ACS

Only one in 18 people who are dependent on alcohol receive treatment, says a report by MPs into alcohol misuse published today. The report criticises many Primary Care Trusts for failing to make tackling alcohol misuse a priority and suggests GPs, Police and Social Workers could do more to educate problem drinkers.

The report also calls for a review of current sensible drinking guidelines, having found persistent low awareness of unit information. Overall the report criticises the co-ordination of policy that are relevant to alcohol harm across Whitehall and raises concerns about the increasing affordability of alcohol.

On publishing the report Chairman Edward Leigh MP said: “Too many people are drinking too much. In England, nearly a third of all men and a fifth of all women are regularly drinking more than the official guidelines say they should.”

ACS is a key stakeholder in delivering the Government’s alcohol harm strategy. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The MPs report provides an insightful perspective on the problems that arise from poor co-ordination of alcohol policy. A coherent strategy that brings together treatment, regulation and education measures is necessary.

“The solution to the problems identified in the report is not yet more legislation, like the confusing and complicated ‘mandatory alcohol code of practice’ before Parliament right now. Rather the report challenges Government, local agencies and industry to improve the performance of existing treatment facilities, as well as consumer education initiatives; and to use existing laws to tackle problem drinkers and retailers.

The report is available here.