05 November 2007

Drink And Drugs Culture Is Timebomb Waiting To Explode

New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone has expressed concern about the misuse of drink and drugs in New Zealand.

Mr Paraone’s comments follows an Alcohol Advisory Council survey which highlights one in five New Zealanders who binge drinks is risking alcohol-related brain damage, and a New Zealand Mental Health survey which shows Maori are more likely to abuse drink and drugs.

“It is an unfortunate truth that Maori continue to be over-represented in drink and drugs abuse. It’s time Maori leaders started taking some responsibility for educating and discouraging Maori from the dangers of excessive drinking and drugs use,” said Mr Paraone.

“The surveys also highlights wider implications for New Zealand society which we need to address before it’s too late. Time and time again, the ordinary taxpayer suffers and has to pay for the emergency hospital admissions and other healthcare costs, as well as higher insurance premiums as a result of the increased alcohol and drug-fuelled crime.

“New Zealand First opposed the lowering of the drinking age and will continue to take a hard line against the liberalisation of our alcohol and drug laws,” said Mr Paraone.

“It’s time we addressed New Zealand’s binge-drinking culture and high rate of drug abuse. We need to educate our youth against the appeal and access of hard drugs such as ‘P’ and cannabis through co-ordinated education and police programmes.

“Failure to act will have serious consequences for the future. New Zealand’s drink and drugs culture is a timebomb waiting to explode,” Mr Paraone said.

ENDS

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