Alcohol Concern: Widescale alcohol problems in prisons

Alcohol Concern is calling on the Government to make the treatment of prisoners with alcohol problems a priority after publishing a new study highlighting the scale of alcohol misuse problems in prisons. The report, entitled "Tackling alcohol misuse in prison: a window of opportunity or a lost opportunity?" makes for worrying reading. Key findings include that:

* 35% of prisoners thought they had an alcohol problem;
* 157 units per week (the recommended daily limit for men is 4 units) is the average consumption among those who admit to a problem;
* 46% of prisoners believed that alcohol was a factor driving theiroffending behaviour; and
* 15 % of female prisoners drink harmful amounts. This is double the proportion of those in the general adult female population who problem drink.

Don Shenker, Director of Policy and Services for Alcohol Concern says:
"Alcohol Concern has consistently campaigned for greater provision and support for those prisoners who have alcohol misuse issues. At present prisoners with alcohol problems have very little support to tackle their underlying alcohol addiction. The danger is these prisoners will relapse after leaving prison. Many offenders identify alcohol as a factor driving their behaviour and without treatment, the likelihood of their repeat offending is all the more greater."


Notes to editors
* Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.
* Electronic copies of "Tackling alcohol misuse in prison: a window of opportunity or a lost opportunity?" are available from http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/servlets/doc/1184

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