ADCA's Chief Executive Officer, David Templeman, said today that "the ugly side of alcohol misuse is a reality which affects thousands of people over what should be a time of celebration".

"We know that for many people the celebration of Christmas and the New Year involves drinking with friends and family, we must remember that there are very real dangers when alcohol is misused," Mr Templeman said. "Unfortunately our culture has celebrated the 'larrikin' factor of heavy drinking, so that many people turn a blind eye to what results from this type of irresponsible behaviour," he added.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 84% of women who were sexually assaulted were attacked by a person who had been consuming alcohol or drugs, while about 80% of men aged 18-24 who were physically assaulted by another male said the perpetrator had been drinking or taking drugs. (ABS Australian Social Trends, 2007 & 2008 )

"At this time of year, some people use the holidays as an excuse to over indulge in alcohol, but there are serious consequences to this behaviour which affect not just the individual involved, but families and whole communities," he added. "This is not normal behaviour, nor should it be excused or tolerated. In recent months state governments have been forced to introduce special legislation to prevent the rise of drunken violence in pubs or clubs relating to people being glassed. When are people going to start taking responsibility for their drunkenness and the problems it causes?" he asked.

ADCA is continuing its campaign to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs, by reminding the community that Alcohol is a drug - TOO!

15 December 2008