Getting the Help You Need for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Getting the Help You Need for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) along with the Health Development Team in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, recently launched the ‘Guide to Alcohol and Drug Services’ leaflet, which coincides with the NI Alcohol Awareness Week.

Getting the right help at the right time is essential for people who develop problems with alcohol and drugs as it does not only effect the person, it also has a major impact on their families. 

The leaflet is available in two formats, one for the Newry and Mourne area and one for the Downpatrick area. They both include a roadmap detailing the range of services that are available to those in need including prevention, early intervention and intensive support in both the South Eastern and Southern Trusts. The services available are for both young people and adults and will include support for family members. The roadmap will allow users to determine their personal relationship with alcohol and drug use and therefore choose the correct level of support to suit their needs.

Ed Sipler, Health Development Specialist, South Eastern HSC Trust said, “No one sets out to get into bother with alcohol or any other type of drug. Yet problems can creep up on people and when they do they can have devastating effects on the person or the people around them. Knowing where and how to get help is essential.”

Chairman of PCSP, Councillor Mickey Larkin stated, “This is a great initiative by the partners involved.  Drugs and Alcohol affect so many people and their families and not enough information is provided on the help and support that is available to them. This leaflet will help provide some guidance for those affected.”

A downloadable copy of the leaflets will be available on the Connections Service website, who support the Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams across Northern Ireland, at www.drugsandalcoholni.info or can be collected at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Offices.