ireland on 1March; what facilities are available in Northern Ireland for the treatment of alcoholies; and if he will make a statement. [161896]
§ Angela SmithOn 1 March there were approximately 2,966 persons receiving treatment for alcohol misuse. It is not possible to give an absolute figure because some individuals may have a co-morbid diagnosis of alcohol and drug dependence.
A range of treatment options is provided by the statutory and voluntary sector. These include community based detoxification, counselling, residential treatment and after care. A comprehensive Review of all Mental Health services is currently under way—part of this Review involves looking at those services specifically allocated to problem drug and alcohol users. Decisions about future services for such users will continue to be based on the assessment of clinical need mindful of current good practice and appropriate guidelines.