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Responding to the publication of the government's Youth Alcohol Action Plan recently, Richard McKendrick of Addaction, a UK drug and alcohol treatment charity, said:

"With this plan the government has acknowledged that the UK's drinking problem – particularly that of young people - has spiralled out of control.

"While this co-ordinated approach from government is a positive step forward, this plan is essentially a raft of measures which risks bringing even more young people into a criminal justice system already creaking under its own weight. The UK is already criminalising more young people than virtually any other country in Europe to no positive effect.
"The strategy misses all the easy targets. There are no plans for the thousands of young people – many still just a primary school - coming into A&E who could be offered information and support to prevent them going on to put themselves at further risk.

"The police, who come into contact with more young people at risk than any other agency, should be encouraged to work with local partners to engage young people, rather than just removing them from sight to be forced into more isolated or dangerous places.

He continued:

"Parents are responsible for supporting their children, but where they can't or won't support young people there has to be intensive support available for them and their children – the few areas mentioned in the plan simply aren't enough.

"Done well and early enough, intensive support for families can turn lives around, prevent anti-social behaviour and save valuable money, time and resources for society. This must be a priority as we work over the long-term to support young people and parents affected by alcohol misuse."

Article published on 06/06/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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