• 300 hospital admissions here due to alcohol in one year
• 75% alcohol now bought in off licenses
• Eight people in Fermanagh died as a direct result of alcohol abuse in a year
In the first of a series of articles we look at the effects of alcohol on Fermanagh as a society…
The high costs of alcohol misuse in Fermanagh has been highlighted by a local alcohol awareness group.
The review of local data shows that in Fermanagh last year approximately 1,481 hospital bed days were occupied as a result of alcohol related conditions while in excess of 300 admissions were made to accident and emergency departments due to alcohol issues.
Out of this 300 ,70 people were aged between (40-49 years of age) this was the highest total out of all the groups.
In this same period a total of 20 people aged between (10-19 years of age) were admitted due to alcohol related harms. This clearly highlights that alcohol is not only an underage problem but a problem across the all age groups.
There has been significant change in trends from drinking in bars to drinking in home. Between 2005 – 2009 a total of 118 pubs closed, however in this same period off sales increased by one third.
Recent figures show that 25% of all alcohol purchased was from bars meaning a total of over 75% came from off licences.
In addition, it has been estimated that there were eight alcohol-related deaths in the county during his time.
Adrian Loughrey, mobilisation officer with the Time2Change commented on the latest figures, saying:
“Figures like these should not be taken lightly and show the damage that the misuse of alcohol is causing in this area. We know from from the Department of Health that alcohol misuse costs the Northern Ireland economy an estimated £900M each year and given the long term harm that a binge drinking culture can create this figure could potentially rise if attitudes to alcohol are not checked.
“Another particularly worrying statistic is that across the island of Ireland the average age of the first drink is now 14 with studies showing that this deceases by two years every decade so that by 2020 it may be common place for 12 year olds to be drinking,” he said.
Emmett Lynch from Time2Change continued by outlining how through the work of the Time2Change Project, community led action on alcohol was beginning to take effect:
‘It is important to get these topics out in the open so that we can have an honest discussion about them. The Time2Change Project works with groups across the community to examine local alcohol-related concerns, their own relationships with alcohol and to promote a more responsible approach to alcohol consumption.’
This work engages with youth people, parents, sports clubs, schools, vintners to ensure that we have a fuller understanding to the needs of the Country and how to respond to them. We believe that everyone has a part to play in this work.
Mr Loughrey finished by stating the need to address the normalisation of ‘harmful drinking’ which he said was present in many communities today.
“At its core the Time2Change Project is not about the abolition of alcohol but about beginning a process that can challenge and change the impact that drinking culture can have. Current culture tends to sees what is in fact problematic drinking as normal and integrates consumption into all life events, for example baptisms, birthdays and socialising.
“It is important to offer education, support and leadership on these issues and healthier alternatives so that we can develop a healthier relationship with alcohol. If we work together to change the alcohol environment around us we can begin to reduce the cost of alcohol misuse to this generation and the ones that follow.”
If you would like more information on the work of the Time2Change Project please Adrian or Emmett on 02871 384568.
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