asked the Minister for Health the current situation in relation to the provision of support programmes for alcoholics; and what is envisaged by him for the future under the community type service programme.
Written Answers. - Support Programmes for Alcoholics.
133.
Treatment programmes for alcoholism are now provided by the psychiatric hospitals as well as at a number of centres specialising in alcoholism such as the Rutland Centre in Templeogue and the Hanley Centre in Dún Laoghaire. Support is also provided at the many branches of Alcoholics Anonymous throughout the country, often in association with Alanon and Alateen centres for the families of persons with alcohol related problems.
In recent years there has been a definite movement away from institutional care for persons with alcohol-related problems, and a growing tendency to treat alcoholism on an out-patient basis. The report Psychiatric Services — Planning for the Future published last year, which sets guidelines for the development of the psychiatric services, recommends that in future, the approach to alcohol-related problems should be based more on prevention than on treatment and that the service should be community based with major emphasis on out-patient treatment.
Health boards are now drawing up their plans for comprehensive psychiatric services and it is intended that local alcoholism services, in accordance with the guidelines set down in the report will be included as part of this service.