THE UNFORTUNATE REALITY OF ALCOHOL ABUSE IN NEW ZEALAND

Vacationers and locals will agree that there is no country on earth that is equal to New Zealand. A hot spot for international travel, this large island nation boasts some of the most ancient forests on earth and some spectacular mountains and fields. Moviegoers will instantly recognize this place as the location used during the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as the underground hit The Hunt for the Wilder People. Untamed as its native beasts, New Zealand is also home to the All Blacks (currently, the #1 world rugby champions) and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient war customs and lifestyle of the indigenous Maori people. So, you will no doubt feel an overwhelming wave of sadness that one of the world’s most beautiful countries is plagued by a terrible alcohol epidemic. Let’s take a closer look at this unfortunate reality.

Alcohol vs. Drugs

As of 2017, alcohol has been one of the most widely distributed and abused drugs in New Zealand and has caused more harm to Kiwi families than other addictive substances. In fact, according to the New Zealand Drug Foundation, alcoholic drinks inflict more destruction on this beautiful country than the combined damages of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, ecstasy, and LSD. Additional reports from the organization revealed that 80% of Kiwis consume alcohol on a regular basis (including habitual and excessive drinking).

Why is the Problem So Bad?

While recent studies have shown that Kiwis are not abusing alcohol as much as they used to, the problem is that, in a twisted way, the cycle of troublemaking, self-harm, and recovery has become commonplace in Kiwi culture. In 2017 interview, Ben Birks Ang (National Youth Services Advisor of the New Zealand Drug Foundation and Odyssey Auckland) believes that people have grown accustomed to these damaging behaviors and have just accepted them. As a result, Ang adds, young Kiwis are copying adults and believe the behavior is socially acceptable. Simply put, the alcoholic epidemic is a matter of behavioral modification and peer pressure.

Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from an alcohol use disorder or a severe form of alcoholism? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.