Menu
24/02/2006
Review report calls for addiction services for young people
The lack of provision for people under 17 years of age with addiction problems in Northern Ireland has been highlighted in a review study.
The report 'Alcohol and Substance Misuse' is part of a major review by the body reviewing mental health and learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, UUP Health spokesperson Robert Coulter said: “Services for children and young people are totally inadequate and this report only compounds what has already been said.
"There are no specialist doctors, nursing staff or psychologists, and no facility to admit anyone under 18 for treatment. The DHSSPS also stated recently that it is "essential" for services to be developed for under-17s – and with alcohol and substance misuse increasing among young people, we need these services sooner rather than later.
“We also need to tackle the source of drugs and alcohol misuse - prevention strategies are key. The Government must give its full support to voluntary sector bodies that develop programmes in schools. These programmes empower children and help them make healthy choices.
“The report shows that school absenteeism, conflict with parents, criminal activity, sexual risk taking, violent behaviour and debt are associated with alcohol and drug misuse. If these issues are talked about in schools it would help young people understand that substance and alcohol misuse will not solve their problems.”
The Rev Coulter was critical of the "utter foolishness" of the Direct Rule Administration's proposals to "liberalise" licensing laws in NI.
"He said: "The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that it would be the most vulnerable who would suffer from such proposals. This report emphasises the need for a regulatory regime that promotes - rather than undermines - socially responsible use of alcohol.”
The report said a "co-ordinated, multi-agency, long-term specific strategy for substance misuse services should be developed for young people under 18 years of age".
According to the report, while Northern Ireland has a high level of voluntary abstinence, it also has a high level of binge drinking amongst young people.
(SP)
The report 'Alcohol and Substance Misuse' is part of a major review by the body reviewing mental health and learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, UUP Health spokesperson Robert Coulter said: “Services for children and young people are totally inadequate and this report only compounds what has already been said.
"There are no specialist doctors, nursing staff or psychologists, and no facility to admit anyone under 18 for treatment. The DHSSPS also stated recently that it is "essential" for services to be developed for under-17s – and with alcohol and substance misuse increasing among young people, we need these services sooner rather than later.
“We also need to tackle the source of drugs and alcohol misuse - prevention strategies are key. The Government must give its full support to voluntary sector bodies that develop programmes in schools. These programmes empower children and help them make healthy choices.
“The report shows that school absenteeism, conflict with parents, criminal activity, sexual risk taking, violent behaviour and debt are associated with alcohol and drug misuse. If these issues are talked about in schools it would help young people understand that substance and alcohol misuse will not solve their problems.”
The Rev Coulter was critical of the "utter foolishness" of the Direct Rule Administration's proposals to "liberalise" licensing laws in NI.
"He said: "The Ulster Unionist Party has warned that it would be the most vulnerable who would suffer from such proposals. This report emphasises the need for a regulatory regime that promotes - rather than undermines - socially responsible use of alcohol.”
The report said a "co-ordinated, multi-agency, long-term specific strategy for substance misuse services should be developed for young people under 18 years of age".
According to the report, while Northern Ireland has a high level of voluntary abstinence, it also has a high level of binge drinking amongst young people.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
13 March 2002
Alcohol abuse adds to pressure on health care
The Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer has said results in her annual report have shown alcohol misuse is adding to hospital pressures and causing unnecessary deaths.
Alcohol abuse adds to pressure on health care
The Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer has said results in her annual report have shown alcohol misuse is adding to hospital pressures and causing unnecessary deaths.
09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
08 February 2024
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
13 December 2011
Sinn Fein Motion Targets Child Sex Abuse
The needs of some of NI's most vulnerable people have been in focus this week with Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the abuse of vulnerable young people who are missing from care.
Sinn Fein Motion Targets Child Sex Abuse
The needs of some of NI's most vulnerable people have been in focus this week with Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the abuse of vulnerable young people who are missing from care.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
