With the festive season fast approaching the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) wishes all Australians a happy and safe end to 2010.

Chief Executive officer of ADCA, David Templeman said this time of year was traditionally a challenging time for everyone – families and friends, communities, police officers, emergency services, and hospital staff.

“We can’t escape the fact that excessive drinking over this period has in the past caused an increase in violence, accidents and injury,” Mr Templeman said. “That’s why ADCA is asking those celebrating during this time to think about their own health, safety and wellbeing.”

Alcohol abuse is a significant problem in Australia. An estimated 40 per cent of all people detained by police are affected by alcohol. On average, 1500 hospitalisations each week occur because of alcohol. The cost to the Australian community from alcohol-related harm is estimated to be more than $36 billion a year.

“It was pleasing to note that Operation Unite conducted last weekend by police services across Australia and New Zealand saw a reduction in assaults and arrests compared with the same time last year,” Mr Templeman said. “Arrests in relation to excessive drinking totalled 2617, 164 less than in 2009, while assaults saw a dramatic fall from 570 reported incidents in 2009 to 222.”

Mr Templeman said that police officers and communities had worked well together and demonstrated that the culture of “drinking to get drunk” can be changed.

“No matter where you're celebrating over Christmas and the New Year, please be responsible,” Mr Templeman said. “If you are out have a plan to get home and avoid trouble on the streets, this way you won’t become another statistic.

“With thousands of people enjoying our beaches over the holidays, also remember that around hundred people drown each year, some of them as a result of mixing alcohol with swimming.”

Mr Templeman said the simple solution was not to drink and swim; the same as the well established message to motorists “don’t drink and drive”.

Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan – ADCA Strategic Communications/Policy on 6215 9802 or 0400 860 058

22 December 2010