by Louise Doyle
DONEGAL had the highest rate of all alcohol-related hospitalisations in 2022, according to a stark new report.
Findings by the Health Research Board (HRB) reveals Donegal had the second highest rate per 100,000 of the population of alcohol-related psychiatric hospital admissions last year, followed by Sligo. Leitrim had the highest rate.
Donegal was also among the counties with the greatest number of cases (467 cases in 2022) receiving treatment for alcohol as the main problem substance.
In 2022, Donegal and Leitrim had the highest rate per 100,000 of the population for first admissions to psychiatric hospitals per units for alcohol-related diagnosis.
The detail is contained in a new report by the Health Research Board (HRB).
The report gives a county level breakdown of alcohol profiles, which shows alcohol-related liver disease rose across most counties in Ireland in the last five years.
Written by HRB research officer Anne Doyle, the report states alcohol use decreased in 2020 and 2021, as a result of pub closures and other restrictions, and that “drinking at home became the norm for many”.
It said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still unfolding.
It revealed Ireland had a per capital alcohol use of 10.2 litres.
While this is down on previous rates of around 11 litres, it still places Ireland 11th out of 45 countries.
“There is a high level of alcohol use in Ireland, and for many, hazardous drinking is commonplace,” the report said.
At least three people die every day from alcohol-related conditions.
Councillor Gerry McMonagle described the figures as “worrying”.
As the then chairman of Regional Health Forum West, Cllr McMonagle raised concerns two years ago about the “massive increase” in the number of people presenting with mental health difficulties in Donegal as the country emerged from the pandemic.
He sought an update on how many in-patient detox beds for drug/alcohol addicts in Donegal, and was told there were 10 short stay rehabilitation beds in White Oaks.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Cllr McMonagle made fresh calls for more investment in addiction and mental health services.
“These are worrying statistics and whilst it could be said that the numbers are higher because more people are seeking help and, in a way, that’s a good thing. The reality though is that we do not have enough resources or beds to help all those seeking help.
“We need a lot more investment in our addiction and mental health services and until we get that extra investment, we will not be able to provide proper help and support to the increasing number of people presenting with addiction and mental health issues.”
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