Seventh-day Adventist Attack On Alcoholism

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 16

Seventh-day Adventist Attack On Alcoholism

“When we consider that the minimum number of alcoholics in New Zealand is 25,000 and that on an average two a day are being admitted to Government mental institutions for treatment and care, every thinking person must register concern.” said Mr H. W. Hollingsworth, president of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Christchurch. “It is clear from the report given by Mr W. L. S. Britton (in “The Press” on July 8) that medically alcoholism is recognised as a disease which attacks old and young, male and female alike. No-one can claim immunity from the effects of alcoholism if he or she drinks alcoholic liquors

“If alcoholism is a disease which can be caught by taking alcoholic liquors only, is it not logical that the Government authorities deal with it as they do with every other disease? If the cause of alcoholism is known—and it is—would not reason dictate that ‘he cause be removed and the disease eliminated?" he asked.

“When we add up the tremendous cost in human lives, broken homes, inefficient service, the cost of caring for those afflicted by this disease •hen extend alcoholic liquors’ influence to road accidents and their related costs and add to all this the crime associated with alcohol, we must idmit that the alcoholic hquor trade is adding a tremendous and unnecessary financial burden to our country." said Mr Hollingsworth “It may be argued that the Government receives much revenue from the sale of alcoholic liquors, but at what

1 cost to humanity. Maybe if ill the direct and indirect :osts were added together the results of the use of intoxicating liquors could prove uneconomical.

“We all appreciate the Government’s prompt action in dealing with the various diseases which afflict humanity. As soon as the cause is known, action is taken to remove it. Why in the name of reason should alcoholism be permitted to continue under Government protection” If it-is a disease then it should be dealt with as such by those charged with the responsibility of protect ini the health of the people " said Mr Hollingsworth.