Census of drug and alcohol treatment services in Northern Ireland: 1 March 2010 – statistical bulletin

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published a Statistical Bulletin summarising information from the Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland.

This is the third census which summarises information collected from statutory and non-statutory drug and alcohol treatment services to establish the number of persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug and/or alcohol misuse on 1 March 2010.

Key Findings

• In Northern Ireland on 1March 2010 there were 5846 individuals in treatment for drug and/or alcohol misuse.
• Of all those in treatment on 1 March 2010, just under three fifths (57%) were in treatment for alcohol misuse; just over one fifth (22%) were in treatment for drug misuse; and approximately one fifth (21%) were in treatment for both drug and alcohol misuse.
• Approximately three quarters (73%) of individuals in treatment were male; 27% were female.
• The majority of those in treatment were aged 18 years or over (89%), whilst 11% were aged under 18 years.
• Just over half (55%) of those in treatment were attending statutory agencies; 42% were attending non-statutory services and 4% were attending prison-based services.
• Almost all (98%) of those in treatment on 1 March 2010 were attending non-residential treatment services.
• Between 1 March 2007 and 1 March 2010, the total number of individuals in treatment increased by 5% from 5583 to 5846.

Notes to editors:

1. This information was collated by the Public Health Information and Research Branch (PHIRB) on behalf of the DHSSPS.

2. This is the third Census of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Northern Ireland. The first Census was conducted on 1st March 2005 and was repeated on 1st March 2007.

3. The Bulletin presents information on the number of persons in treatment on 1 March 2010 for alcohol and/or drug misuse. Breakdowns by gender and age group of persons in treatment as well as Health and Social Care Trust, residential status (non-residential and residential) and type of addiction service (Statutory, non-Statutory, Prisons) are also provided.

4. This publication is also available online

Additional information is available from:

Public Health Information and Research Branch
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Annex 2
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SQ

Telephone: 028 9052 2520

Fax: 028 9052 3288

E-mail:

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 02890 520 579, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.