Help for teenage binge-drinkers is “overstretched” as the latest figures reveal drunk youngsters were admitted to Oxfordshire’s accident and emergency wards 82 times last year.
New government statistics show 42 of the 82 youngsters treated for alcohol related illnesses at the John Radcliffe and Horton Hospitals in 2006/07 were under 16 years old, while Oxfordshire drugs and alcohol group Evolve has dealt with 64 children with drinking problems in the past six months.
With an increasing number of referrals in recent weeks case workers say there is not enough money to help youngsters beat the booze.
Oxfordshire Drug & Alcohol Action Team director Jo Melling said: “When any young person drinks alcohol to the extent they need medical attention it’s worrying, which is why Oxfordshire DAAT has commissioned a dedicated young persons substance misuse treatment programme so they can get help when they need it.
“Services dedicated to alcohol treatment are not funded by central government like drug treatment services are, and so all are services are locally funded and overstretched.”
Nicola Marshall, a team leader at Evolve, said referrals have increased across the county.
Its case workers run a range of therapy sessions with teenagers aimed at getting them to cut alcohol out of their lives.
Case workers run one-to-one sessions using techniques such as cognitive behaviour therapy and relapse prevention. Some youngsters can even get prescriptions to tackle alcohol problems.
Ms Marshall added: “Voluntary sectors everywhere including Evolve are increasingly being asked to deliver more intervention and generally there isn’t a large cash increase to compensate for the interventions needed.
“It would always be nice to have more money to develop services and resources but we always prioritise treatment that directly reduces harm to young people in Oxfordshire.”
Government figures show 82 under-18s were treated for alcohol related illnesses at the John Radcliffe and Horton Hospitals in 2006/07.
No-one from Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust would comment about the number of children being treated in A&E for alcohol-related illness.
Any young person or parent that is concerned about alcohol abuse can call Evolve on 01865 723909 or visit www.evolveoxon.com
mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk
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