Doctor’s challenge to drink firms supported

AS director of the Aislinn Centre, a drink and drug-free rehabilitation centre for 15- to 21-year-olds in Co Kilkenny, I support the call by Dr Conor Farren (Irish Examiner, July 14) for the drinks industry to commit a proportion of its profits to research and treatment for people with alcohol dependency problems.

Over the past 11 years, the Aislinn Centre has treated 1,300 young people and their families and is aware that many more need help.

Allied to this, our own research has shown that three-quarters of the population believe young people who drink alcohol regularly are more likely also to experiment with illegal drugs.

Our experience has always been that the young people we help typically abuse alcohol and at least one other drug.

So, we believe it is vital that the seriousness of the problem facing our young people is recognised and proper support across the country is provided.

We would also call on those creating policy in this area to consult with those organisations working with young people in order to help catch and cure these problems as early as possible.

Declan Jones

Director

Aislinn Centre

Ballyragget

Co Kilkenny