- email: enquiries@addictionni.com
- call: 02890 664434
Addiction NI, a local drug and alcohol treatment charity has organised a 10K run around Ormeau Park on March 11 2012, to help raise funds for their vital work. So, if you have made a New Year’s resolution to get fit, lose weight or undergo a personal challenge then please sign up today.
The Addiction NI 10K Run provides a goal to train for and stay in shape and is 8weeks before the Belfast City Marathon so will be an ideal event for those with a training schedule. All funds raised will go towards the charity’s front line services and will directly benefit those in need and their families. To sign up for the Addiction NI 10K Run visit the NI Athletics website via the link http://www.athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Addiction-NI-10k
Alcohol is now the third leading cause of ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland and it is estimated that one in four families here are affected by addiction. Therefore charities like Addiction NI are vital to provide help and support for those that desperately need it. With the Duchess of Cambridge recently becoming the patron of an addiction charity, Addiction NI hope that attitudes towards addiction can change for the better and people will sign up to support the cause.
Dr. Claire Armstrong, Director of Addiction NI said, “Addiction NI is very excited to be holding our first ever Addiction NI 10K Run aimed at getting members of the public to sign up and start fundraising.”
“The work we do as a charity is so important to many individuals, their families and communities. We treat over 2,000 people every year and we need to raise money to continue to meet the demand for our service, so I encourage anyone who can to sign up today.”
Addiction NI offers professional treatment, advice and support for those with alcohol and drug problems free of charge. Addiction NI provides the only specialist elderly treatment service for the over 55’s in Northern Ireland and this was the first service of its kind in the UK.
Addiction NI went carolling last night (December 21) at the CastleCourt Shopping Mall in Belfast to raise money to help those affected by drug or alcohol misuse.
The carol singers spread festive cheer to lucky shoppers who were picking up some last minute presents and items for Christmas. Many shoppers were in a rush or panic but that didn’t stop them enjoying the singing and kindly donating to Addiction NI as they ran by. After all giving to others and to those in need is what Christmas is all about.
Addiction NI Fundraising and Marketing Officer, Danielle Ross said, “The Addiction NI carol singers done a fantastic job and I want to thank them for kindly donating their time and voices to help us raise some money this Christmas. All the funds raised will go directly towards our front line services of professional treatment, advice and support for those with addiction problems and their family members.”
“Especially at Christmas time it’s important to remember those who may be isolated and alone because of their alcohol or drug problem, and thought should also be given to families that are affected and broken because of a loved one’s dependency on alcohol or drugs.”
The carol singers raised £300 for Addiction NI and it is a very welcomed early Christmas gift!
Thank you to the carol singers, choir organiser Richard Dale, the collectors and to all the shoppers that donated.
Merry Christmas to you all and have a Happy New Year.
Dr Armstrong on UTV Live
Addiction NI Director Dr Claire Armstrong appeared on UTV to explain the health implications of alcohol abuse last week. At Addiction NI our counsellors are seeing clients in their thirties with alcohol related health conditions more commonly seen in clients in their fifties. It is worrying to see younger people with health issues due to high alcohol intake when many might not even believe they have an alcohol problem. This programme looked at diabetes which has increased by 40% in Northern Ireland as a result of our poor lifestyles.
Increased consumption of alcohol has led to increasing obesity in Northern Ireland as well as a whole range of other health problems related to alcohol. Drinking above the recommended units of alcohol can lead to a range of health issues including cancer, liver damage, depression and obesity.
It is especially important as we come towards Christmas, which is often viewed as an opportunity to over indulge, that everyone evaluates their alcohol consumption to ensure it will not negatively affect their future health. To watch Diabetes Concern in full just click on the link below.
Addiction NI Senior Counsellor Alan Coleman appeared on the NvTv programme “Our Parlour” to discuss the charity’s Older Focus, which is a specialist treatment programme for the over 55′s. The interview discusses the issues facing older people in Northern Ireland and raises awareness of alcohol and substance misuse among the over 55′s.
Addiction NI is very proud of our Older Focus and the positive outcomes we see and our Older Focus programme is the longest running in the UK and has been imitated throughout the UK ever since. Addiction NI’s senior counsellor explains the difficulty with alcohol and older people as it is a hidden problem and can be especially shameful for older women
Addiction NI and independent research papers have concluded that older peoples alcohol and substance misuse is very different from other demographics. As Alan Coleman explains in the interview that older people face different challenges such as isolation, bereavement, the stress of caring for a partner and ill health. All these contributing factors can trigger older people to turn to alcohol or prescription drugs as a way of coping. The main message Alan had for the viewers was that it is never too late to change, and that in his experience older people respond just as well to counselling treatment as other age groups. The positive outcomes of Addiction NI’s Older Focus are increased self esteem and confidence and decreased dependence on the substance. Alan has seen clients join community groups and even taking up volunteer work after treatment and sees their quality of life come back.
Addiction NI Director, Dr. Claire Armstrong delivered a frank analysis of alcohol in Northern Ireland to local councillors as a conclusion to Alcohol Awareness Week.
The seminar delivered hard hitting and honest insight into the situation currently facing Addiction NI as a voluntary organisation working with alcohol misuse. Dr Armstrong presented on the increasing demand for the treatment service, growing waiting lists, and the lack of resources facing the sector. The objective of the seminar was to share the knowledge of Addiction NI with local councillors to help them better understand the alcohol issues in their communities.
The Health Minister Edwin Poots met with Dr Armstrong earlier in the week for a private briefing, he stated that: “Alcohol Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise issues related to alcohol misuse across Northern Ireland. I want to be very clear, addressing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse in Northern Ireland remains a key priority for my Department, and for me personally.
Addiction NI estimates that around 70% of their work is with those with alcohol misuse issues. This further reinforces the scale of the problem, and reinforces my commitment to dealing with the issue. Addiction NI are right to highlight the affordability and accessibility of alcohol – and this is an issue I’m looking at closely with my colleagues in the Executive”
Dr Claire Armstrong agreed saying “The current alcohol situation in Northern Ireland is critical, Addiction NI is treating over 2,000 people a year and yet our waiting lists continue to grow. Addiction NI is constantly striving to manage the demand for our service with very limited resources yet the staff do an excellent job and provide a professional service.”
“Alcohol Awareness Week has given Addiction NI the opportunity to stress the seriousness of the current alcohol time bomb to key decision makers. If measures are not taken and organisations like Addiction NI do not receive more support then we and other services such as healthcare and policing will be completely overwhelmed. I want to thank the Department of Health and Belfast City Councillors for their continued support and participation in Alcohol Awareness Week.”
Minister Edwin Poots receives insights on the true affects of alcohol from Addiction NI Director Claire Armstrong
Addiction NI Director Dr. Claire Armstrong met with the Health Minister Edwin Poots to report on the figures and drinking patterns of clients seeking treatment for alcohol problems.
Addiction NI is a Northern Ireland based drug and alcohol treatment charity and has seen the number of clients double in the last five years. Dr. Armstrong showcased her insights to the Health Minister on alcohol consumption levels and the rising levels of alcohol related harm. As a treatment charity “on the ground” Addiction NI is quick to identify new trends in alcohol consumption and behavioural patterns.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Director of Addiction NI stated “Alcohol is becoming an increasing problem as more people drink within their own homes rather than in a social setting. Therefore the problems and dependency on alcohol can be hidden from view.”
“Alcohol abuse is increasing across all demographics as alcohol is more accessible and cheaper than ever before. Addiction NI was established thirty three years ago and in that time the price of alcohol has fallen by 65%. I am interested to see if a price per unit strategy will affect alcohol consumption, but any measures to address alcohol issues should be considered, to discard any suggestions would be irresponsible. As a treatment charity we know that something must be done and the time is now.”
The Health Minister Edwin Poots stated that: “Alcohol Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise issues related to alcohol misuse across Northern Ireland. I want to be very clear, addressing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse in Northern Ireland remains a key priority for my Department, and for me personally.
Estimates put the social costs of alcohol misuse at up to £900 million. However, these figures do not bring to life the individual tragedies that alcohol has on individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland.
“Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to recognise the impact that organisations in the voluntary and community sector who work with those affected by substance misuse have. It is a difficult but important job, and the people working in this field make a real difference to the lives of many individuals who misuse alcohol and drugs – and indeed to the wider community affected by substance misuse.
Addiction NI estimates that around 70% of their work is with those with alcohol misuse issues. This further reinforces the scale of the problem, and reinforces my commitment to dealing with the issue. Addiction NI are right to highlight the affordability and accessibility of alcohol – and this is an issue I’m looking at closely with my colleagues in the Executive”.
Alcohol misuse is a major and growing issue and is now the third leading cause of ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that Alcohol Awareness Week will highlight to the public the health risks associated with alcohol and will help people re-evaluate their high levels of alcohol consumption.
Dr. Claire Armstrong, Director of Addiction NI and Roy McLoughlin, Staff Welfare Manager from Translink highlight the issue of alcohol in the workplace during Alcohol Awareness Week.
Alcohol misuse is more prevalent in Northern Ireland this is manifesting in local workplaces. It is paramount that local businesses have policies and procedures in place to effectively detect and treat employees who are dependent on alcohol.
The affects of alcohol abuse are felt throughout the community and there are economic consequences such as “presenteeism”, when employees show up for work under the influence or hung-over and are therefore less active and productive. Other consequences are absenteeism, unemployment and the premature mortality of people of working age. The DHSSPS estimates that presenteeism costs Northern Ireland businesses £77.5 Million, compared to the £33Million in costs of absenteeism due to alcohol related sickness.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Director of Addiction NI stated “These figures show that alcohol is becoming an increasing problem across society and even in our workplaces. The problems and dependency on alcohol can be easily hidden, and while alcohol misuse is more commonly associated with the unemployed Addiction NI know that alcohol is affecting our local businesses.”
Roy McLoughlin from Translink said “At Translink we are always mindful of public safety and the wellbeing of our employees. As alcohol is a growing issue in Northern Ireland any responsible employer should have the provisions in place to prevent, detect and treat alcohol abuse in their workplace. Translink have already taken these vital steps to keep both our employees and passengers safe and well.”
Dr Armstrong continued “Alcohol abuse is increasing across all demographics as alcohol is more accessible and cheaper than ever before. Addiction NI wants everyone to be able to enjoy a drink and relax in a responsible manner that avoids alcohol dependency.”
Addiction NI has teamed up with the Lagan Boat Company who will be collecting for the charity during their harrowing Halloween boat tours, taking place from the 28-30th of October on the River Lagan.
Addiction NI has joined in with the freaky fun and has specially designed a Halloween themed collection box to accompany the boat on its creepy cruise of the Lagan. Addiction NI will be hoping to collect more treats than tricks over the Halloween weekend with the help of the Lagan Boat Company and their passengers.
Danielle Ross, Fundraising and Marketing Officer for Addiction NI said, “It’s great to join in with the Halloween celebrations and raise some money for Addiction NI at the same time. Any money donated will go towards providing professional treatment, advice and support for people affected by alcohol or drug problems.”
“We are grateful to the Lagan Boat Company for allowing us to be involved with their tours and doing what they can to raise awareness and funds for Addiction NI.”
Addiction NI is a charity providing professional treatment, advice and support for people affected by alcohol or drug problems, including prescription drugs. Established in 1978 Addiction NI has been working with local people and communities for thirty three years. Addiction NI provides professional counselling to help those with drug and alcohol issues and treatment is tailored to each client’s needs.
The Ghostly Sea Shanty Boat trips set sail on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October at 6.30pm and 7.15pm and the Halloween Party Boat casts off on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October at 8.00pm. All petrified passengers are welcome to dress up and enjoy the fun aboard the creepy crossing. The Fireworks Tour will leave at 5.15 and 5.30 on Sunday 30 October to watch the Metro Monster Mash Fireworks Finale at the Odyssey Arena from the water. Make reservations for a Halloween Boat Tour at www.laganboatcompany.com and come down to show your support
for Addiction NI, it promises to be a terrifically terrifying time!
Health Minister Edwin Poots today (21 September 2011) praised the contribution made by the community and voluntary sector in helping to prevent and address alcohol and drugs misuse in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at an event to mark the 15th Anniversary of Addiction NI’s Older Focus Service at the Long Gallery in Stormont, the Minister praised the volunteers and organisations working to make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society.
He said: “I am all too aware of the impact that alcohol and substance misuse has on our society. Many people here have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Indeed statistics show that alcohol continues to be the drug of choice in Northern Ireland.
“Today is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Addiction NI’s 15 years of supporting older people to deal with substance misuse issues. This work, and the report being launched, highlights the growing level of substance misuse among over 55’s in Northern Ireland – and how this is often hidden.
“The event is also an opportunity to highlight the real and positive impact we can have by supporting the over 55’s to tackle their substance misuse issue. In fact research has shown this age group is more likely to adhere to their treatment than younger adults and are just as likely to benefit from this support.”
The Minister continued: “I believe we have to intervene as early as possible, and we have to ensure that our public health and health promotion messages are clear. One message I would like to be very clear about today is that you are never too old to take positive steps to improve your health and wellbeing. We should be encouraging everyone, no matter their age, to be more physically active, to eat more fruit and vegetables, to quit smoking, and to drink in moderation.”
A new report has highlighted that Addiction NI has the longest established specialist addiction service for older people in the UK. Demand for our Older Focus Service for older people with addiction problems is increasing.
The service provides alcohol and drug treatment for people aged over 55. Addiction NI believes that there are still many barriers to older people getting help for an addiction problem, including a myth that older people are not capable of changing their alcohol or drug use.
The Addiction NI Older Focus Service is marking 15 years of work with older people with an event in the Long Gallery at Stormont on Wednesday 21st September 2011. The event, focusing on older people and substance misuse, will be addressed by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Mr Edwin Poots MLA.
A new report “Working with Older Drinkers”, has been launched, which looked at specialist services for alcohol use in older people across the UK, including Addiction NI’s Older Focus service.
Director of charity Addiction NI, Dr. Claire Armstrong said:
“This report sheds light on what is still a very hidden and misunderstood area of addiction work. We have an ageing population and addiction is becoming a more common feature among the over-55’s. Addiction NI first developed this pioneering service 15 years ago after noticing that older people were often overlooked by addiction services. Research suggested that if the service was designed to meet the needs of older people they would be more likely to reduce their alcohol or drug use. After struggling to get funding for the Older Focus Service, we now operate in four of the five health trust areas and demand for the service is increasing. We need to ensure that funding for this important area remains available”.
Support for the families of older people affected by addiction is also regarded as critical:
“Families of older people with alcohol or drug problems often need support and advice in their own right. Our Older Focus service provides support for families of older people. This also benefits the older people themselves. We’ve found that family work is as important for older people as it is for younger people.”
Research findings have revealed that many beliefs about older people and alcohol and drug use are myths. One of the main myths is that older people are not capable of changing their alcohol or drug use.
In fact, research suggests that older people are more likely to adhere to alcohol treatment than younger adults and are just as likely to benefit from treatment. There is also a widely held perception that addiction does not affected many older people and it may go undetected for a longer time than in younger people.
Addiction NI has found that alcohol remains the main problem with older people using their service, with a much smaller number misusing drugs, including prescription and over the counter drugs.
Older Focus offers the choice of having the treatment service in the older persons own home, a vital aspect for people with disabilities and other health problems. 40% of the people using the Older Focus service last year were women.
Addiction NI hopes that awareness of this issue will continue to increase. Claire Armstrong said:
“There is more awareness of addiction and older people than there was a few years ago, but there is still a long way to go in terms of attitudes and perceptions. I hope that in the future this issue will be discussed in the mainstream of alcohol and drug work and recognised as an important issue affecting older people and their families.”
