Decline in problem drinking cases

The number of people being treated for medical issues caused by alcohol continues to fall, according to figures.

There were 7,549 cases of people being treated for problem alcohol use in 2013 — a drop of 12.3% since 2011 and the second year in a row in which the figures fell.

The report, published by the Health Research Board (HRB), also reveals that the number of new cases presenting for treatment for the first time fell by 11.2%, from 4,028 in 2012, to 3,578 in 2013. The number of people returning to treatment fell by 9.8%, from 4,212 in 2012, to 3,801 in 2013.