This week Alcohol Action Ireland convened a panel of experts with voices from those in recovery, service providers and research to discuss the significant gap between alcohol treatment provision and need and the barriers that people face in accessing what is available.

To say there is a gap is a very diplomatic way of highlighting what in fact is a huge chasm between what’s required and what is currently in place. Studies by the Health Research Board have found 14.8% of the population in Ireland – 578,000 people, show evidence of an alcohol use disorder, with 90,000 of those having a severe problem. International evidence suggests that at any one time, 10% of those in need might seek treatment. Yet data for 2020 shows there were only 3,319 new presentations gaining access to alcohol treatment. Is it any wonder really that people face problems accessing assistance when they need it?  ...

View the webinar recording (2 hours) Access to alcohol treatment: Removing barriers to healthcare