Health Minister Pays Tribute to NICAS
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today paid tribute to the community and voluntary sectors for their work with those with alcohol and drug dependency.
Mr McGimpsey addressed the Northern Ireland Community Addiction Service (NICAS) conference entitled ‘Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction – How important is treatment in the community?’ which marked the charity’s 30 years of providing treatment and support to those with substance misuse issues.
Speaking after the conference and a visit to the NICAS premises, the Minister said: “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the many volunteers and organisations in the community and voluntary sector who work with those affected by substance misuse.
“These organisations provide education and training, treatment and support and advice and guidance. It is a difficult but important job, and the people working in this field make a real difference to the lives of many individuals who misuse alcohol and drugs – and indeed to the wider community affected by substance misuse.
“Addressing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse in Northern Ireland is a key priority for me and my Department. I want to acknowledge the work that NICAS has undertaken on substance misuse issues over the last 30 years, and I wish them well in the future.”
According to the latest figures, the majority of clients (around 70%) that NICAS supports have alcohol issues, and the Minister stated: “It is clear to me that Northern Ireland continues to have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
“The fact that a majority of the work that NICAS undertakes is related to alcohol misuse, reinforces the fact that alcohol is clearly Northern Ireland’s drug of choice. And during my recent experience with frontline emergency staff, I was able to witness the impact that alcohol misuse and excessive consumption has, both in the short and long term.
“I am determined that my Department will continue to clamp down on alcohol misuse through the New Strategic Direction on Alcohol and Drugs, through my discussions with the drinks industry, with the PSNI and government as a whole.”