When the Licensing Act 2003 was being considered by Parliament, many of its supporters said that, by allowing licensed premises to remain open around the clock, there would be a more laid-back, European style drinking culture in the UK.
How horribly wrong they have proven to be. Since deregulation came about in 2005, there has been an epidemic of alcohol related harm sweeping the country. Prof Ian Gilmour, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said last week, “The nation’s growing addiction to alcohol is putting an immense strain on health services, especially in hospitals, costing the NHS over £2.7 billion each year.” He said the sum had doubled in under five years and was no longer sustainable.
“The role of the NHS should not just be about treating the consequences of alcohol-related harm, but also about active prevention, early intervention and working in partnership with services in local communities to raise awareness of alcohol-related harm.”
For those of us who work with the victims of alcohol and drugs, we need to be aware that the economic climate is already seeing resources being targeted towards those groups deemed more worthy of support. So called ’self inflicted’ problems, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, will not enjoy high political support and we must prepare for such an eventuality.
There will be pressure to ensure that those able to move away from addiction are supported to do so. Regardless of the economic pressures,I believe there is also be a moral imperative to do this.
BHT operates a range of alcohol and drug services which have an initial focus on reducing harm but, more importantly, there is an emphasis within the organisation for helping people achieve total abstinence so that they can be prepared for, and are able to secure and sustain employment.
Long-term employment is critical in addressing social exclusion and for ensuring that alcohol and drug treatment is sustainable.
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