Minister for Public Health and Wellbeing publishes guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, has today published new guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services.
In line with ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’ this new guidance has been developed to ensure these groups can operate safely, including at levels 3 and 4 of the government framework.
Minister Feighan said:
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact in Ireland and globally. By following the public health advice, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and support the provision of vital non-COVID healthcare services.
"As Minister, I fully recognise the vital role played by drug, alcohol support groups and treatment programmes in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery. They help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use. The restrictions on social interaction, the requirement for self-isolation and the restructuring of services, are particularly difficult for those accessing drug and alcohol services and supports.
"I want to acknowledge the input of supports groups and service providers in the formulation of this new guidance. We all share a common goal for the safe resumption of recovery support groups. However, these groups and programmes have to align with the government framework for restrictive measures in response to COVID-19. Many people affected by drugs and alcohol are at a higher health risk from COVID-19. It is imperative that drug and alcohol services adhere strictly to public health advice."
ENDS
The Department of Health is working with drug and alcohol task forces, sectoral oversight bodies and HSE addiction services to assist support groups and treatment programmes to implement this new guidance and to identify any issues of concern. The guidance should be considered interim, and is subject to ongoing review and updating to reflect public health advice, Government decisions on restrictive measures and emerging issues.
The guidance applies to the following drug and alcohol services and other addiction support services such as gambling addiction:
The main points of the guidance are as follows: