HSE and GAA enlist 900 officers to combat alcohol and drug abuse

THE Health Service Executive and GAA have enlisted 900 officers in clubs around the country to assist members who have a problem with alcohol and drugs.

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme has been established to help local GAA clubs reduce and prevent the harm caused by substance abuse by developing a network of people nationwide with specific roles at club, county and provincial levels.

To date, four provincial officers and 32 county officers have been appointed to implement the programme and they are assisted by 900 officers in individual clubs.