ALCOHOL ABUSE continues to inflict misery on a significant element of Irish society. According to a recent report from the Health Research Board, the number of instances of treatment for alcohol abuse rose by more than 40 per cent in the six years from 2005.
“Treated alcohol problem abuse” is based on figures from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System. While some of the increase may be explained by improved reporting, it is reasonable to assume that the rise in cases year-on-year is largely due to an increase in both binge-drinking and sustained alcohol abuse. Alcohol accounted for more than half the cases treated for problem substance abuse in the period.
The figures show an increase in both new cases of people seeking treatment for alcohol abuse and in the number of cases where previous treatment had been sought. It is a reminder of the addictive qualities of alcohol which can cause both physical and psychological dependence. The fact that some half of new cases had used alcohol for more than 19 years before seeking treatment is indicative of its insidious effect and the continuing societal difficulty in accepting alcohol as a drug.
A separate report by noted alcohol researcher Dr Ann Hope, also published last week, found over a half million children in the Republic live with adults who engage in hazardous drinking. Based on population surveys and agency records in the northwest, the report found more than half of adults with children said they engaged in regular hazardous drinking. Hazardous drinking is defined as drinking four or more pints of beer, a bottle of wine, or seven measures of spirits in one sitting. Consuming this quantity once a month or more means the hazardous abuse of alcohol is a regular occurrence.
Among the risks to children living in a household where there was regular, hazardous drinking were a lack of supervision, verbal abuse and physical abuse. Children in these homes also witnessed rows and domestic violence.
The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children last week discussed the health implications of alcohol abuse in the State. It heard alcohol was so cheap here that a woman could drink her recommended weekly limit for €7 and a man could do likewise for less than €10. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan must set a legal minimum price per unit of alcohol and increase duty on drink in next month’s budget. It is a golden opportunity to help improve the nation’s health while raising much-needed revenue for the exchequer.