Tabor Group Annual Report Launched by Cork City Council Lord Mayor Chris O’Leary

Alcohol remains top ‘Drug of Choice’ Tabor Group announced at launch of Annual Report

Tabor Group (Tabor Lodge Addiction & Housing Limited) launched their 2015 Annual Report at The Lord Mayor’s Chambers in City Hall, Cork

Speaking at the launch Chairman, Pat Coughlan reported “that once again Alcohol remained the ‘drug of choice’ among addicted people attending treatment services at the Tabor Group in 2015” Of the 218 clients at Tabor Lodge – Primary Residential Treatment, 163 (75%) received treatment for alcohol abuse. He continued by adding “We have also seen an increase in poly-drug use and dual diagnosis of mental illness in people”.

In addition to alcohol issues, Fellowship House Extended Treatment Centre for Men has seen a 10% increase in the use of heroin among its residents. Reporting a slightly younger age bracket presenting for treatment with the majority of men (58%) being in the 18-24 age group and 82% being under the age of 34. Alarmingly, there was a 34% increase in the reporting of abuse in the past year, rising from 27% to now 61% in 2015.

Poly drug use is common within the 3 treatment centres. At Renewal Extended Treatment Centre for Women, addiction to alcohol alone is rarely seen and residents struggle with addictions to alcohol combined with ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and various prescribed medication. Nearly half of the women in treatment at Renewal have dependent children and staff work with Family Services and social workers to help repair and rebuild familial relationships.

Across the three residential centres, 318 residents received treatment and thousands more were provided support through continuing care and family support programmes.

In Ireland, it is estimated that 70,000 people are alcohol dependent and that over 100,000 children are living with the impact of a parent’s alcohol misuse. Alcohol addiction continues to have a serious and detrimental effect on Irish society.

The National Drugs Strategy is currently being reviewed, the continued prevalence of alcohol addiction in Ireland highlights the need that a national treatment infrastructure urgently needs to be put in place.