The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) has stated that it is increasingly concerned by the surge in alcohol related harm which has been generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
VAADA is the peak body that represents over 80 alcohol and other drug services across Victoria.
A statement from the organisation read:
“Victoria has been soaking in alcohol throughout the pandemic, with a surge in sales, consumption and harms.”
VAADA executive officer Sam Biondo said that 70 per cent of drug treatment agencies have recently reported an increase in the prevalence and severity of alcohol related presentations to drug treatment agencies with alcohol being the most common substance of concern among treatment agencies nationally.
“Our recent survey of sector waitlists indicates that there are 3599 Victorians waiting for treatment on any given day,” he said.
“In 2020, Victoria experienced the highest number of women fatally overdosing with alcohol.”
According to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), during the pandemic, alcohol sales
increased by 27 per cent when compared with 2019 figures amounting to an extra $15 million worth of alcohol “flowing” into Victorian homes.
Details: vaada.org.au
For assistance see: www.aavictoria.org.au/
