Funding to Tackle Alcohol Misuse

Strathaven based MSP Linda Fabiani has welcomed an announcement by the Scottish Government of record funding of £25 million for tackling alcohol misuse.

The level of funding more than doubles the 2007/08 figure of £10.13 million and will be used across Scotland for alcohol screening, prevention and treatment services.

The package forms part of an additional £85 million funding commitment to tackle alcohol misuse over the next three years.

Commenting on the increased funding Ms Fabiani said:

“This record funding demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to address Scotland’s complex relationship with alcohol.

“Far too many Scots drink above the recommended amounts on a regular basis - often without realising that they are doing so, and without understanding the impact it is having on their health.

“This funding is to ensure that people across Scotland have access to advice and support about their drinking and to treatment services where necessary.

“The Scottish Government is also developing a long term strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse. We plan to publish our proposals for action before the summer.“The £2,455,698 being allocated to NHS Lanarkshire will go some way to help tackling the alcohol problems we see right across Lanarkshire. The fact NHS Lanarkshire has received the third highest funding in the country gives some indication of the scale of the problem we have to deal with locally. This money should aid us in dealing with some of the health and social issues that alcohol causes.”