The Minister was addressing an Addiction Awareness and Education Seminar held in the Long Gallery at Stormont.
Speaking at the event, jointly hosted by the RISE Foundation of Ireland (Recovery in a Safe Environment) and ICAP (Inter Church Addictions Project), the Minister said: “I am only too aware of the significant harm that alcohol and drug misuse causes in Northern Ireland today.
“Substance misuse impacts directly on individuals, but it can also have wider consequences for their families, their communities, and for our society as a whole.
“The level of alcohol misuse is of particular concern – especially when you reflect that it is estimated that alcohol misuse costs our society around £800million per year.
“Costs to the health service alone have been estimated at over £20million – and I believe that even this is an underestimate.”
He added: “I would like to recognise all those in the statutory, and the community and voluntary, sectors who are so committed to preventing, addressing and treating alcohol and drug misuse.
“The new public health agency that I am creating will have a central role in driving forward the public health agenda, and I anticipate that this agency will play a major role in helping to address our unhealthy attitude to alcohol.
“Today’s event is vital in continuing to raise awareness of these issues, and of the scale of the associated harm. But more importantly, it brings together experts and key stakeholders who can share their experience and learning, and help us take more effective approaches to addressing these issues.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Strategy for reducing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse, The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs, can be found at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/show_publications?txtid=17069
2. For all media queries contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
