Alcohol Make You Fat? May 2010

Hawke’s Bay ganging up on meth Is America mellowing out? Big tobacco spins it wide Does alcohol make you fat? May 2010

It’s your turn to shout The Law Commission’s work is done. If implemented, its 100-plus recommendations would overhaul New Zealand’s liquor laws. Draft legislation will soon be considered by Parliament, and it’s time for politicians to listen to the voices of communities, to those who face the consequences of alcohol misuse every day. Contents

matters of substance May 2010 Features Vol 20 No 2 ISSN 1177-200X 02 Cover Story 24 The slow death of 33 Mythbusters matters of substance is published by the It’s your turn to shout the ACMD Does alcohol make NZ Drug Foundation. All rights reserved. you fat? Neither this publication nor any part For the last decade, the UK’s of it may be reproduced without prior Advisory Council on the permission of the NZ Drug Foundation. Misuse of Drugs has been opposed or ignored by matters of substance invites feedback successive governments. and contributions. If you’re interested in contributing a guest editorial or article, Jeremy Sare explains how please contact us: this unfortunate body has [email protected] What’s it really like out been reduced to a shadow p +64 4 801 6303 there? Our cover story is a of its former self. Studies indicate that how series of short pieces by alcohol affects your waistline Brand development/graphic design Origin Design +64 4 801 6644 those who deal daily with 26 Moving on MODA: a may depend on your age, sex, [email protected] New Zealand’s love affair proposed new approach location, weight, health, social www.origindesign.co.nz with the bottle. to personal possession status, profession or all or none of the above… maybe. NZ Drug Foundation 15 We’re on your side 3rd Floor, 111 Dixon Street PO Box 3082, Wellington, New Zealand p +64 4 801 6303 News

When you have finished with 01 Key Events and Dates this magazine, please recycle it. Count on us to help keep The Drug Foundation your diary full for the rest of 2010. Become a member outlines its views on The death of a close friend rebalancing our drug laws 28 New Zealand News The NZ Drug Foundation has been made Black Power member to give due weight to at the heart of major alcohol and Denis O’Reilly re-evaluate reducing demand and other drug policy debates for over his own methamphetamine minimising harm. 20 years. During that time, we have use. This is the story of one demonstrated a strong commitment man’s war against P within to advocating policies and practices a gang environment. Regulars based on the best evidence available. 22 Big tobacco hires whaling 01 The Director’s Cut You can help us. A key strength of the guy to astroturf NZ Drug Foundation lies in its diverse Drug Foundation executive Alcohol, tobacco and other membership base. As a member of the director challenges the drugs have been receiving NZ Drug Foundation, you will receive Government’s rejection a lot of attention here in information about major alcohol and Godzone. Here’s what’s been other drug policy challenges. You can also of an alcohol excise tax get involved in our work to find solutions increase. They did it for happening, all in one place. to those challenges. baccy, why not for booze? 31 World News Our membership includes health 12 Guest Editorial promoters, primary health and Is the Association of Drug policy under Obama: community organisations, researchers, Community Retailers really students, schools and boards of trustees, substance beyond the policy makers, and addiction treatment a grassroots group of mum rhetoric? agencies and workers. and dad corner dairy owners? Or is there some ‘jiggery- Membership and subscription enquiries smokery’ going on behind [email protected] the scenes? or visit our website. And New Zealand’s not the only country doing a lot with drugs. Here’s a www.drugfoundation.org.nz round-up of what’s been Is America’s war on drugs happening overseas. approach softening under Quotes of Substance Obama? Allan Clear reckons the jury’s still out, though Another collection of the hopeful statements have best and the worst of what been made. people around the world are saying about drugs. matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz The Director’s Cut Key Events and Dates

Inaugural National Indigenous Public Health Association Drug and Alcohol Conference Conference: Tomorrow for 16–18 June, Adelaide, Australia Tomorrow’s People The National Indigenous Drug and 22–24 September, Ngaruawahia Alcohol Conference aims to help The conference aims to bring develop the capacity of those working together public health workers to to address indigenous alcohol and share their stories of today to help drug issues and associated harms build a healthy future for tomorrow. in meaningful ways. www.nidaconference.com.au www.pha.org.nz/phaconference.html The Government’s rejection revenue from excise tax of the Law Commission’s directly funds the mitigation Drugs, Alcohol and Criminal Involve 2010: Connect: Together We Are Stronger proposal to raise alcohol of alcohol harms including Justice: Ethics, Effectiveness and Economics of Intervention 17–19 November, Auckland excise tax flies in the face prevention, treatment and 24–26 June, London, United Kingdom Involve provides a gathering where of common sense and rehabilitation services. We This Second European Conference of those who work with young people incontrovertible scientific can learn from the experience the Connections Project will discuss can enhance skills and strengthen evidence. across the ditch. In 1992, the how the different components of connections to promote young people’s drug and alcohol criminal justice positive health and development. The research may be Northern Territory put an interventions and treatments can www.involve.org.nz complex but it is also extra 5 cent levy on every be combined most effectively. irrefutable. Raising the price standard drink sold and used www.connectionsproject.eu/ APSAD 2010: Building on the conference2010 of alcohol reduces the revenue to fund a range of Capital consumption – including alcohol harm prevention and 28 November–1 December, Drug and Alcohol Nurses of among heavy drinkers and rehabilitation measures. Canberra, Australia Australasia 2010 Conference The annual conference of young people – and reduces Evaluation showed significant 14–16 July, Surfers Paradise, Australia Australasian addiction treatment and harms such as car crashes, decline in alcohol-attributable Drugs and Alcohol: Every Nurse’s prevention professionals will focus Business is the theme for 2010. violence and disease. It also mortality as a result. on new alcohol and other drug reduces the likelihood of The World Health Explore the role of nurses and their need to be aware of alcohol and treatment, prevention and policy young or moderate drinkers Organization identifies raising drug-related issues and how to in the Asia Pacific. becoming heavy drinkers. prices as an ideal policy start tackling these appropriately. www.apsadconference.com.au The often heard but instrument for reducing www.danaconference.com.au mischievous sound bite about substance harm. Our 2nd Sport and Alcohol International AIDS Conference Conference: Finding the Balance ‘penalising the majority of Government clearly 18–23 July, Vienna, Austria 9–11 February 2011, Auckland responsible New Zealanders’ understands this when it This is the premier gathering for The relationship between sport and is just cleverly constructed comes to tobacco, yet has those working in the field, policy alcohol will be examined. Those misinformation. New chosen to ignore this advice makers and persons living with interested will range from health Zealanders who drink when it comes to alcohol. HIV to assess and evaluate new educators and programme initiators at developments to move towards club level through to national sporting moderately will incur only Of course, price alone ending the pandemic. Rights Here, organisation representatives, from minor cost increases from a won’t solve the problem, Right Now is the theme for 2010. academics interested in sport/alcohol 50 percent rise in excise tax. which is precisely why the www.aids2010.org advertising to government bodies An average 330ml can of beer Law Commission says responsible for alcohol awareness, Addiction Treatment would cost just 17 cents more, Government should adopt from athletes with first-hand Leadership Day experience to academics discussing and an $11 bottle of wine its recommendations as a 22 July, Auckland potential performance issues related would go up by just 96 cents. package and not just cherry These leadership forums bring to alcohol. In fact, alcohol is already pick the least politically together addiction workforce leaders www.sportandalcohol.com costing us dearly – whether risky options. from different functions: policy, planning, funding, training and 6th International Drugs and through delay in getting The Law Commission’s education, service management and treatment at an emergency final report is comprehensive, delivery, consumers and cultural Young People Conference 2–4 May 2011, Melbourne, Australia department flooded with balanced and firmly evidence- leaders to collaborate on strategy and service delivery. Themed ‘Making the Connections’, intoxicated patients each based. Raising excise tax is no www.matuaraki.org.nz the conference will examine the weekend or through our tax magic bullet, but as part of a complexity and interaction of factors dollars funding the frontline balanced package of Cutting Edge 2010 that influence young people’s lives, services mopping up the measures, it will significantly 22–25 September, Auckland the growing importance of social effects of this epidemic. contribute towards reducing 2010 will be the 15th Cutting Edge media and technology in young people’s lives today and will recognise (Alcohol-related issues suck the ongoing carnage from Conference, New Zealand’s most important alcohol and addiction and celebrate the role that young up at least 18 percent of the alcohol misuse plaguing our treatment meeting. people play in addressing drug harm. total Police budget.) communities. www.cuttingedge2010.org.nz www.adf.org.au It is therefore critical that Happy reading, Ross Bell. www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 01 Cover Story

Hawke’s Bay ganging up on meth Is America mellowing out? Big tobacco spins it wide Does alcohol make you fat? May 2010

Kiwi attitudes to alcohol are in the spotlight following the Law Commission’s release of 153 recommendations for liquor law reform. Keri Welham talks to those at the coalface about New Zealanders’ relationships with alcohol and the damage it visits upon their communities.

02 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 03 In homes We have where there’s 150 kids a lot of alcohol, registered young people get with us. Why very confused. on earth would They see it every we want to day, and they reinforce that need to know this is okay? there’s another Tagaloa Taima Fagaloa way. Barbara Te Kare

The Social Worker There are many parks and green The Rugby League spaces in Glen Innes but parents do not Club President Barbara Te Kare let their children play in them because they have become too dangerous. Often, Social worker at Tamaki College and member Tagaloa Taima Fagaloa of the Glen Innes Drug and Alcohol Group there will be groups of young people in Porirua City Councillor, Pacific Health Director, their late teens binge drinking in the Barbara Te Kare says those opposed to Capital & Coast District Health Board, Chair parks, and broken glass is commonly alcohol price rises need to stop thinking of the Ministerial Advisory Council to Pacific about having to pay a little more for a littered around playgrounds. Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heu Heu When a local stream was recently glass of wine and start considering the Taima Fagaloa wants young people cleaned up, half the litter pulled out positive impact a price rise could have to know that Saturday sport and an in a household where alcohol is abused. of it was alcohol debris – empty cartons after-match beer are not unquestionably “That’s what I’d like people to and bottles. woven together. The Porirua City think more about. In the end, we’ll have Te Kare is concerned about the Councillor is chair of St George Rugby a better quality of life, especially for proliferation of outlets selling alcohol League Club, the board of which has our kids.” in her suburb and their proximity decided to ban alcohol at its home Te Kare is a social worker at Tamaki to schools. ground, Cannons Creek Park, before College. She says Glen Innes, where “It becomes the norm.” and during club games. she has worked in various community The Glen Innes Drug and Alcohol The ban has yet to be put to a full roles over the last 33 years, is a decile 1 Group, which Te Kare has belonged to club meeting but initial feedback location with much state housing, but for about 18 months, relayed to the Law suggests the club’s 120 adult members it’s also a community blessed with Commission its concerns about the ready support the effort to curb the drinking positivity and a vibrant collection availability of alcohol. The group also culture around their sport. of community agencies. called for a liquor ban in public parks Until now, there has been a tendency “There are a small number of people in community neighbourhoods and a for some spectators to bring alcohol to the that cause the majority of the harm rise in both the purchase age and the grounds and for players to drink in the because of alcohol-related issues.” changing rooms or on the fields after the price of alcohol. She says alcohol instigates or game. Recently, children’s Sunday league Te Kare says New Zealanders who accentuates a variety of social problems in games had to be postponed until the are not living in an environment where Glen Innes. Te Kare says alcohol-fuelled changing rooms could be cleared of broken heavy drinking is a concern may be domestic violence is a big problem, as glass from the previous day’s drinking. opposed to a price rise for alcohol, but are the drinking habits of parents whose “We have 150 kids registered with hangovers render them incapable of she hopes they will reconsider that us,” Fagaloa says. “Why on earth would getting up in the morning to get their stance because they can appreciate the we want to reinforce that this is okay?” primary-aged children off to school. potential benefits of making it harder Assuming the motion gets member “In homes where there’s a lot of for heavy-drinking parents and young backing, opposing teams will be informed alcohol, young people get very confused. people to abuse alcohol. not to bring alcohol with them to They see it every day, and they need to “People are worrying too much St George home games. know there’s another way.” about themselves.” The club has also broken the tradition

04 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz The whole experience we went through was very chastening. I don’t drink as NZPA much as I did when we started this project. Sir Geoffrey Palmer

of hosting a rowdy after-match function The Law Commission impact on society. in its local bar following every game. “I can’t tell you it was a pleasant Instead, it promotes selected social President experience. I felt, is this what events throughout the season. Some New Zealand has come to?” individuals may still go for a drink Sir Geoffrey Palmer On-the-ground research, such as Law Commission President and former after each game, but regular post-match the Police patrols, complemented the Prime Minister of New Zealand drinking no longer has the club’s extensive work the Law Commission stamp of approval. Sir Geoffrey Palmer is usually undertook over an 18-month review In 2008, Fagaloa successfully lobbied in bed by 10pm, but in the course of of New Zealand’s liquor laws. The against a liquor licence application for researching the reality of how alcohol commission’s report features 1,300 a bottle store opposite Cannons Creek is used and abused in New Zealand, footnotes, 153 recommendations and School. The shop was to be located the Law Commission President went draws on the sentiments of 50 public between a fruit shop and a library. out on night patrols with Police around meetings and 3,000 submissions. Community meetings drew up to 60 the country until 4am. It was “carnage The recommendations, which will be people (many of them representing other by night” he says. considered by Parliament, are intended concerned community groups), and “I understood the alcohol law. to be bedded in over a 10-year timeframe. about 800 people signed a petition What I didn’t understand was the reality “The whole experience we went opposing the store. On the day of the out there and how it has changed.” through was very chastening. I don’t application hearing, Fagaloa led about In Hamilton, a group of students drink as much as I did when we started 150 noisy protestors from Porirua’s showed him a trio of bars known as “the this project.” Chlamydia Triangle”. They explained shopping centre to the District Court. Sir Geoffrey now drinks one glass of that patrons would drink until intoxicated While the group’s submission to the wine, three or four evenings a week. He in the first two bars, then have sex with hearing was argued primarily on the says all of the researchers working on the random strangers in the toilets at the grounds of hours of trade, Fagaloa and liquor laws project have been similarly third bar. The next day they would have others were concerned about the ease affected by what they’ve learnt and seen. no memory of who they had slept with. with which people could buy alcohol, In Queenstown, Sir Geoffrey saw “It’s the drinking culture you’ve got to the “normalisation” of putting bottle the council’s desperate efforts to clean change. We have got here [in New Zealand] stores next to everyday conveniences vomit off the footpaths each morning to a very unfortunate situation, and we seem such as libraries and takeaway bars, the try and salvage the town’s pristine image to have convinced ourselves there’s advertising for “lolly-type” drinks, which for tourists. nothing we can do about it.” children could plainly see as they came “I don’t think that sort of thing At an ALAC conference in May, and went from school, and the density enhances our civilisation. It certainly Sir Geoffrey said 83 people had been of alcohol outlets in a small community. doesn’t enhance our tourism.” known to drink themselves to death in At one count, Fagaloa says, there were Sir Geoffrey says the Police protect the New Zealand since July 2007, 1,000 more 15 liquor outlets to service a community masses from the reality of New Zealand’s had died from alcohol-related causes of 20,000. drinking culture. Before he went out on and many thousands had been injured “It has been a gloomy picture for the beat, he was as unaware as many as a result of their own or someone us in East Porirua.” other New Zealanders of alcohol’s true else’s drinking. www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 05 Although it’s not a very Kiwi trait to confront friends over their problem drinking, it’s a cultural shift that this country needs. As a strategy, minding your own business doesn’t work. Major Lynette Hutson

Sir Geoffrey was Justice Minister The Addiction around them, from family to employers when this country’s liquor legislation to friends. Hutson says it upsets her to was last overhauled in 1989. Changes at Programme Manager meet the young people whose parents that time included the liberalisation of are using Salvation Army services for Major Lynette Hutson laws to help develop New Zealand’s café drinking-related problems. Most appear Salvation Army’s National Manager for and restaurant scene. haunted and startled. Addictions and Supportive Accommodation “I thought it would help make Everybody has a level of vulnerability, New Zealand a more sophisticated Lynette Hutson’s job encompasses she says, and if too many risk factors society.” all the Salvation Army’s work in collide at one time, people who have Those changes were appropriate and mental health, homelessness and never shown any predisposition to addressed vital issues for that era, but addictions such as to alcohol, drugs problem drinking can suddenly Sir Geoffrey says New Zealand is now and gambling. While alcohol is an area develop severe alcohol addictions. a different country and significant social of concern on its own, it also flows change in the interim has gone unchecked. She has met successful, happy people, through each of these other areas of some of them holding positions of very social need, exacerbating problems for high standing in society, whose lives those already struggling, Hutson says. have been shattered by an unfortunate Things have changed And it’s been a problem New Zealand set of circumstances and the alcoholism enormously. We did too much has battled since the days of early that grew out of their despair. European settlement, when alcohol liberalisation too quickly, “There but for the grace of God surfaced as one of this country’s first go I,” she says. and we didn’t look at the social problems. Hutson would like to see an consequences. “We really haven’t made progress.” increase in taxes on alcohol, restraints Hutson says there is a double standard around the number of liquor outlets in in New Zealand around how alcohol is a community and alcohol taken off the used. “There’s one drink between being shelves of supermarkets. the hero and being the failure, the one “It should never be so entwined everyone looks down on.” Although it’s not a very Kiwi with food and the necessities of life.” trait to confront friends over their She says, in New Zealand culture, problem drinking, it’s a cultural shift there is a worry that you’ll be viewed that this country needs, she says. As as a “wowser” if you speak out against a strategy, minding your own business the easy availability of alcohol. doesn’t work. She takes heart in the recent rise “People withdraw from that person, in tobacco prices and the determination isolate them, and the problem gets worse.” for significant change that this The Salvation Army estimates a illustrated, but, she says, alcohol person’s drinking problem has a reform will be a much bigger fight. significant negative impact on 20 others “It’s more culturally entrenched.”

06 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz I think, in New Zealand, we’ve had an acceptance of gross alcohol consumption and intoxication that I don’t think stands to our credit at all. Clive Geddes

The Party-town Mayor “By the turn of the century, it was submission to the Law Commission, becoming apparent that this high suggesting that liquor licensing hours Clive Geddes concentration of licensed premises… be dictated by the service an Mayor of Queenstown created a whole range of social and establishment is offering to its community problems in the CBD.” customers in terms of host Queenstown is world-renowned as The decision to tackle liquor responsibility and security. New Zealand’s party town, but the licensing was a controversial and Queenstown has another problem daily hangover can wear pretty thin for long road. The mayor drove through with the young hospitality and ski locals whose shopfronts are routinely changes that took effect 2 years ago. industry workers who buy cheap fouled by vomit, whose windows are Now, every liquor licence that alcohol from off-licences and smashed in random acts of violence comes up for renewal will be subject supermarkets, drink at their flats and whose early-morning sleep is to new closing hours. Last drinks will until around midnight, then wander shattered by the incessant, repetitive, be served at 4am, and all punters into town to socialise in bars. If they gnawing screech of Australians must be out by 4.30am – although are too drunk, they are denied entry, chanting, “Oi, oi, oi!” exceptions have been made for which creates problems on the streets It was the need to balance the well run, host-responsible, ticketed, of the town. lifestyle of long-term residents, the one-off events. As a non-drinker, Geddes admits expectations of tourists and the habits So far, only five or six licences it is sometimes difficult to be seen of party-hard seasonal workers that led have come up for renewal, and Geddes vigorously pushing for liquor licensing says it is difficult to gauge a tangible reform. Geddes has not had a drink Queenstown Lakes District Council change in terms of antisocial behaviour. since 1988. “I am one of those people through a tough period of small-town (There were always only a handful of that alcohol doesn’t sit comfortably with.” liquor licensing reform. bars open 24 hours; the majority close But he says New Zealanders’ Clive Geddes has been mayor 9 years, between midnight and 3am.) attitudes to alcohol need to change. but says the need to take a hard look But the debate and resulting change He is dismayed by the ease of access at liquor licensing first arose around in policy has seen a sizeable shift in to alcohol, community acceptance of 12–15 years ago. The council’s district attitude. The licensees and the council drunken antisocial behaviour and sport’s plan allowed 24-hour licences, and there have joined forces with Police and heavy reliance on alcohol sponsorship. were often inebriated people stumbling public health providers to form a “I think, in New Zealand, we’ve around the picturesque lakeside town at liquor liaison group. Together, they’ve had an acceptance of gross alcohol 8am or 9am on a weekday. Workers in instituted council-funded community consumption and intoxication that the CBD would be greeted with urine or guides who patrol the CBD on I don’t think stands to our credit at all.” vomit in their shop doorways. Assaults Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Geddes says he does not want to see and offences against property were The guides intervene in about 30–40 a raft of draconian measures or over- on the rise. situations a night where small regulation of liquor licensing. Rather, There are 90 liquor licences for incidents have the potential to blow he’d like to see sensible regulation and premises within a 500m radius of up into assaults, fights or vandalism. a long-term view to changing Kiwi central Queenstown. The liaison group also made a attitudes to drinking. www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 07 Overall, Staff are we see kids often frustrated not being so by the distinct involved in lack of remorse other activities among the because they patients who are spending have just more [time] monopolised drinking. their time for Deb Fraser an entire nightshift. Dr Paul Quigley

The Youth Addiction Fraser says the earlier young The A&E Doctor people are introduced to alcohol, Service Manager the more likely they are to experience Dr Paul Quigley problem drinking later in life. For this Deb Fraser Emergency Medicine Specialist and Clinical reason, she would support efforts to Toxicologist, Wellington Regional Hospital Director of Dunedin Child and Youth Drug and make alcohol more difficult for young Alcohol Mental Health Service Mirror Services people to purchase. Paul Quigley likes a beer. In fact, he’s a qualified beer taster. “I’m definitely not Deb Fraser works with young people The biggest problem New Zealand into prohibition.” who are tempted by ready access to faces in relation to alcohol is society’s But he is sick of the strain alcohol that is “cheap as chips” and acceptance – even celebration – of drunk Kiwis put on the country’s sold alongside everyday household excessive drinking, she says. hospital emergency department items in supermarkets. Her team deal resources every weekend. Every with children who, by their early teens, Friday and Saturday night, the have already formed problematic workload at ED at Wellington Hospital relationships with alcohol and are facing We still have an attitude doubles as a direct result of alcohol- life-long consequences. Mirror Services that supports excessive related injury and illness. The ward counsellors see young people who are drinking. That attitude is over-run with young drinkers facing charges of violence, have caused is to get drunk as quickly who have wet themselves, soiled injury to others while drink-driving or as possible, without much themselves, fallen over and cut have unwanted pregnancies as a result thought about the their heads. Some are in danger of drunken casual sex. consequences of that. of choking on their own vomit and Fraser agrees with Law Commission have to be closely monitored President Sir Geoffrey Palmer who has all night. spoken of a “sinking lid” among young “They tie up a lot of nursing staff.” people trying alcohol for the first time Dunedin is particularly affected Others, who may have broken and developing drinking habits. by the hard-drinking “southern man” bones or smashed-up faces after an “More young people have access alcohol-related assault, stalk around culture and the excessive-drinking to alcohol younger than they would the ward thinking they need treatment student culture. have in the past,” she says. more than anyone else, intimidating Fraser says parental responsibility When the legal drinking age was those who have come in for heart regarding teenage drinking seems to 20, Fraser says young people were attacks, asthma or with sick children. experimenting at 15 or 16. Now, with be lacking in New Zealand society. Worryingly, some patients have been a legal drinking age of 18, many are At adolescence, Kiwi parents tend to known to leave ED without being drinking by 13 or 14 at the expense start backing off and allowing their seen because of the frightening of other activities such as sport. children greater freedom when they atmosphere the drunk patients create. “Overall, we see kids not being so should actually be taking a much And then there are the alcohol- involved in other activities because they closer interest in their children’s related car crashes. One in five fatalities are spending more [time] drinking.” lives and offering more guidance. on New Zealand roads each year is in an

08 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz Many young people play truant from school to drink in alleyways and parks. They get up to no good, they urinate, they vomit, they get into scuffles, and scuffles can lead to worse things. Adele Hamilton

alcohol-related crash – about 130 “We don’t find it funny,” Quigley The Community deaths. The Ministry of Transport says. ED staff work tight skeleton shifts says, for every 100 alcohol or drug- on the weekend evenings because of Project Leader impaired drivers who die, about funding and union restrictions. Adele Hamilton 80 passengers and sober road users And the impact of alcohol drags into Community Projects Manager at Otara Health die with them. the weekend afternoons as well. Quigley Quigley says legal requirements says Wellington Regional Hospital is Adele Hamilton says Otara suffers looking at collating New Zealand-based mean ED staff have to hold on to drunk under a proliferation of cheap alcohol research on hangovers. Overseas patients – sometimes requiring physical outlets, even though people of all research suggests hangovers have a restraint and sedation – until they sober ages in the community have repeatedly serious economic impact on weekend up or can be released into the care of called for the South Auckland suburb and Monday productivity. Quigley says someone sober. Unfortunately, with the to go dry. emergency departments see a lot of “Otara is strong about banning drinkers who are just 14 or 15, their sports and work injuries on Saturdays alcohol,” Hamilton says, quoting a parents are often too drunk themselves and Sundays among people who are survey where residents’ most popular to come and collect their children hungover. (a family environment of heavy drinking suggestion for curbing alcohol-related crime was to close all liquor outlets in is one of the risk factors for a teen’s the suburb of 33,000-plus residents. early drinking). “A lot of youth come into Otara “In that very young group, that’s Whatever you say because they can get the cheap alcohol. often the way.” about alcohol, it is not a They get intoxicated and make trouble. And when they sober up (deemed sports-enhancing drug. It exhausts our resources.” to be when they get down to the Hamilton is in charge of drink-drive alcohol limit or pass a community projects at Otara Health, variety of physical tests such as a non-government organisation made putting a finger to their nose), staff Quigley says alcohol is no longer up of community health workers, a treat. It is cheap and easily available. are often frustrated by the distinct health promoters and community He says young people buy a bottle of lack of remorse among the patients project teams. Hamilton estimates Jim Beam and a very small bottle of who have just monopolised their alcohol is a factor in up to 30 percent time for an entire nightshift. Coke, mix it and drink it at home so of the organisation’s wide-ranging “There’s no regret.” Some of the they are intoxicated before they hit town. work; from specific alcohol younger ones are boastful. Even the The ED doctor says the biggest programmes, to projects aimed at adults in their 30s and 40s, who are a impact in changing New Zealand’s neighbourhood support and Pacific noticeable presence on the weekends of drinking habits will come from health where alcohol crops up as a events such as the Martinborough Food curtailing off-licence supplies, increasing recurrent problem. and Wine Festival and the Trentham prices and reducing the blood-alcohol Hamilton says Otara Health’s survey, Races, don’t show any embarrassment limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml run to coincide with a Community Board over their lack of self control. of blood down to 50mg. initiative called “Alcohol is no excuse for www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 09 When the producers of alcohol try to minimise the problem, they are talking through a hole in their head. Sergeant Al Lawn

bad behaviour”, also showed that, of all The Police Officer Lawn has five staff on the Canterbury alcohol-related behaviour, Otara residents Police Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement were most concerned about violence. Sergeant Al Lawn Team. They work on proactive measures, Casual drinking is rife in the Otara Officer in charge of the Canterbury Police such as the successful move to a one-way town centre, despite a council liquor Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement Team door policy in Christchurch where, from ban. Hamilton says, from her central 3am onwards, bars have elected to only let Every week, between Thursday night Otara workplace, she sees teenagers who patrons out and not in. This has resulted and Sunday morning, Al Lawn sees a have drunk themselves into a stupor in fewer people milling around the streets theft take place. He says it’s the alcohol when they should be at school. Many severely intoxicated at 6am or 7am. industry’s product stealing Police congregate outside liquor outlets. Lawn’s team has also worked on a officers and hospital beds away from Youth binge drinking is a growing blacklisting system in the student suburb New Zealanders who may have had problem, she says. Many young people of Riccarton where on- and off-licences their car stolen or have a worrisome play truant from school to drink in have joined forces to slap month-long niggle in their chest. alleyways and parks. “They get up to alcohol-purchasing bans on individuals “We’ll try to get there,” Lawn says, who have been, in Lawn’s words, “a dick” no good, they urinate, they vomit, they but it’s more than likely the Police will while drinking. get into scuffles, and scuffles can lead be too busy loading an inebriated But alongside the proactive work, to worse things.” teenager into an ambulance or clearing there is always a depressing amount Hamilton says, while the liquor ban the road after a drink-driving fatality. of reactive alcohol-related policing. has raised awareness and helped change “On a Thursday, Friday, Saturday One recent night, Lawn had to wait attitudes, Police resources are too night, most incidents involve alcohol. for an ambulance to collect a 16-year-old stretched to adequately enforce the ban We run from one job to another.” girl outside an after-ball function. She and deal with the resultant trouble when With 16 years of frontline Police had an expensive dress, new shoes and it is broken. experience, Lawn says he has seen a spent 7 hours in hospital after she Otara Health is a member of the Otara shift in recent years to much higher vomited raspberry-flavoured alcopops Gambling and Alcohol Action Group, consumption of cheap, off-licence alcohol all over Lawn’s car. which says alcohol is having a devastating in private homes before young people “There’s a fine line between alcohol effect on the community as it battles head into town. He quotes research poisoning and death for a little one third-generation unemployment, domestic that shows the average person arrives like her.” violence and a lack of life skills. at an on-licence establishment with The team also trawls through all Hamilton would like to see the 10–13 standard drinks under their skin. fatal car accident files to assess what alcohol purchase age raised, the number He also says 44 percent of alcohol in role, if any, alcohol played in the crash. of liquor outlets in communities reduced, New Zealand is consumed in a drink-to- One Canterbury hotel was found to be a ban on alcohol advertising, licensees get-drunk mentality. the scene of drinking before three heavily audited to ensure they are “It’s nearly half the alcohol consumed. fatalities in 6 months. compliant with all laws and by-laws, When the producers of alcohol try to With the privilege of making money and a policy of strong community input minimise the problem, they are talking out of alcohol goes the responsibility of into those by-laws. through a hole in their head.” looking out for patrons, Lawn says.

10 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz Quotes of Substance

As a former MP, I know how powerful the alcohol lobby can be – the fridge in my office was constantly full of free beer. Former Act MP Deborah Coddington reveals one subtle manoeuvre used by the alcohol industry to influence New Zealand politicians.

One can query whether the CEO of a firm that has made hundreds of millions of dollars out of peddling alcopops to teenagers is the ideal choice to become the civic leader of the city of Auckland. Alcohol is not a normal CAYAD worker Denis O’Reilly is critical commodity. It’s a drug. of Rodney Hide’s appointment of Doug McKay, CEO of Independent Liquor, to the position of Chief Executive of Auckland’s Lawn would like to see the price new Super City Council. of alcohol go up, fewer off-licences and greater restrictions on the hours supermarkets can sell alcohol. He’d Ah, modern life! Your chips also like to eliminate all advertising come ready-salted, pornography is of alcohol product pricing so outlets freely available right there on your cannot compete on price. computer... and if you can’t be “Alcohol is not a normal arsed mixing your spirits and commodity. It’s a drug.” splits, there are a bunch of folks who’ll do it for you. Nationwide liquor retailer Liquorland has It’s your turn to shout! described alcopops as “quite possibly mankind’s greatest achievement”. The Law Commission has completed its comprehensive review of New Zealand’s liquor laws and tabled its report to Parliament on 27 April. The Government is expected soon to respond to the Commission’s 153 recommendations. We expect the Government will It won’t be our licensing introduce a Bill proposing major reform to New Zealand’s liquor law. laws shaming us internationally, Mr McCully, it will be the This Bill will be the most significant chance in 20 years for individuals and communities to drunken behaviour down have their say about what sort of alcohol laws will better serve all our interests and reduce at tent city. alcohol-related harm. Former Act MP Deborah Coddington Make sure your voice is heard: takes a swing at the Government’s unwillingness to fix New Zealand’s liquor • Stay informed through our website: laws before the Rugby World Cup. www.drugfoundation.org.nz/your-turn-to-shout • Have your say on the Drug Foundation and Alcohol Healthwatch blog: www.ourturn2shout.org.nz • Read all 153 recommendations in the Law Commission’s Alcohol In Our Lives: Curbing the Harm: www.lawcom.govt.nz

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www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 11 Guest Editorial

Drug policy under Obama: substance beyond the rhetoric?

Despite pleasing indications that the US may be considering alternatives to the war on drugs, conflicting words and actions make any new direction on the part of the Obama administration ambiguous, argues Allan Clear.

Since President Obama’s election, previous administration. America’s Office of National Drug That said, it also became clear that Control Policy (ONDCP) has been a broader harm reduction approach making noises about a change in its remained taboo. Harm reduction is priorities and approach to illicit drug a health-based approach that takes control, but the jury remains hung, as into account the realities of drug use. Allan Clear little of substance has emerged so far. It actively eschews moralistic and There have been some cautious reasons punitive approaches, such as those for optimism, but recent developments epitomised by the war on drugs. For do make one wonder. the new administration, a philosophy The political appointees within the of inclusion remains beyond the pale. ONDCP give an indication of how this The Commission on Narcotic Drugs new approach may look. New Director (CND) is a high-level United Nations Gil Kerlikowske was latterly Chief of drug meeting during which declarations Police in Seattle – a city with a large and resolutions are developed and needle exchange programme in a part passed down to the United Nations of the country that has integrated a Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) harm reduction approach into its drug in an effort to set global drug policy. strategy and hosts an active drug reform The March 2010 53rd CND meeting in community. New Deputy Director Vienna represented another marker on Tom McLellan is a well known drug how the US would present its new face treatment proponent. to the international community. Last Addressing the term ‘war on drugs’ year’s meeting became a tempestuous was the first change. Kerlikowske declared event over the inclusion of the words it an unhelpful appellation and said ‘harm reduction’ in the major Political changing the tack of the former strategy Declaration that climaxed the meeting. would be like altering the course of a Although it’s a consensus-driven event, massive oil tanker. Even before the 26 countries bolted at the close in appointments, the US publicly reversed protest at the ultimate exclusion of these its position on needle exchange by two words. In the US, harm reduction acknowledging that the science was ranks with socialism or free healthcare. clear and that it works. This was a very It’s incomprehensible that ‘real’ welcome 180 degree turn from the governments use harm reduction

12 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz President Barack Obama as the designated approach to addressing itself. Could it be a uniting force or – no nothing. For better or for worse, drug use. To exclude this language is not would it continue in its familiar, divisive when it comes to global drug policy, only a denial of reality, but also a slap in approach? Things started looking up on what the US says often goes, meaning the face of countries that have already the very first day, with opening speeches this resolution could have a truly positive embraced this approach. from Gil Kerlikowske and Tom McLellan. impact on people’s lives worldwide. As with pretty much all other Both were eminently pragmatic, It was also refreshing to hear Tom progressive change movements, reasonable, knowledgeable – and McLellan critique the shortcomings of discussion and dialogue between camps devoid of war on drugs rhetoric. the current US drug treatment system on under the previous US administration the second day. In contrast to the usual was non-existent. I remember leaving rhetoric that places all the blame for the 52nd CND meeting when an ONDCP In the US, harm failure on users and accredits all good staffer remarked that this was the first reduction ranks with news to the wonders of the current time that the US delegation had been socialism or free healthcare. system, McLellan called for market allowed to meet with ‘drug legalisers’. It’s incomprehensible that driven reforms that would take into Of course, within the ONDCP bubble, account the needs of drug users. any group challenging the prevailing ‘real’ governments use harm But here’s the rub. Despite drug war paradigm is labelled a drug reduction as the designated McLellan’s talk of a market-driven legaliser – a term that, according to US approach to addressing system, the US is still averse to the propaganda, has nothing to do with drug use. inclusion of the words ‘people who use regulating drug markets and everything drugs’ in international resolutions and to do with selling crack to 10-year-olds. documents and continues to actively The drug legalisers that talked to the In fact, the US sponsored a resolution work for the removal of this language. delegation in Vienna last year included that may allow more access to pain Of course, that clause usually appears organisations like the Harm Reduction medication for chronically or terminally in the context of including drug users’ Coalition, Human Rights Watch and the ill patients. This may not seem like a big input into policy and service Washington Office on Latin America – deal in the US, where patients in the last development. If the US is serious all of which seriously critique the stages of illness are often provided with about addressing stigma, exclusion and failings of US drug policies, but none of liberal amounts of pain medication, but discrimination against people who use which have strategies to make drugs legal. this is not a global phenomenon. As a drugs, shouldn’t it come up with a plan The 53rd CND promised to be a more recent report from Human Rights Watch that doesn’t stigmatise, exclude and convivial love fest than last year. We notes, 150 countries have no access to discriminate against them? were promised a new approach and were medical opioids or other effective pain So, despite a seemingly realigned watching to see how the US presented medication. No morphine, no Fentanyl approach to drug policy under the new www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 13 Far left: Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske. Left: ONDCP Deputy Director Dr Tom McLellan. administration, the US remains doggedly Overall, the public face of the US closed visage of paranoia and suspicion. opposed to using the term ‘harm at the 53rd meeting of the CND was a No one really thought McLellan was reduction’. This resistance comes even reasonable one. I found myself more in the true ‘great white hope’, but he did while the US explicitly supports many agreement than disagreement with most signify a positive move for drug users. harm reduction practices. For example, of the statements and presentations. It Now, you have to wonder what will the US statement regarding demand was middle ground; not so much about come next. Will the ONDCP step out of reduction reinforced support for needle the elimination of all drug use and more its comfort zone and move beyond an about a health-centred approach. abstinence-based approach? Will there However, the next and more meaningful be some heft, money and political clout If the US is serious about step must be action. behind the rhetoric? addressing stigma, exclusion The ONDCP is about to release We shall see, but doubts grow. its new drug strategy. At some point and discrimination against in its development, I participated in a This Guest Editorial references blogs Allan has written – to access those links and people who use drugs, 45-minute conference call with Director for other references, please visit shouldn’t it come up with a Kerlikowske and 10 or so drug reform www.drugfoundation.org.nz/allan-clear-blog. plan that doesn’t stigmatise, groups who were invited to make three exclude and discriminate or four points towards the plan. On the Allan Clear is Executive Director of the one hand, it was a tokenistic and US-based Harm Reduction Coalition against them? www.harmreduction.org. nonsensical gesture, but on the other, it was the first time that a diversity exchange as well as every intervention of input was actually considered – authentic or not. It’s hard to tell at this that appears in the UNODC, WHO and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNAIDS Technical Guide for countries point whether the new approach is a to set targets for universal access to HIV cynical placation device or a more prevention, treatment and care for genuine but wary curiosity. injecting drug users. To compound matters, Tom McLellan That said, the US still does not put has announced his resignation. He any level of support into interventions has denied a difference of opinion but that it does not feel are geared towards claims he’s not cut out for government. decreasing drug use, such as safe injection This would come as no surprise if PACIFIC sites and heroin prescription programmes, you’ve talked to him. He has an OCEAN despite evidence they do result in openness, whereas his praetorian guard reductions in the use of illicit drugs. of assistants and protectors have a

14 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz We’re on your side

Black Power life member, former methamphetamine user and now, arguably, one of the country’s most successful anti-P campaigners. This is the story of Denis O’Reilly. It is also a tale of community and about how strange bedfellows like rival Mäori gangs Black Power and the Mongrel Mob are working together to reduce demand for pure methamphetamine. By Kim Thomas.

Denis O’Reilly’s mission was kick-started by the death of his friend Hone Day in 2003. In his own words: “Life was cool, busy and pretty low stress until… a friend [Day], a Black Power leader, took a knife and gutted himself in a bout of methamphetamine-induced Denis psychosis. His death was a shock, both in manner and O’Reilly cause… the emotion of those days [during Day’s tangi] fired my desire for action, kia whakarite, the desire to put things right.” Since Day’s death, O’Reilly – a Päkehä with the distinction of being a patched Black Power member for more than 40 years – has taken an at times unpopular stand against methamphetamine within his gang and in support of like-minded leaders in the Mongrel Mob. He has toured the country spreading an anti-P message and organised a series of concerts where music and free food is accompanied by support for kicking www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 15 I spoke my heart and asked methamphetamine addiction. He’s a The drug was causing very real the gang leaders present… to vital part of a cutting-edge community problems for Hone Day. allow this old fossil to strike initiative to make Hawke’s Bay “Hone had committed murder at methamphetamine-free. 17. He was drunk and killed a milkman. back against this substance O’Reilly’s involvement with Over his years in jail, he had an epiphany, that had taken our friends. methamphetamine began early in the and by the time he came out, he no noughties when he and other senior longer drank or smoked and certainly Black Power members were being didn’t take drugs,” recounts O’Reilly. wooed by methamphetamine suppliers. “He was strongly committed to his “I was going through a low point, Mäoritanga, and he was a fantastic coach. and here was this new stuff that made He had turned his life around and had me feel good and rosy. I took to it like a really bright future. He was appointed a duck to water.” as the New Zealand Mäori Rugby League Within months of starting using the Coach and started university studies. drug, O’Reilly began to experience its “But Hone got seduced into trying negative effects. meth. It seemed to help him with his “I absolutely understand, from studies, which were pretty full-on, but personal experience, what an addictive within a short time, he was exhibiting drug it is. I started to become abusive, bizarre behaviours.” and my family noticed my behaviours Day’s friends recognised the danger were getting pretty odd.” methamphetamine posed and took The drug was also seriously affecting him out of Auckland and away from other Black Power members. his suppliers. For some time, he stayed “We had a number of guys commit clean, O’Reilly says. suicide. The Mob was experiencing a Meanwhile, the drug was taking its similar thing, their losses mainly being toll on others, with more Black Power from heart attacks. I came to my senses. members committing suicide. I remember holding my Day returned to Auckland to attend methamphetamine pipe in my hands one of the tangi and started using P again. and putting it in the rubbish bin. I said, Within a short time, he was using ‘Fuck it, that’s enough.’ I knew this heavily and took his own life. drug was different. I realised it had the At Day’s tangi, O’Reilly and other potential to cause some real problems.” senior gang leaders got together to talk

16 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz about methamphetamine. “A few of the brothers would rather I “I spoke my heart and asked the gang shut my mouth about methamphetamine leaders present… to allow this old fossil and would happily shut it for me. That to strike back against this substance that tension is still there.” had taken our friends, and in the O’Reilly’s efforts within Black Power moment, I won their agreement. caught the attention of then Associate “We started thinking that more of our Health Minister Jim Anderton. O’Reilly men had died encountering this substance and his team were funded to undertake than in the gang wars. It was the enemy. a study for the Ministry of Health and “I said we need to move against this visited methamphetamine users, drug and start protecting our families.” distributors, their families and The gathering of Black Power chapter communities. leaders gave O’Reilly a mandate to “We concluded that, rather than finger wagging and demonising users, a more productive approach was to be optimistic and let those struggling with We’re trying to encourage the substance know ‘we are on your people to figure things out for side’,” O’Reilly says. themselves and to self-identify “We’re trying to encourage people the behaviours that impede a to figure things out for themselves and to positive future for themselves self-identify the behaviours that impede a positive future for themselves and their and their families. We want families. We want to promote hope to promote hope within a within a whänau.” whänau. That job is not always easy with methamphetamine readily available. “When people are unemployed and desperate, there is the perception that campaign against methamphetamine, and there’s lots of money to be made from P. he began travelling around marae for hui “Someone gets out of prison, about the substance’s negative effects. wants to make some money selling In some quarters, O’Reilly’s message methamphetamine… we can’t really was met with hostility. stop people selling. That’s a reality… www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 17 I am absolutely but what we can do is work hard to Eagles has performed concerts promoting convinced we can not only reduce demand.” an anti-methamphetamine message in have a methamphetamine-free ‘Socially conscious’ leaders from the association with O’Reilly. major Mäori gangs have played their part Walsh and O’Reilly met in the 80s Hawke’s Bay, but a in demand reduction, O’Reilly says. when the Eagles’ guitarist and songwriter methamphetamine-free In March 2005, Black Power and toured New Zealand. When the tour New Zealand. Mongrel Mob national leaders came visited Waiohiki Marae in Hawke’s Bay, together for a wänanga or learning- where O’Reilly lives, he took Walsh up Stellar Trust CEO Mike Williams focused hui in Hastings. The Sensible to the ancient pä site of Ötätara. Sentencing Trust also took part. There, Walsh, a cocaine and “I think that event confirmed to us methamphetamine addict, had an that community coalitions are the way ‘epiphany’ that would lead to him going to go in countering methamphetamine. clean, and an enduring friendship was When key leaders of both gangs are established between the two men, agreeing that the stuff is no good, then O’Reilly says. it gives permission to the wise and brave Three decades later, Walsh offered to to take a stance. Similarly, when criminal help in the fight against methamphetamine justice hardliners like the Sensible by staging a ‘Sinners Tour’. He performed Sentencing Trust are prepared to support at three concerts in 2004: at the such positive shifts, you can see change New Zealand Parliament; Ötätara Pä; is possible.” and Hoani Waititi Marae in Auckland. It’s not only New Zealanders who During the concerts, Walsh told have supported O’Reilly’s mission. audiences: “Methamphetamine is evil. American rock legend Joe Walsh of the If you are involved in bringing it into the

18 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz I have tried it. It is a dead end. It goes nowhere. It’s a demon, and it eats your soul from inside you. If you are doing meth, I say to you, no matter how awful things are, they will get worse beyond your wildest imagination. But you can come back, as hopeless as it looks. Joe Walsh country or selling it or manufacturing O’Reilly says he and his team “With a foundation sponsor on board, it… you will eventually be responsible decided to use the Ötätara Pä site as we managed to convince others to put in for people’s deaths. a healing space and start running modest sums. John Key sent a letter of “I have tried it. It is a dead end. It goes concerts there. encouragement,” O’Reilly says. nowhere. It’s a demon, and it eats your Every February in Hawke’s Bay, there Paul Holmes, a Stellar Trust soul from inside you. If you are doing is a big local concert called the Mission ambassador whose daughter Millie meth, I say to you, no matter how awful Concert. The theme this year was has battled methamphetamine things are, they will get worse beyond Motown. O’Reilly says he decided to addiction, spoke. your wildest imagination. But you can ‘come in on the shoulder’ of publicity “He showed his heart, wearing it come back, as hopeless as it looks.” about the Mission event and hold a on his sleeve, and his sincerity reached Late last year, O’Reilly and his ‘Mäori Motown’ concert. every listener. His honesty reminded us supporters reflected on their progress. It was an alcohol-free, patch-free that wealth and fame give no protection They decided the possibility of recovery event, with a ‘you can beat when meth comes visiting the whänau that Walsh spoke about was key. methamphetamine’ message. home,” says O’Reilly. “We’d been on about the negative Entertainers such as Frankie Stevens Paul Holmes says he just stood consequences of methamphetamine performed. up and told them “our story” of meth. for a while and decided to change About 1,400 people, mainly “Our family went through 4, maybe the emphasis to being on recovery. families and those dealing with 5 years of hell with our girl… the crowd The Notorious chapter of the Mongrel methamphetamine addiction, she was mixing with seemed to change. Mob had shown a way forward by attended the event. Her behaviour became unusual and erratic. partnering with the Salvation Army The Stellar Trust – which raises We had no idea what was happening. and successfully running a 7-week money for programmes aimed at Until some months before her first arrest, residential recovery programme for reducing the use of methamphetamine I suppose. Looking back, I suppose, I just 12 Mob families.” – provided some sponsorship. waited for the crash, for the train smash. www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 19 0 • Otata h 201 ra Am The people who showed up 12t ph it ary he ru at b re Fe • • F d ra n n in such numbers that evening a k B ie n S w t o e t v o e n M s showed me there is real local i r •

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It came one Sunday afternoon in a community to get help for individuals message from the Police that she was and whänau confronting being held on serious charges and she methamphetamine addiction. wanted me to engage a lawyer.” “Mäori Motown has catalysed Holmes reckons Mäori Motown some excellent community action. was an “incredible event” for There is a movement abroad in the the community. Hawke’s Bay, and I’ve attended three “The people who showed up in hui since, all of which propose a such numbers that evening showed common methamphetamine-related me there is real local interest in doing agenda: wind down the hype and the something about this evil bloody stuff.” demonisation of users; increase the He describes O’Reilly’s work as clinical treatment and other addiction “wonderful”. recovery services; and support whänau “Policing can’t fix the problem. confronting methamphetamine.” It has to be done through community He is working with organisations initiatives, through education. Denis such as the Stellar Trust, the local is highly motivated.” health board, community groups and Buoyed by the success of Mäori addiction services. Motown, Walsh gifted O’Reilly US$5,000 Stellar Trust Chief Executive to continue running monthly concerts at Officer Mike Williams says O’Reilly Ötätara with an anti-methamphetamine has been a “mentor” in the area of message. methamphetamine use and addiction. O’Reilly says his goal for 2010 is to “He’s very concerned about work with others in the Hawke’s Bay methamphetamine and its effects,

20 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz particularly on young people. of support for users who want to Policing can’t fix the He’s a skilled social activist and has give up and their families. This could problem. It has to be experience of a person very close to range from providing users with a done through community him with a serious P problem.” mentor who has experienced Williams says O’Reilly is methamphetamine abuse to more initiatives, through education. playing a major role in the intensive addiction rehabilitation Denis is highly motivated. methamphetamine-free Hawke’s Bay services. Paul Holmes initiative being devised. If the Hawke’s Bay initiative is The initiative is likely to involve successful, it could be expanded to billboards promoting the meth-free other parts of the country, Williams says. message and letterbox drops of O’Reilly is likely to be involved in information about what behaviours such a development. accompany methamphetamine use. He says the campaign against The campaign is also likely to methamphetamine will be a long, educate communities about signs hard haul, but a worthwhile one. someone is manufacturing “I am absolutely convinced we can methamphetamine in their not only have a methamphetamine-free neighbourhood and to encourage them Hawke’s Bay, but a methamphetamine- to report suspicious activity to Police, free New Zealand.” Williams says. Methamphetamine users will share O’Reilly writes a column Ngä Kupu Aroha their stories in the media. (Words of Love) on www.nzedge.com. Williams says a key part of the Kim Thomas is a Christchurch-based writer. initiative will be setting up a network www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 21 Big tobacco hires whaling guy to astroturf

One vocal opponent of the tobacco tax increase has been the Association of Community Retailers (ACR), a group that describes itself as a “grassroots organisation” of “small, independent family-run retail outlets”. However, a few surface scratches reveal the group’s ‘corner dairies owned and operated by mum and dad’ membership to be a façade. Keith Ng suggests the deception has been so clumsy it borders on comedy.

According to the Association of The evidence of this connection wasn’t retailers. Yet, when National Radio and Community Retailers (ACR), more buried very deeply. Scoop journalist The New Zealand Herald phoned the expensive cigarettes mean dairies are more Rory MacKinnon saw articles freely ‘members’ listed on the association’s likely to get robbed. Seriously? It wasn’t quoting the ACR and became suspicious website, most had never heard of it, and worth robbing a dairy when cigarettes about who they were. He got me none said they were members. Despite cost $13.30 a packet, but at $14.10 a suspicious, and I found the ACR shared the fact that nobody could find a paying packet, robbery suddenly becomes a PO box with Inwood’s PR firm, Omeka member, the ACR had two part-time economically viable? This ridiculous Public Relations. The ACR sent out its employees. argument was turned into ACR press press releases using a company called It was all a bit of a joke. Of course, releases, and the media ran with it. SpinItWide and shared an office with Inwood could take money from Imperial However, the ACR’s lobbying them too. SpinItWide is owned by Tobacco – and possibly others – with campaign wasn’t really being directed Glenn Inwood. one hand, then fund the ACR with the by Murray of Murray’s Barber Shop and The next day, Green confirmed to other and claim that there’s no direct Beauty Salon in Timaru. Behind the The New Zealand Herald that Inwood link between the two. Maybe he’s just scenes, was Wellington spin-doctor helped set up the ACR. On National a generous guy and smoking is a Glenn Inwood, who is internationally Radio, Green said, “The association worthy cause. infamous as the spokesperson for the doesn’t get any funding from Imperial Likewise, the ACR’s spokespersons Japanese whaling industry. Inwood also Tobacco. Glenn might... he might get Richard Green and Murray Gibson could works for Imperial Tobacco and is paid by Imperial Tobacco, but that’s his say that they spent the last 3 years connected with the New Zealand business.” Inwood told the same reporter fighting on the same side as big tobacco Association of Convenience Stores, an that “Imperial Tobacco has not funded, because it just happened to coincide industry group that represents Imperial or directly funded, the ACR”, but that he with their interests as smaller retailers. Tobacco, British American Tobacco and pays its cost. And if they get money from Inwood, confectionery brands like Cadbury and The association’s money is supposed well, maybe he thought they were good Tip Top. to come from its members – that is, small blokes and got them to help out on some

22 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz ‘Astroturfing’ denotes political, advertising or public relations campaigns that are formally planned by an organisation, but are disguised as spontaneous, popular ‘grassroots’ behaviour. The term refers to AstroTurf, a brand of synthetic carpeting designed to look like natural grass. Wikipedia

stuff. All we can do is laugh. The list of bad news is much longer. wanted to address a wider range of The good news is the ACR was active ACR’s predecessor, the Stay issues: alcohol, chocolate and sweets, for a week and only managed to sneak into Displays Coalition, was practically the as well as tobacco, and it hired two a handful of stories before it was snuffed same organisation. Founded in 2007, it new staff to do so. It looked to be gearing out. It has been discredited, and Green was backed by Inwood and fronted by up to fight on a wider range of issues. Green and Gibson. It claimed to be a What might have driven this change? grassroots organisation of small retailers One of Inwood’s business associates is while it lobbied exclusively for the Carrick Graham, formerly of British Of course, Inwood could interest of big tobacco. It made American Tobacco. Graham represents take money from Imperial submissions to Select Committees, it the New Zealand Association of Tobacco – and possibly others lobbied Government, it claimed to be Convenience Stores. Its premium members are: British American Tobacco, – with one hand, then fund the the voice of small retailers, it planted stories in the media. Cadbury, Coca Cola, Bluebird, Herbert ACR with the other and claim It was the same people using the Morton, Imperial Tobacco, Tip Top, that there’s no direct link same tactics to push the same agenda Mars, Nestlé and Streets. between the two. Maybe as the ACR. In 2008, Mark Peck, then They got sloppy with ACR, but don’t he’s just a generous guy and Director of the Smokefree Coalition, let that fool you. They can operate these said he “strongly suspects the tobacco astroturf organisations right under our smoking is a worthy cause. noses, and it won’t be long till they try industry is providing support for the again – and they won’t be so careless Stay Displays Coalition”. The media next time. and everyone else continued to take and Gibson have outlived their usefulness Stay Displays at face value. Keith Ng is a freelance journalist as mouthpieces for big tobacco. And the Stay Displays operated for 3 years. and author of the OnPoint blog: fact that big tobacco used the whaling What’s worse, Stay Displays www.publicaddress.net/onpoint. guy to do their PR? Comedy gold. changed into the ACR because it www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 23 The slow death of the ACMD

As part of its drug law review, the Law Commission has recommended an overhaul of our Government’s drug classification body – the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs. Internationally, these independent advisory bodies play an important role by injecting scientific expertise into the often fraught politics of drug policy. Jeremy Sare details how Britain’s drugs advisory body, the ACMD, has been systematically undermined by petty politics.

If the UK’s Advisory Council on the illusory ‘messages’ they send out to Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) were a vehicle, young people. it would be a beat-up old VW camper Of the Advisory Council, Callaghan van. Formerly sturdy, multi-functional set a high ambition – it should have and efficient, its successive owners’ “a strategic planning role…for treatment, negligent behaviour has reduced it to rehabilitation, education and research.” a barely drivable wreck. Only a huge In 2010, it carries out precisely none overhaul could now save it from its last of those functions. Jeremy Sare ride to the scrapheap. Ruth Runciman (ACMD member The Council has suffered from serial 1974–1995) recalled how the Council was intellectual assault by politicians and held in much higher esteem in its early commentators over the last 10 years. years. For one thing, they did not spend The public may well equate ‘ACMD’ most of their time bickering with ministers with the word ‘resignation’ – there have about the classification of various drugs, been seven in as many months following but on considerably more weighty studies, the sacking of its Chair, Professor David aiming to actually address and reduce Nutt, last November. the impact of drugs on people’s lives. Of course, the Council wasn’t always The majority of her tenure was so maligned and marginalised. It was governed by successive Conservative established on 1 January 1973 when the Secretaries of State, such as Michael Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 first came into Howard. But despite the Tories’ force. The opening words of Section 1 notoriously robust views on criminal of the Act, “There shall be constituted… justice, they proved quite receptive to [an] Advisory Council”, underlined its their experts’ advice and were “always pre-eminence in all governmental prepared to engage”. considerations relating to drugs. Baroness Runciman chaired the Home Secretary ‘Sunny’ Jim Callaghan, Council’s three ‘AIDS and Drug Misuse’ latterly Labour Prime Minister (1976–79), reports whose recommendations had a presented the legislation to Parliament major influence on drug policy across in a cogent and confident speech. many countries. The pressures around Callaghan, to his credit, recognised drugs were not materially different then, “the social, educational and medical but the Government’s response on AIDS approaches are as important as the legal”. proved to be sound and humane. His studied and patient address to MPs She recently told The Times, “The contrasted markedly to the shrill and [ACMD report] attracted considerable emotional tub-thumping of more recent public and press hostility. Nevertheless, holders of the drugs brief. They have Margaret Thatcher’s government, after invariably tied legal changes to the some hesitation, took the bold step of

24 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz accepting the ACMD’s recommendations be the most dysfunctional Parliamentary compile a report that was in parts quite and implementing a wide range of harm Act of any recent government. shoddy and incomplete. It is the only reduction initiatives including needle Blair gave way to Brown in 2007, ACMD publication I have read that is exchanges. As a result, we now have and the new Prime Minister immediately less than excellent. one of the lowest rates in Europe of HIV made clear his intention to reverse the I spoke to a current member who among drug users.” downward reclassification of cannabis. witnessed the whole sorry episode. The What has been largely overlooked in Unfortunately, he appeared oblivious member revealed that the Council only the ensuing years is that these reports were to the ACMD’s existence. He installed had about 2 hours to consider the whole not agreed by the Home Secretary but by Jacqui Smith as Home Secretary to force report and described the meeting as the Health Secretary (Kenneth Clarke). The this media-driven change, regardless of “rushed with little discussion… people decline in the status of the ACMD can be the scientific evidence or the well were left a bit open-mouthed… shocked, traced precisely to the eventual dominance documented views of the experts. amazed, baffled at the whole process.” of the criminal justice approach to drugs Something had to give. The confidence of the Council was policy. For a recent example, the debates hardly strengthened when the interim on controlling mephedrone were carried Chair, Professor Les Iversen, described through Parliament by Police Minister The real problem for the as “very stressed”, was hauled out before David Hanson. ACMD is that it is required to the end to announce its findings to the The drafting of the Drugs Act 2005 provide scientific justifications voracious press. proved to be a seminal moment for the A Home Office official, who wished ACMD. In October 2004, Prime Minister for what are essentially to remain anonymous, summarised the Tony Blair invited several senior Police political questions. Council’s current predicament. “The real over to No 10 Downing Street and problem for the ACMD is that it is required seemingly asked them to spill out any to provide scientific justifications for half-baked suggestions for new tough Former ACMD Chair Professor David what are essentially political questions.” laws on drugs. Not only were the ACMD Nutt said, “I think the downward spiral That may be something of a truism, not treated with equal respect, they were for the Council began with the mushrooms but the collapse in standing of the not even invited to comment. saga but got decidedly worse when Brown ACMD can also be attributed directly It was not until the Bill had reached came into office and tried to get tough on to the denigration of independent its Committee stage that ministers cannabis. Jacqui Smith then took on this scientific advice. This is an inevitable conceded, begrudgingly, they had a duty challenge, and the two of them lobbied consequence of a government working to consult the ACMD over the proposed, aggressively against the ACMD for the to an agenda dominated by news heavy-handed restrictions on magic full duration of her term. As soon as management. mushrooms. A cursory email was sent I tried to fight back, I was sacked.” David Nutt’s new group, the round, but the Council’s protesting Dr John Marsden of the Institute of Independent Scientific Committee on responses were largely ignored. Psychiatry was one of a host of eminent Drugs (ISCD), is already a lap ahead of the academics to resign from the ACMD ACMD in terms of expertise. Although in disgust at Nutt’s treatment. it has yet to determine its relationship He said, “There was a categorical There was a categorical with government, the ISCD is clearly in rejection by ministers of a nuanced rejection by ministers of a a strong position to usurp the ACMD’s debate about the health and social risks nuanced debate about the intellectual authority on drug science. and harms of drug use, because a ‘strong health and social risks and Nevertheless, the ACMD is still the message’ had to be sent out to the public. statutory body, pending any future review harms of drug use, because The ACMD was rapidly heading in a of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. a ‘strong message’ had to be pointless direction.” Anyone in the drugs field would agree Although the government tried sent out to the public. this decrepit old banger, the ACMD, needs briefly, like a negligent parent, to mend full service and repair. But it would relations with its own drug scientists, also benefit hugely from a transfer of The Drugs Act evolved into a series clearly its heart was not in it. Its first ownership to the Department of Health of pointless, posturing measures aimed test was controlling the new synthetic where scientific truth can more easily primarily at the tabloids prior to the amphetamine mephedrone; it co-exist with politics. Only something 2005 election. These included additional failed miserably. fundamental can prevent all the wheels penalties for dealing “in the vicinity of The process was badly hampered by coming clean off. school premises”, a law that has hardly a fatal lack of expertise in the rump of ever been utilised. The provisions have had the remaining Council. When the media Jeremy Sare is a freelance journalist next to no impact on policing, prevalence, demanded swift action, the ACMD was based in the UK. treatment or drug education. It appears to compelled by ministers to hurriedly www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 25 Moving on MODA: a proposed new approach to personal possession

The Law Commission is considering submissions on Controlling and Regulating Drugs – its issues paper on the reform of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Sanji Gunasekara outlines some key points from the Drug Foundation’s submission about a new approach to personal possession of drugs.

The Drug Foundation has long had an Any drug law reform in New Zealand interest in dragging our 35-year-old drug must comply with our obligations under law into the 21st century. We agree with international conventions. But even within the Commission that the Act is outdated such a prohibitionist framework, there and does not reflect current understanding is flexibility to direct more people away of drug use and related health, social from the criminal justice system and into and economic harms. Debate relating to assessment, education and treatment. drug law reform tends to be influenced In our submission to the Law Commission, we outline several principles Sanji by ideology and political rhetoric rather Gunasekara than the best available evidence, and we believe should underpin a more effective approach to personal possession this has not helped the development and use of drugs. Such an approach of effective drug law. should not encourage drug use nor Underlying our submission is the view patterns of use that may increase harm: that drug use should be viewed primarily it should direct dependent drug users through a health and social lens rather into education and treatment; it should than a criminal justice one. As such, we reduce the adverse social costs of being welcome efforts at rebalancing our drug apprehended for minor drugs offences; laws so that efforts to curb supply are it should move supply of drugs away better supported by measures to reduce from large-scale, criminal, commercial demand and minimise harm. For decades, suppliers; and it should free up Police funding for prevention and treatment and the courts to deal with more services has been woefully inadequate. serious crimes. Funding for these crucial areas must The Drug Foundation believes a new increase significantly if benefits from the approach to personal use for adults could proposed legislative changes are to be combine aspects from an infringement fully realised. scheme with aspects from a formal

26 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz cautioning/referral scheme. This type of assessment by a treatment professional of people using cannabis in the past approach is known as ‘prohibition with at the first instance. Once again, failure 12 months decreased from 19 percent civil penalties’ and is currently in use in to comply would result in a sanction in 2002 to 12 percent in 2007, a similar various jurisdictions overseas including that could take the form of diversion. decline to that observed in other states Western Australia (WA). The primary rationale for a across Australia. Notably, a higher differentiated response is to ensure proportion of the WA public believe that those who are in greatest need of that cannabis is harmful than did before The primary rationale for assessment and treatment receive it, while the scheme came into place, refuting a differentiated response is to avoiding overburdening the treatment predictions that such schemes portray the sector with users who are not dependent. ensure that those who are in message that cannabis use is not harmful. In general, users of higher risk drugs For example, the proportion agreeing greatest need of assessment such as methamphetamine are more that ‘people usually have a good time and treatment receive it, while likely to be in need of assessment and when they use cannabis’ fell from 57 avoiding overburdening the treatment than users of lower risk of percent to 39 percent, and the proportion treatment sector with users harm drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy. believing that ‘using cannabis once a Recent research has shown that only who are not dependent. month was not dangerous’ fell from 10 percent of those who use cannabis meet 40 percent to 28 percent. Of course, it criteria for dependence at some point is essential that the implementation of in their lives. Similar data from WA such a scheme should be accompanied by Crucially, we believe any response shows that possibly 0.2 percent or less a high profile public education campaign must differentiate between lower risk of those with a cannabis use disorder on the harms of drugs and the laws that drugs such as cannabis (which tend also are ever likely to be apprehended by apply. The scheme should also be subject to have higher prevalence) versus higher the Police. Mandatory education of all to ongoing monitoring and review. risk drugs such as methamphetamine adults apprehended with cannabis is The Drug Foundation recognises (with generally a lower prevalence). For therefore clearly not feasible or necessary. youth are more vulnerable to drug-related lower risk drugs, we favour a mandatory harms than adults. As such, we infringement scheme operating beside a recommend that all youth apprehended direct referral scheme for users of higher In Western Australia, the with drugs receive an intervention that risk drugs. couples a caution or warning with at Under our proposed scheme, the proportion of people using least one mandatory educational session. personal possession of all illicit drugs cannabis in the past 12 months This session would aim to increase would remain illegal. Persons found in decreased from 19 percent in knowledge and understanding of the possession of small amounts of cannabis 2002 to 12 percent in 2007. harms associated with drug use and (and other drugs deemed to be low risk should be flexible enough to provide such as ecstasy) would receive an or refer those who need it for further infringement notice and self-help Of course, the level of compliance assessment and counselling. resources. Fines would be proportionate with an infringement/education scheme Our submission on the MODA review to the offence, and all drugs would be is integral to the viability of any such covers a range of issues beyond personal confiscated. As an alternative to a fine, approach. Data from WA demonstrates possession and use. Our other key offenders could chose to attend an that about 75 percent of those receiving recommendations include the need for education session. Those not complying infringements eventually complied with a comprehensive review and improved with a fine or education session would face their penalty. There are also strong process for the classification of drugs, an additional administrative fee but would economic grounds to support such an a reorientation of enforcement resources not be prosecuted through the courts. approach. According to the WA Health towards large-scale commercial drug Those receiving repeated Minister, “The Cannabis Infringement dealers and the need for much stronger infringement notices within a stipulated Notice scheme has also proven to be regulation of non-conventional drugs to period (for example, 2 years) are likely cost-effective, saving an estimated avoid a repeat of the party pills fiasco. to have a dependence problem. We $2 million over 3 years when compared We also agree with the need to reform recommend such persons be required to with the alternative of minor cannabis the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction complete a comprehensive assessment. offenders being dealt with by magistrates’ Act 1966, another obsolete piece of Failure to comply would result in some courts and clogging up the justice system.” legislation that is clearly inconsistent form of sanction such as a diversion Concerns that this type of approach with the rights and protections in the scheme. may lead to an increase in drug use New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Persons found in possession of small appear to be unfounded. Following the amounts of higher risk drugs such as introduction of the WA scheme in 2004, Read our full submission online at methamphetamine or opiates would be there were actually reductions in www.drugfoundation.org.nz/moda. required to attend a compulsory cannabis use. For example, the proportion www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 27 Quotes of Substance New Zealand News

Our marae are Govt back down on Tobacco tax rise Highest Easter road toll under attack… Many alcohol tax in 17 years marae are bereft of The government Police Inspector John kaumätua that should immediately binned one of McClelland said the be there leading by the key recommendations biggest factors behind the good role models for of the Law Commission’s worst Easter road toll in our young. But they meticulous 514-page review 17 years were alcohol and die prematurely from of this country’s liquor laws. speed. Eleven people died heart problems, “National’s refusal to on the roads over Easter diabetes, all sorts. increase excise duty by weekend – the highest It can all be related 50 percent to cut alcohol number since 1994. In the back to the impact consumption was a reminder 7 days to 9 April, a total of tobacco. that, although the passage of 21 people died. Te Roopu Hauora o Te of liquor legislation through Arawa Chair Kiri Potaka- Parliament has traditionally Proposal to reclassify Dewes explains the impact been subject to the conscience Smokers have been hit with LSD a no-go of tobacco on marae votes of individual MPs, a tax rise that will see the The Expert Advisory throughout New Zealand. party politics still rule average cost of a packet of Committee on Drugs recently when it comes to tangling 25s rise by $1.10. Scheduled looked at reclassifying LSD with the vested interests of further rises will bump the from a Class A to a Class B There would the liquor and hospitality price up by nearly $5 a packet or Class C substance. It hardly be a case, industries,” The Herald’s – or 30 percent – by 2012. concluded that LSD was particularly involving John Armstrong said. The increase follows violence, that comes recent lobbying by the Mäori incorrectly classified based on before the court that Party for stiff anti-smoking the evidence of the risks and Bloody idiots down harms it poses. Nevertheless, does not have alcohol on the farm measures to be put in place and as a factor. coincides with developments Associate Health Minister across the Tasman where a Peter Dunne was quick to District Court Judge John one-hit 25 percent rise has shoot the proposal down, Walker says alcohol or been announced alongside arguing that the case for drugs contribute to 80 a ban on flashy packaging. change was not supported percent of cases before The New Zealand by the whole Committee district courts and are rarely Government says the tax hike and that the arguments absent in serious violent will save 300 lives by 2021 and were theoretical. offending cases. encourage 40,000 of around 900,000 smokers to quit. Cop caught drinking on the job New Zealand’s drinking culture Bid to ban booze buses A police officer from did not just happen. ‘Party buses’ are dropping Gisborne has been snapped It has been created drunk and violent customers drinking beer out of a funnel and sustained by into inner Christchurch in while on duty at a music those who profit Two men were arrested such large numbers that festival. The officer was on from it. and summoned to appear in Police say they are unable duty at Rhythm and Vines in late January when he was Waikato DHB Health court in Queenstown last to deal with all the problems offered the beer by a group Protection Advisor Ross month for allegedly driving caused. They say, on weekend a tractor home after a night’s of merrymakers. District Henderson says the nights, about 1,000 drinkers drinking. A resident heard are being ferried into the city Commander Sam Hoyle industry deliberately his tractor being driven in a after touring pubs on buses said the officer, his direct targets the youth market, paddock and called Police. described as ‘mobile function supervisor and colleagues especially young women, The two men, 18 and 22, centres’, and that the mobile would be interviewed as part with RTDs and with told Police they had been nature of the buses made them of an internal investigation stronger and stronger drinking at a friend’s place difficult to police effectively. and that the officer in question products. and had started up the tractor Drivers often struggle to would not be stood down with the intention of driving monitor their passengers’ while the investigation continued on page 30 home, 3km across town. behaviour, they also said. was underway.

28 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz British American Tobacco “Six hundred Mäori die found that smoking was Ryall said he would leave the grilled by Mäori MPs every single year from tobacco, considerably reduced through problem in the hands of local yet there is no recognition of the use of all three products. health authorities. that anywhere. There’s ample “They’re already putting international and historical Funding lack kills youth several hundred thousand evidence that the tobacco health centre dollars a year into the centre, companies have always and it’s best to leave it for the targeted indigenous people local people get the solution.” and people of colour,” he said. BAT argued there is nothing Bouncing to become wrong with displaying more academic tobacco in view of children because smoking is legal. Bouncers in Christchurch

NZPA/David Alexander NZPA/David have been the first in New technologies may Christchurch’s 198 Youth New Zealand to require Brigham, left, and Mei Riwai-Couch flank help smokers quit Health Centre closed its doors a hospitality security their coffin adorned with cigarette packages qualification. The city’s 45 at the Mäori Affairs Select Committee Research from the for the last time on 30 April. inner-city bars adopted the inquiry into the tobacco industry. University of Otago may The centre had been providing sexual health, mental health new policy on 1 April 2010. In March, British American soon lead to two nicotine and GP services for young Christchurch Police have been Tobacco (BAT) – which replacement products – people for 15 years. Founder concerned about the ease with controls 75 percent of all Zonnic and snus – becoming which anyone could become cigarette sales in New Zealand more commonly available in and GP Sue Bagshaw says the a doorman and questioned – put its case to the Mäori New Zealand. Both products centre was “starved to death” bouncers’ awareness of the Affairs Select Committee as are nicotine-filled sachets and had not had a funding to why it should be allowed that, when placed in the increase in 3 years. Sale of Liquor Act. to continue tobacco displays mouth, allow nicotine to be “We’ve always been To get accreditation, in shops. swiftly absorbed. Results under-funded. We’ve always aspiring bouncers will first Hone Harawira told BAT indicate that most smokers made up the shortfall by have to be trained in host representative Graeme Amey preferred Zonnic and snus to community grants and trusts, responsibility, combating that as many Mäori died each nicotine gum and that there but this year, it was just too drink-spiking, use of force, year from tobacco as died in were significantly fewer side big a shortfall,” how to deal with intoxicated the Second World War. effects. The research also Health Minister Tony people and self-defence.

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www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 29 Quotes of Substance

The Act has not Pilot programme targets Air NZ’s liquor-related 85 percent support for an adult been comprehensively after-match bingeing racial profiling limit of 0.05 or lower – which reviewed since its Air New Zealand has equates to two or fewer drinks. enactment 35 years apologised for its crew manual, ago, and a first which profiled passengers More liquor outlets = principles review by nationality and instructed more drunken incidents was needed. flight attendants to watch Research carried out by the Minister of Justice Simon out for Tongans because they Population Studies Centre at Power welcomes the Law want to “drink the bar dry”. Waikato University has come Commission’s Misuse of It told flight staff that Tongan up with a model that relates Drugs Act review. people were “softly spoken, the level of alcohol-related reserved people”, but many harm in an area to its number could take advantage of free of liquor outlets. The research There’s not a single, in-flight alcohol. It also said established that, in Manukau, solitary chance that, as many young Tongan men an addition of a single extra long as I’m the Minister looked older than they were. off-licence was associated of Justice, we’ll be A pilot programme “If unsure, ask for ID. This with an extra 60 to 65 Police relaxing drug laws designed to turn around will not offend them.” events or incidents in the in New Zealand. New Zealand’s after-match The manual was used in year to June 2009. Minister of Justice Simon binge drinking culture 2008 for in-flight cabin crew Each additional club or bar was associated with an Power rejects the Law has recently been launched training and also commented extra 98 to 101 Police events Commission’s Misuse in Canterbury by Police, the on Chinese, Samoan, Korean or incidents, while each of Drugs Act review. Alcohol Advisory Council and Japanese people. additional restaurant or café and Sport Canterbury. The was associated with an extra programme is aimed at all Strong public support The misreporting 24 to 29. Density of clubs and levels – players, coaches and for lower limit of mephedrone deaths bars was associated with managers – and will include is a crass example of higher levels of antisocial presentations from famous the potentially lethal behaviour, dishonesty offences, alliance between press sportspeople, psychologists drug and alcohol offences, and politicians that, and Police. property abuse, property by default, ends in a Saracens Rugby Club damage, sexual offences, ban that often creates Development Manager John traffic offences and violence. far greater harms than Watson said, “[We’re] not those caused by use. going to come along and say Problem drinkers endorse Danny Kushlick from drug ‘thou shalt not drink’. We just call to limit alcohol charity Transform explains see it as being responsible consumption how the media’s constant citizens. It’s more just to learn Participants in a study of At the beginning of March, drive to create a captivating about responsible behaviour.” problem drinkers’ attitudes say the Government announced – yet not necessarily true – the overabundance of liquor proposals to reduce alcohol- story can scare politicians Mephedrone makes outlets and the promotion of related road crashes with a zero into implementing policies it to Godzone cheap liquor were among the drink driving limit for under main factors that contributed they know won’t work. The new European party drug 20s and suggested a lower to their addictions. mephedrone has found its alcohol limit for adult drivers “These people have an way to New Zealand. Customs could also be in the works. acute and intimate made 22 seizures between A Motor Trade Association understanding on how factors September and March, and poll found 50 percent think like the proliferation of liquor all but one of the packages the drink-drive limit for outlets and cheap alcohol and was posted to New Zealand drivers over 20 should be its promotion can impact on from the United Kingdom. lowered. Thirty percent people,” said Salvation Army The odd one out came from disagreed, and 20 percent Major Campbell Roberts. China and was destined for were unsure. Another survey Under the Influence is Nelson. At 450g, it is the carried out by the Ministry available at: continued on page 31 largest seizure to date. of Transport in 2009 showed http://bit.ly/928X2Z

30 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz World News Quotes of Substance

Rudd announces plain Ban causes the alcohol that is sold legally. God forbid, though, packaging plan mephedrone Brewers increase the strength that we should turn into price to rocket of the liquor by adding in a nanny state! Society The demand for mephedrone pesticides and other chemicals. is nothing; people are shot up dramatically in the The sale of all alcohol has nothing; far better for hours before Britain’s official been banned in the western us to allow booze ban came into effect. In some state of Gujarat where 120 companies to pitch cases, it was being sold for died last year from drinking staggeringly dangerous £3,000 per kilo. illegally brewed liquor. drinks at vulnerable Anyone now caught young people than for with the Class B substance Mexico’s drug war us to tolerate any potentially faces a 5-year jail death toll: 22,700 restrictions on the sentence, and those dealing rights of businesses to the drug could be put away make money any way for up to 14 years. The ban they choose. The Australian Government came about after a series of Dominion Post columnist has announced a world-first deaths were attributed to the Linley Boniface on initiative that will force drug, but no evidence Independent Liquor’s new tobacco companies to sell has been found suggesting product Big Foot, an 8 percent their products in plain a direct link. raspberry lemonade and vodka packaging from July 2012. One dealer who had been concoction sold at $15.00 for The industry fears that, if retailing mephedrone legally 2.5 litres; enough alcohol to this goes ahead in Australia, told The Independent he had cause death. other countries would soon sold most of his supply to a follow suit. single purchaser the week The border between Mexico A British American before the ban. When asked and the United States is a Clearly, the service Tobacco spokesperson said if he knew whether the buyer dangerous place. In mid-April, of alcohol was not in line the company would take legal was a drug dealer, the a leaked Mexican Government with the broader road action if required. distributor said, “Well, he report said 22,700 had died safety message. “We would look at various won’t be using it to feed over little more than a NSW Transport Minister things, including intellectual plants, will he?” 3-year period. David Campbell ends a road property rights, trademark Almost 19,000 people safety campaign that rewarded legislation and remedies Toxic homebrew in Mexico have been killed alcohol to young drivers who under international treaties.” kills 15 in drug-related violence since pledged not to speed. Australian Prime Minister 2006, which was the year Kevin Rudd said, “This is conservative president Felipe a tough decision for the Calderon was elected to Mr Power may have Government… It won’t win power and sent around 50,000 flushed his copy down the Government any popularity. troops and Police to support the Beehive sewer, but The big tobacco companies the US-led war on drugs. that’s no reason the rest will hate what we are doing… The latest focus of of the country should

It is the right decision.” attention is the border city not have an intelligent Meanwhile, British of Ciudad Juarez where more debate. American Tobacco, Japan than 400 have been killed so The New Zealand Herald Tobacco and Imperial far in 2010. In one weekend political commentator Tobacco are planning separate during March, 50 people were Brian Rudman voices the legal challenges against the murdered – including three Fifteen people in northern disdain felt by many over the British Government’s plans linked to the US consulate – India were killed and six Government’s initial reaction to ban retail tobacco displays. and in January, 16 youths others blinded after drinking to the Law Commission’s The three companies are some poisonous home-brewed liquor were murdered at a party. Misuse of Drugs Act review. of the world’s largest tobacco during the Hindu festival of producers and will argue colours ‘Holi’. Such deaths the ban will increase black are commonplace in the market tobacco trading which province of Uttar Pradesh as will harm small businesses. few poor people can afford continued on page 32 www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 31 Quotes of Substance

If… one accepts Alcohol ‘interlocks’ driving limit to 0.02. Its time, been the world’s top the idea that all of introduced findings have been supported opium producer, and that this Mexican society by the Royal Automobile Club is the main reason cannabis benefits from the of Queensland (RACQ), manufacturing has so far inflow of billions of Queensland Police and the been overlooked. American dollars Australian National Party. (even though it also Gary Fites from RACQ States considering pot tax pays a price), then the said a blood alcohol reading Mexican state has not of 0.02 was “almost failed – it is following equivalent to zero” and that a rational strategy Under new Queensland laws, “the risk of a crash between to turn a national those convicted of high-level 0.02 and 0.05 is absolutely problem into a or repeat drink driving will minute compared with national benefit. have to pay to get breath the exponential increase American political scientist testing gadgets fitted to their in risk when you get to 0.08 George Friedman argues cars. The legislation will be and above”. A number of US states are the Mexican Government in force by Christmas. The Transport Minister Rachel considering whether they may have a vested interest ‘interlocks’ are a type of Nolan said not all ideas in the should legalise cannabis so in the drug war. breath tester that is connected paper were feasible and that that they can tax it to reduce to the ignition that will only a 0.02 limit would have to be their multibillion dollar allow the car to start if a part of a national push. deficits. So far, California has There are more breath test records no alcohol. come the closest by putting controls over the sale The devices cost about $2,000. Afghanistan now top a proposal on its November and control of a tin of cannabis producer ballot. According to the baked beans than Aussie rules players cry California Board of there are for over drug tests Equalization (California’s tax mephedrone. The AFL’s Medical Chief, collection agency), a tax could Martin Barnes, Dr Peter Harcourt, says Aussie raise the state US$1.3 billion Chief Executive of the rules football players busted (NZ$1.83 billion) annually. charity DrugScope, warns of for illicit drug use often end Supporters say the legalisation the loss of control over the up crying about it and are fight will be close and that make-up of mephedrone scared of what their mums there is a potential for conflict that will inevitably result will think. Dr Harcourt told with federal law. from Britain’s recent move the Australasian Drug Strategy to ban it. Conference in March that Mass drug-case dismissals about half the players caught An estimated 1,000 drug That is potentially a second time usually had cases will be dropped by some kind of mental health counterproductive According to the United prosecutors due to dubious problem and the sport was to Government Nations Office on Drugs and goings on at San Francisco’s often their only hope in life. strategy. Crime (UNODC), Afghanistan scandal-ridden Police crime Dr Harcourt noted that Associate Health Minister is now the world’s biggest lab. The lab was shut down illicit drug use in the sport was Peter Dunne voices source of cannabis, producing temporarily in early March on the wane, and when it did concern over reports that 3,500 tons of hashish valued amid allegations that long- occur, it was largely associated some district health boards at an estimated £61m time lab technician Deborah with alcohol. More than 3,300 (NZ$124,592,500) annually. Madden had stolen cocaine were cutting addiction random tests on AFL players Antonio Maria Costa, evidence. Madden has yet to treatment services due have been done since the Executive Director of UNODC, be charged, but a Police to budget constraints. programme was first rolled out. warned that something needs investigation is under way. to be done, as the Taliban is On 6 May, Police Chief Proposed 0.02 BAC making millions through George Gascón announced limit rejected protection taxes paid by the lab would be closed down Monash University Accident cannabis farmers and drug permanently and Police Research Centre has rejected smugglers. He also noted that would use outside testers to moves to slash the drink- Afghanistan has, for some assess narcotics evidence.

32 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz Mythbusters

Substance and Substantiation

Does alcohol make you fat?

Daylight saving is over, and the shorter colder days make snuggling on the couch with takeaways and a bottle of wine much more tempting than getting outside to exercise. The winter padding is setting in, and rising obesity prevalence figures suggest this padding will be permanent for many. Is our national weight gain related to changes in alcohol consumption? What effect does alcohol really have on our waistlines?

Alcohol is a known appetite stimulant, consumption was used. The analyses did change weight that are unmeasured, and people tend to eat more when not take into account changing drinking such as personality, genetics, beliefs, consuming alcohol. At 29kJ per gram, habits over time. Secondly, participants health status and upbringing. it’s also a high calorie beverage. One self-reported their weight, which is These confounding factors may standard drink (100ml of wine, 30ml make it appear alcohol is related to of spirits or 280ml of standard beer) BMI, whereas the unmeasured factor contains 290kJ, about half the energy is the real reason for the relationship. of a can of fizzy drink. Randomly allocating Unfortunately, observational studies are Theoretically, the potential for individuals to abstinence or the best research tool for this question alcohol to increase weight is clear, but heavy alcohol consumption because ‘gold standard’ randomised the evidence is surprisingly mixed. Some to observe health effects is experiments are not feasible – randomly allocating individuals to abstinence studies suggest calories from alcohol unlikely to be acceptable to are more likely to cause weight gain in or heavy alcohol consumption to intermittent drinkers and in those already either individuals or ethics observe health effects is unlikely overweight than in heavy drinkers (the committees! to be acceptable to either individuals classic malnourished alcoholic). Others or ethics committees! find alcohol is associated with weight But even if the results from the US study of women are true, what then? loss in certain subjects. notoriously unreliable. Thirdly, the A single observational study cannot This apparent contradiction is mostly selected subjects were predominantly be used to recommend alcohol as a diet because many of these studies are white, female healthcare professionals tonic to women because any potential cross-sectional, looking at one point in who were not obese at baseline. This weight-loss benefits must be considered time, and so cannot establish a temporal means the results cannot be extrapolated against increased risk of cancer, liver or causal link between alcohol to men, less advantaged or non-white disease, injury and other well known consumption and weight. For example, women, or women who are already obese. harms from alcohol. an apparent association between higher Interestingly, a British study of Whatever the evidence linking body mass index (BMI) and ‘abstainers’ middle-aged men that did account for alcohol and BMI ultimately shows, may be because overweight people have changes in alcohol consumption over it is worth remembering that alcohol already stopped drinking for health time showed higher BMIs in those with has three major characteristics: it is a reasons or to lose weight. More the heaviest alcohol consumption, nutrient (energy source), a psycho-active longitudinal studies are needed before which may point to the importance of drug and a toxin. Alcohol is not solely a firm conclusions can be made. collecting comprehensive data for these source of calories, but also a potentially One recent and well publicised complex studies and perhaps a stronger addictive and lethal substance, and for US longitudinal study found moderate association between alcohol and weight many people, the effect of alcohol on alcohol consumption may help reduce for men. their bodies may be far less significant weight gain in middle-aged to elderly In addition to the identified limitations than its effects on their lives. women. However, before hitting the gin of the US study, the most important instead of the gym, it is worthwhile drawback with such observational For a full list of references, visit considering this study’s many limitations. studies is the many additional reasons www.drugfoundation.org.nz/mythbusters. Firstly, only baseline alcohol people may drink (or abstain) and www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 33 Cutting Edge 2010 Te toka tu- moana 3D: Development Diversity Direction for a new Decade

2010 Cutting Edge 3D will be held on Thursday 23 September – Friday 24 September with workshops on Saturday 25 September. Venue: Rendezvous Hotel, Mayoral Drive, central Auckland.

Cutting Edge is the annual national addiction treatment conference, covering alcohol, smoking cessation, other drug and gambling interventions. The 2010 conference will be the 15th and will again be supported by the Alcohol Advisory Council and the Ministry of Health. Hosted by DAPAANZ, it is the gathering of around 400 practitioners, consumers, researchers, leaders, funders and planners, managers and policy writers, with pre-conference meetings (22nd), formal oral and poster presentations (23rd and 24th) and skills-based workshops led by keynote presenters (25th). Those working in allied sectors of mental health, justice, corrections, primary health, education, and who have an interest in addiction interventions, are welcome. DAPAANZ associate and registered practitioners can earn 25 points for attending and 40 points if presenting and all members will pay a reduced registration fee. For non-members, by joining DAPAANZ as part of your registration, the fee will cover you until 31 December 2011. Anybody with an interest in addiction treatment can apply to join DAPAANZ. Keynote Speakers Keynote speakers confirmed to date are: • Richard Velleman, Professor of Mental Health Research, University of Bath • Tame Iti, (Tu -hoe), alcohol and drug practitioner • Robert Williams, Professor, Alberta Gaming Research Institute, Canada • Ross Bell, Executive Director, New Zealand Drug Foundation • Dr Paul Quigley, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Director of Emergency Medicine Training, Wellington Hospital • Dr Mark Wallace-Bell, Lecturer and Health Behaviour Change programme co-lecturer, University of Canterbury • Trish Gledhill, Executive Director, Kina Trust • Dr Grant Christie, Auckland CADS • Majors Ian & Lynette Hutson, Salvation Army

Registration opens end May 2010 For further details and to register: www.cuttingedge2010.org.nz