£36m to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland

Scotland's health boards will share £36 million to implement a range of measures designed to help people address their excessive drinking.

The services offered in each area will be determined by local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in line with local needs.

However, all areas will prioritise alcohol brief interventions which are designed to help people reflect on and address their drinking before it causes lasting health damage.

Brief interventions are used when someone visits their GP or hospital and screening suggests that alcohol may be a factor in their ill-health. They typically take the form of short motivational interviews, in which drinking habits are discussed, along with information about health risks.

Alcohol brief interventions were introduced in Scotland in 2008-09 as part of a screening programme for alcohol problems.

The money, from the Scottish government for 2010-11, will also allow investment in developing and maintaining alcohol prevention, treatment and support services.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"It's vital that we tackle Scotland's drinking culture - too many people are drinking too much, too often and although they may not realise it it's having a detrimental effect on their health.

"This funding will allow boards to continue their work to help people address their drinking before they cause lasting health damage.

"Brief interventions are a key part of our strategy and they're not only clinically effective but also cost effective. By intervening early, we can maximise resources and - more importantly - save lives.

"The cost of excessive drinking is too high - both in financial and health terms - which is why it's so important that we invest this money now in a healthy future for Scotland."