A DRUG which helps people with alcohol dependency may be prescribed in the north after money was made available for new treatments.
The drug, nalmefene, has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
During clinical trials, patients who took the drug cut the amount they drank by an average of 61 per cent after six months.
Campaign groups Addiction NI and FASA called on the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) to make the drug available after former health minister, the DUP's Simon Hamilton removed the funding block for NICE-approved new drugs.
Chief Executive of Addiction NI, Thelma Abernethy, said nalmefene should be prescribed to those in need as soon as possible.
"A stringent assessment by NICE has shown nalmefene works when combined with ongoing one to one support," she said.
"We know that alcohol misuse is ruining lives, tearing apart families and placing a burden on health and social care.
"Now is the time for the Health and Social Care Board to advise GPs and hospital doctors that all those who will benefit from this treatment, and need help, should be prescribed nalmefene."
Anne Bill, Chief Executive of FASA, up to 47,000 adults are drinking at harmful levels in the north.
"By making sure people can access nalmefene there will be a real change and improvement in care for those misusing alcohol," she said.
