Treatment Sector Gives Government Four Out Of 10

The National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT) says the government’s changes to drink driving laws are hugely disappointing, and has rated them a four out of 10.

It says failing to reduce the BAC limit to 0.05, despite overwhelming evidence that it saves lives, was only one of a number of poor decisions.

NCAT co-Chairperson Robert Steenhuisen says the government is misguided if it thinks punishing repeat drink drivers harder is somehow going to help.

“It’s understandable to think drunk drivers are bad people so we need to punish them severely, but the truth is, heavy fines don't stop people drinking and prison doesn't cure alcoholism. It is the drinking that is at the heart of the problem.”

He also says cracking down will do little to stop repeat drunk drivers because our courts do not have sufficient systems in place to see they receive the help they need. Currently, less than 5 per cent of people with drink driving get any form of alcohol and drug assessment.

“This means many people with serious alcohol and drug problems have sentences passed on them by judges who don't know the true cause of the offending. As a result no intervention is made and an opportunity is lost.”

Steenhuisen says the way our courts currently work constantly disappoints the concerned families/whanau of drink drivers.

“While they desperately hope that now the Courts are involved something will be done, offenders and lawyers downplay the role of alcohol, and most often a mere fine is the result. Being in court just becomes another opportunity for the repeat drink driver to deny the extent of their problem and avoid facing up to their responsibilities.

“Involving family, confronting them with the reality of their drinking, and requiring drink drivers to take responsibility for themselves can make a real difference. But judges need to have independent, professional advice about the true status of the offender’s alcohol and drug problems before they can order an intervention.”

Steenhuisen says most people require some form of crisis before they can be honest with themselves about their drinking.

“An appearance in front of a judge should be a serious wake up call and an opportunity for intervention. Judges must be able to spell out the true nature of an offender’s problem with clarity and confidence so those opportunities are not missed.”

NCAT is calling for all courts to have alcohol and drug clinicians on hand to advise judges on appropriate interventions to address alcoholism when alcohol abuse is suspected in cases.

ENDS

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