EDITORIAL: The South West Community Drug Service team sees more and more people present at St John of God Bunbury Hospital battling problems with alcohol abuse ever year.
This is only the tip of the iceberg, because the people that they see are either court-ordered or have identified that they have a problem – leaving thousands of people across the region who either have not accepted their drinking is causing harm or are comfortable in their addiction.
It’s a difficult battle as the drug is legal, easily accessible and relatively cheap – and it’s deeply entrenched in our culture, associated with having a good time and celebrating milestones.
But the ripple effect of harm reaches well beyond the hangover.
Bunbury Local Drug Action Group convener Jeni Henderson said simple education on the size of a standard drink and spacing out drinks could go a long way.
For more information go to drinkwise.org.au
