Oliver’s Death Sparks Fears Over Alcohol Service Funding

A coroner has voiced concerns over the funding for alcohol services in Cheshire following the suicide of a young Crewe alcoholic. At an inquest this week into the death of Oliver Dixon, aged 26, one health professional branded the funding to tackle alcohol problems as absolutely appalling’.

Mr Dixon, of Nantwich Road, died in his bathroom from the carbon monoxide emissions from a chainsaw on September 16, 2005.

Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg said he would be contacting the county council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee about the limited resources available to alcohol services. He said: “I deal with alcohol related deaths on a weekly basis. I am conscious of the fact that resources are finite but it does seem there is a case for examining alcohol services to see whether they should be better resourced and balanced out with other needs.”

The inquest heard that Mr Dixon had mental health issues stemming from Autistic Spectrum Disorder, which he attempted to conceal after being the victim of bullying at school. The hearing was told how at the age of 17 he began to drink to feel socially accepted, something that ultimately led to his social isolation, a pre-empter in his suicide.

Until fairly recently little has been known about the disorder which is now recognised as being as prevalent as schizophrenia. Mr Rheinberg said it was a tragedy that Mr Dixon could only get limited treatment for the disorder as it was not considered to be a mental illness.

Oliver’s mother Alison said: “We have had a quarter of a century of trying to get sufficient help and not being able to.” The inquest heard how people with mental health problems often turn to alcohol and drugs. Medical and social care professionals agreed that it is easier to treat people with heroin addiction than people with alcohol problems.

Mr Dixon, who also had a history of drug misuse but had successfully weaned himself off all drugs, including heroin and cocaine several years before his death, had failed to free himself from alcohol.

Linda Barton, human services manager for Cheshire Drug Services said: “Funding for alcohol problems is absolutely appalling. I have a lot of experience and it is easier to treat people with heroin problems than alcohol. I have seen far more people die from alcohol than heroin.”

Mrs Dixon questioned whether her son had received adequate service but expert witness Dr Geoffrey Roberts said it was entirely appropriate’ that Mr Dixon had been discharged from mental health services six months before he died as he was drinking so heavily. He described his care and treatment by the mental health services as exemplary’.

Mr Rheinberg recorded a verdict of suicide.