Almost one adult in five uses alcohol to excess and inebriation remains a significant factor in violence, especially against women. As “Wine o’clock not” (January 27) reminds us, alcohol is a proven carcinogen and a major contributor to illnesses.
Exact figures are unknown but an estimated 1800-3000
NZ babies are born each year with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and drink is a major contributor in road crashes.
We all need to face these inconvenient truths. The liquor lobby persuades successive governments to ignore the most comprehensive of reports into alcohol abuse, eliminating most report recommendations. It is distressing to read in the Listener feature of popular influencers joining others promoting a drinking culture.
I invite all those seeking to gain control over their liquor consumption to add anger to their motivational armoury. Remember, those creating, promoting and selling liquor are not concerned for your health or your welfare; they gain massively from your dependency, maximising their profits at the expense of your health and safety, your relationships, your financial security. They take no responsibility for the consequences of their highly effective sales campaigns.
