A new NGO has been formed to fill some gaps in the treatment of alcohol-related problems.
Called Amethyst, it will tap diverse experts in the field and pool knowledge and skills to provide some of the services not currently on offer.
It will provide a platform for educational activities about alcohol use and abuse for different sectors of the population and seek to raise awareness about alcohol problems and how they can be tackled through legal and educational means.
Manuel Mangani, the founder, said the organisation is made up of alcohol users and their relatives, workers in the field, policymakers and those involved in public health and health information.
Recently retired after 34 years in the field of mental health and addiction, Mr Mangani said Malta enjoyed excellent treatment services through a variety of organisations, while prevention was also well-served.
READ: How much alcohol do you drink? The answer may lie in your culture
However, some gaps in treatment still exist. Amethyst would try to address these gaps, such as by providing professionally led support groups for alcoholics and their relatives in the evenings.
Information about the effects of alcohol, such as on young people, also needs to be provided more intensely.
“The harm inflicted by alcohol on our society is considerable, but theoretically avoidable if the substance is regulated as it should be and used judiciously – and sparingly,” Mr Mangani said.
He also pointed out that Malta is the only EU member state without a national alcohol policy.
READ: Alcohol treatment patients more likely to be bingers
“In November of 2016 a draft policy actually reached the public consultation phase, but we have heard nothing since.”
Amethyst would do its utmost to persuade the authorities to finalise the work in connection with the policy, he said.
“It is not acceptable for a country which aspires to the highest standards of quality of life not to regulate the use of of a potentially lethal substance and one which is known to wreak social havoc.”