Support groups to stay open in Level 3
New guidelines for drug and alcohol support groups, treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services have been published.
The guidelines, published by Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, will ensure that groups can operate safely at levels three and four of the Government’s framework.
Due to the initial Covid-19 lockdown, many support meetings in Cork city and county were forced to stop or to move online. Many have since reopened but are operating at severely reduced capacities.
This has led to growing concern for those who depend on regular meetings in order to maintain their recovery and avoid relapsing.
The Department of Health is now working with drug and alcohol task forces, sectoral oversight bodies and HSE addiction services to assist the implementation the new guidelines.
Recognising the vital role played by drug, alcohol support groups and treatment programmes, Minister Feighan highlighted the difficulties faced by those in need of support services in recent times.
He said: “These groups help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use. By following the public health advice, we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 in our communities and support the provision of vital non-Covid healthcare services.
“The restrictions on social interaction, the requirement for self-isolation and the restructuring of services, are particularly difficult for those accessing drug and alcohol services and supports.”
The Minister added: “We all share a common goal for the safe resumption of recovery support groups. However, these groups and programmes have to align with the Government framework for restrictive measures.”
The news was welcomed by Cork North-Central TD Thomas Gould, who described meetings held by recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous as “lifelines” for people in recovery.
Deputy Gould said: “They should never have stopped. If guidelines could be established to keep bookies and off licences open under level three restrictions, they should have already been in place for recovery support meetings.”
The Deputy, who is the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, added that people in recovery “don’t need compassion or empathy from the Government”.
“They need real support. I would hope that the minister now understands the difficulties faced by those in recovery during these difficult times and will listen to them in future,” said Deputy Gould.
The new guidelines, which were announced on Tuesday, are to be considered interim, and are subject to ongoing review to reflect public health advice, Government decisions on restrictive measures and emerging issues.