MSP criticises Scotland\'s alcohol treatment Information

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MSP criticises Scotland's alcohol treatment

A member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) has criticised the country's lack of focus on treating alcohol abuse.

Ian McKee has argued that the current strategy which combines the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse is failing to adequately deal with the problem of alcohol abuse because of a concentration on drugs.

The SNP Lothians backbencher said that the Alcohol and Drug Action Teams which are in place throughout Scotland are not focusing enough on the problem of alcohol abuse.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News that as one of the biggest causes of premature death in Scotland, "it deserves a good crack of the whip".

Dr McKee argued that figures showing only ten per cent of cases have both drug and alcohol problems indicate that grouping treatment for the two is illogical.

But local health experts have hit back at his assertions, saying that a separation of services will not combat the problem of alcohol abuse.

Tom Wood, head of Action on Alcohol and Drugs in Edinburgh, told the paper: "It fails to recognise the read-across between alcohol, drugs, mental health and other social disorders."

The rate of discharges from hospital with an alcohol-related diagnosis in Scotland rose by seven per cent between 2002-03 and 2006-07.

Article published on 15/02/2020 by PCUG Addiction Treatment