Problem Drinking NZ

In New Zealand, "25 per cent is a conservative estimate of the number of drinkers aged 16 and over who show a sustained pattern of problematic drinking, which means there are at least 700,000 citizens who could benefit from a therapeutic encounter. NZHerald

Like passive smoking, these citizens are the cause of considerable collateral alcohol damage within society, both at home and at large.

A visit to any emergency department on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, a stroll downtown in most cities after dark during weekends or a visit to a women's refuge or addiction clinic will astound many people.

The sophisticated alcohol culture promised 20 years ago with the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 has turned out to be more of an endemic heavy binge-drinking culture, involving young and old, men and women, Maori and Pakeha and causing widespread health and social problems."

Comments