Addiction centre concern at drop in people seeking help in lockdown

ONE of Northern Ireland’s main addiction treatment centres has voiced concerns at a massive drop-off in the numbers of people seeking help - despite a huge rise in alcohol sales.

The Northlands Addiction Treatment Centre in Derry said numbers of new people seeking help for alcohol and drug addiction problems have fallen by half during the Covid-19 lockdown compared to the same time last year.

Based in Derry’s Waterside, Northlands was set up 50 years go to help individuals, families and communities to deal with alcohol and drug addiction problems. As well as providing advice and information, Northlands offers counselling, family support, residential treatment and aftercare for those struggling with addiction problems.

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Head of Treatment, Tommy Canning said the centre was “very worried” about the 50 per cent fall in direct contacts.

Mr Canning said: “It is safe to assume that in the current climate many people are facing real difficulty in their own homes.”

The Northlands spokesman said it was clear from anecdotal evidence alone that people’s drinking habits have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“UK alcohol sales were up 67 per cent in the week to March 21, compared to overall supermarket sales which rose by only 43 per cent. There is no reason to suppose that the pattern is very different here in Northern Ireland.

“Consider too, the number of people who were drinking problematically or addictively before lockdown. One early feature of the lockdown was the rise in calls to domestic violence charities,” Mr Canning said.

The rise in alcohol use would inevitably lead to increased tensions in homes, creating more stress and anxiety for partners, children and families in general, he said.

Covid-19 restrictions meant Northlands had to suspend all residential treatments at its eight-bed centre for the first time in its 50-year history. Mr Canning said 20 people were currently waiting to be admitted for residential treatment.

He said despite the suspension of its residential treatment, Northlands staff were continuing to provide counselling and support services by telephone and video conferencing. Its aftercare groups also continued to operate on line while traffic to its website rising by 42% compared to this time last year.

Mr Canning said anyone suffering with addiction, or their family members, should avail of Northlands’ support services.

“Addiction creates isolation. In an environment where isolation is the message, it is vital to reach out for support and help,” Mr Canning said.

Northlands can be contacted at www.northlands.org.uk