NCAT supports Law Commission’s recommendations on drug laws

The National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT) fully supports the Law Commission’s recommendations on drug laws.

Yesterday the Law Commission tabled in Parliament a major review of New Zealand’s drug laws.

It says there is room for ''a more flexible approach to small-scale dealing and personal drug use,'' particularly when it is linked to addiction.

'For those whose drug use is associated with addiction or other mental health problems, the criminal law's response can in some circumstances exacerbate rather than reduce drug-related harms,'' the report says.

In the financial year 2009-2010 the Ministry of Health estimated that 28,000 people were treated in New Zealand for substance abuse disorders.

Robert Steenhuisen, NCAT Co-Chair, says alcohol and drug abuse are common disorders.

“Serious alcohol, drug abuse and addiction affect 3.5% of New Zealanders each year and for youth aged 16-24 the figure rises to 9.6%. For New Zealand that amounts to 140,000 people per annum. Youth, Maori and Pacific are disproportionally impacted by alcohol and drug problems,” he says.

While drugs are the focus of the Law Commission's report, ALAC estimates that 29% of the population regularly consumes alcohol at levels that cause a high state of intoxication and results often in significant harm to people and their families. Alcohol abuse remains the most common diagnosis in alcohol and drug treatment programmes.

Robert Steenhuisen says alcohol and other drug problems are the sixth highest contributing factor to the burden of disease in New Zealand placing a major strain on the health system.

“Making alcohol and drug treatment a national priority will lessen the missed opportunities to cost effectively reduce many health and social issues,” he says.

NCAT calls for better cooperation between the Police, Justice and alcohol and drug treatment sectors in addressing substance abuse. While warnings and convictions may be the consequences of substance abuse, they do not cure addiction.

Robert Steenhuisen says substance abuse is foremost a health problem and requires an appropriate health intervention to assist substance abusers to change their ways.

“Nobody ever enjoyed being trapped in addiction and experiencing the degradation that accompanies it. As a society we need to find ways to support people out of that predicament - for them, as well as their families, and society as a whole,” he says.

“The alcohol and drug sector works hard and efficiently to avoid waiting times but it nevertheless struggles to meet the needs of all those seeking treatment.”

NCAT calls for ongoing investment in alcohol and drug rehabilitation services.

Robert Steenhuisen says people who seek help with overcoming their addictions, or are sent to seek treatment by a Judge, Police Officer or Probation Officer, need access to treatment.

“A crisis is often what it takes for people to seek help, and once they make that decision, an immediate response maximises the opportunity for recovery - not only for the substance abuser, but for the family as well,” he says.

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