Source: Alcohol Action NZ
Dr Sam McBride, the Chair of Alcohol Action noted that “Health services deal with a huge burden of alcohol related harm which affect our most vulnerable communities in particular. The impact of alcohol is seen across all age groups, physical and mental health, chronic and acute care, specialist and community services. We must deal with the drivers of harm not just the consequences. Policy settings prioritise industry rather than health with the result that there are 800,000 hazardous drinkers in New Zealand”.
Kristen Maynard (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ruapani) has over twenty years of policy advice and management experience. She will be speaking about alcohol legislation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“Alcohol has a significant and disproportionate impact on the lives of many Māori whānau and communities. Yet, alcohol policies continue to be ineffective at addressing this situation and alcohol law just perpetuates it”, she said. “Addressing the power imbalance that favours license applicants and the alcohol industry over Māori and the community, is an absolute priority.”
“It is about time that we become serious about addressing the systemic causes and social determinants of health in this country, rather than just the symptoms that they are producing. Māori must be enabled in alcohol law and policy to lead and define their own pathway forward.”
Professor Jürgen Rehm is Director of the Social and Epidemiological Research Department at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. He will present some of the latest research demonstrating the link between alcohol consumption and early-onset dementia. He said
“Alcohol use, especially heavy use, is the most important risk factor for early onset dementia, defined as onset before the age of 65. As a consequence, screening for alcohol use and brief advice or referral to alcohol treatment should be integrated in all facilities dealing with early onset dementia, from primary health care to specialist memory clinics. Overall, about 40% of dementia is potentially modifiable, if all risk factors can be addressed.”
Alcohol Action NZ is an incorporated society led by medical professionals which has the sole aim of advocating for evidence-based alcohol policy to reduce harm.
The AANZ ‘5+ Solution’ was formulated by Alcohol Action NZ in 2009, based on the best public health science available. The solution requires government action: 1. Dismantle marketing, 2. Increase the price, 3. Reduce accessibility, 4. Raise the purchase age, 5. Strengthen drink driving countermeasures, PLUS Increase treatment opportunities for heavy drinkers.
