Addiction Support Services
We provide comprehensive support for alcohol, drug, and other addiction challenges.
Counseling and Therapy
Individual and group therapy sessions tailored for addiction recovery and support.
Intervention Services
Professional intervention strategies to help loved ones seek necessary treatment.
Support Groups
Peer-led support groups fostering community and shared experiences for recovery.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much
Alcohol Harm in Northern Ireland: A Growing Crisis
Alcohol misuse remains a widespread problem across Northern Ireland, costing the public nearly £900 million annually. Tragically, alcohol-specific deaths have risen sharply, with 2019 marking one of the worst years on record. That year alone, 336 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded — a 35% increase compared to 2009.
In 2019, Northern Ireland had its highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths (18.8 per 100,000), with men particularly affected: 24.2 deaths per 100,000 males — a 42% rise since 2001. Women also saw a dramatic increase, with the highest UK rate (13.6 per 100,000).
The Health Survey NI (2019/20) shows that 77% of adults drink alcohol; half drink weekly. Of those, 8% consumed over 14 units on their heaviest drinking day. Among men, 26% exceeded weekly limits, 19% drank 3+ days/week, and 20% had over 14 units in one day. For women, 9% exceeded limits, and 4% had over 14 units on their heaviest day.
The highest alcohol-specific death rates were seen in adults aged 45–64, making up nearly 60–69% of all such deaths annually.
While market forces influence drinking trends, Northern Ireland’s post-conflict trauma also plays a role. A 2011 report found that 39% of people had experienced conflict-related trauma; among them, 53% had a mental health disorder at some point, and 19.5% reported harmful alcohol use — nearly three times higher than those without trauma.
Despite the scale of the crisis, political leadership on this issue has been limited. The devolved administration was inactive for nearly three years, and neither major party initially sought the health portfolio. In 2020, Health Minister Robin Swann acknowledged that alcohol and drug misuse is one of Northern Ireland’s most serious public health issues.
A new strategy, “Making Life Better”, is expected to tackle substance use, including a potential public consultation on minimum unit pricing for alcohol. While implementation in Northern Ireland has stalled, the Republic of Ireland is moving forward, joining Scotland and Wales in addressing alcohol harm through pricing policy.
Without urgent, coordinated action, alcohol will continue to claim lives and strain health services across Northern Ireland.
