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Alcohol treatment activity in England reaches record levels for a sixth year running

The level of alcohol treatment activity in England shows no signs of abating, with record numbers of people in treatment for alcohol dependency during 2013-14.

The annual statistics for alcohol treatment in England release from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) show that there were 114,920 clients receiving treatment for alcohol problems in 2013-14, an increase of 5% (5,237 individuals) on 2012-13 (109,683).

The number of new treatment journeys starting also rose over the same period, by 7% (5,156) from 75,773 clients in 2012-13 to 80,929 in 2013-14. These figures mark a sixth consecutive year of increases and represent the highest figures reported since records began in 2008-09.

There were also a record 43,530 successfully completed patient treatments (59% of all 74,291 individuals) in 2013-14, up from 40,908 (58% of all 70,194 individuals) during the previous 12-month period.

Rosanna O’Connor, Director of Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco at Public Health England said:

"Alcohol presents complex social challenges, and tackling its devastating harm on individuals, families and communities is everyone’s business. An estimated 21,500 deaths every year are alcohol-related."

Commenting on the report, she added: "It’s encouraging that the treatment system is succeeding in putting people in touch with the support they need, and while increasing numbers are overcoming their dependence, there is much more to do. Reversing this harm requires collaboration across all health and care organisations. Public Health England has already made alcohol one of its priorities and we urge our partners – in local government, the NHS and across the criminal justice system – to do the same."

The statistical release Alcohol treatment activity in England 2013-14 can be found on the National Treatment Agency website, now part of Public Health England.