This past week Tauranga hosted a lecture by Prof Doug Sellman, Professor of Psychiatry and Addictions at Otago University. Doug has taken himself out of his comfort-zone of academia and is undertaking a nation-wide speaking tour promoting a campaign to reduce alcohol-related harm. This coincides with the Law Commission Review of the regulatory framework for the sale/supply of alcohol.
In his presentation, Doug takes a scientific approach to identifying alcohol-related harm. He presents evidence of the effects of alcohol on the brain, and its impact: crime, health, and social. From a clinical perspective, he concludes that 25% of drinkers in NZ can be classified as heavy drinkers (by frequency and volume consumed). This equates to 700,000 people (the total population of Wellington and Christchurch combined). No one wants to hear this message because none of us wants to accept that we might be one of them. Bill Faulkner, a City Councillor has challenged this in the media. He holds to the familiar refrain that most people handle their liquor and the problems are with a small minority.
For more information on Doug Sellman's campaign, I will attach the alcoholaction website to my Facebook page along with this blog. For more information on the Law Commission Review, check out the website that I will also post.
Submissions on the Law Commission Report close on 30 October. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have your say on how this country should regulate the sale/supply of alcohol. You can make your submission in a variety of ways - including on-line. Your submissions can be collective, individual, or from your agency. The YATA (youth access to alcohol) network is meeting on Wednesday 21 October to prepare a collective submission. However you chose to do it, don't remain silent on this issue.
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