Parliamentarians Call on Political Parties For Serious Debate on Alcohol Harm

The All Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) on Alcohol Misuse has called on all political parties to commit to discussing and finding solution to effectively minimize alcohol-related accidents in the UK.

In a manifesto, the Alcohol Misuse All Party Parliamentary Group, which exists to promote the discussion of alcohol-related issues, raised matters of concern and to make recommendations to government and other policy makers, is asking all political parties to commit to 10 measures. 

Tracey Crouch MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse, said: “Due to alcohol, one person is killed every hour and 1.2 million people are admitted to hospital a year. Getting political parties to seriously commit to these 10 measures will be a massive step in tackling the huge public health issue that alcohol is.”

The 10 measures include calling for the strengthening of alcohol advertising regulations and a phased ban on alcohol sponsorship, an increase in funding for treatment and access levels for problem drinkers, and the introduction of minimum unit pricing. There are also calls to make the training of parental substance abuse mandatory for all social workers and healthcare professionals, and for national public awareness and behavior change campaigns on alcohol to be independently funded.

Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe, vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse, said: “After smoking, alcohol is the second biggest preventable killer. Not only does it cost lives but burdens the NHS and the Criminal and Justice systems  and others with ever increasing costs.

“All the political parties know that but they run for cover when they are confronted by the drinks industry and its immensely powerful lobby.

“These proposals give them another chance to consider whether they really have the guts to take a different line for the country’s wellbeing in the future.”

Alcohol Concern provides the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse and welcomes the calls from the APPG.

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: “Alcohol misuse costs Britain £21 billion a year. We need urgent action to tackle this and the significant harmful effects alcohol misuse causes to individuals. I hope all parties will read the manifesto and show a commitment to the vital measures which it highlights.”

Admitting that they have a problem is the first step alcoholics need to take in their transition to a sober life. Many forms of treatments are available, including naltrexone, an antagonist drug that, can curb the alcoholic’s physical cravings and can also prevent him or her from finding pleasure in drinking. BioCorRx, Inc. BICXis a leading example of a company that incorporates the use of naltrexone in the form of a biodegradable implant in its rehabilitation program called the Start Fresh Program.   

The Start Fresh Program also involves a life coaching program tailored to the specific needs of the alcoholic to help him or her plan an alcohol-free life. It differs from the usual “rehab” approach, as it is conducted in a series of private sessions that involve only the patient, the life coach and an accompanying recovery partner such as a friend or family member if desired.