Proxy Indicators Executive Summary

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Proxy Indicators EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Emergent themes from the proxy indicators are probably not surprising to those involved in this area of research.

·        Most activity involving alcohol in Nelson is undertaken by 18 to 19 year old males.  This includes arrest, motor vehicle accidents, drink-driving and alcohol and drug clinic referrals.  Nineteen year olds also account for the highest number of arrests with extreme and moderate levels of intoxication.

·        Eighteen year olds have the highest number of referrals to the AOD clinic for 'alcohol-only' issues while 19 and 22 year olds have the highest frequency for 'alcohol and drug' referrals.

·        Drinking by females accounts for around a fifth of all drinking problems.  A higher proportion of females (28%) were arrested with extreme intoxication compared to males (22%) while similar proportions (48%) of males and females were arrested with moderate levels of intoxication.

·        Trends in female 'alcohol and drug' referrals have increased very slightly in the last two years while female 'alcohol-only' referrals have been falling off.

·        Naturally, more people in the older age group, 18-24 year olds, drink than those in the younger age group, 12-17 year olds.  Further, higher proportions (50%) of 18-24 year olds were arrested with moderate levels of intoxication compared with 43% of arrests for those aged 12-17 years old.  The proportion of those extremely intoxicated was the same for both groups.  However, while actual numbers are falling, an increasing proportion of younger people are now involved in drink driving incidents than five years ago.

·        Referrals have been increasing at a faster rate for 'alcohol and drug' issues for those in the 18-24 year age bracket in the last year.  The rate of increase has not been as high for the younger age group.   Declines have been observed for both age groups for referrals for 'alcohol-only' issues.

·        Of ADA helpline calls, a higher proportion were made from the 18-24 year old age group  compared to those from the 12-17 year old age group. 

·        However, a higher proportion (35%) of girls in the younger age group accessing emergency contraception had been using alcohol compared to only 21% of those aged 18-24 years old.

·        Maori account for around 29% of arrests but only 21% of drink driving incidents.  The latter proportion has fallen slightly over the last few years.

·        Intoxication levels for Pakeha and Maori in Nelson are similar; that is the proportion of those arrested with moderate levels of intoxication did not vary greatly between both groups.

·        Recently the majority (80%) of Maori, referred to the AOD Clinic, have sought help for 'alcohol and drug' issues.  This has increased from 60% in the previous year.  A higher proportion of Maori now seek help for alcohol dependence issues than for alcohol harm or abuse issues.  Only 10% of calls to the ADA helpline were from people identifying as Maori.

·        Arrests where excessive alcohol use was found have not increased in the last year, while arrests with moderate use of alcohol have increased.  The assessment of whether alcohol use is extreme or moderate is at the discretion of individual police officers

·        Alcohol was involved in nine cases of students being stood-down in 2004; this was down from 22 cases for alcohol use in the previous year.

A survey of fifteen professionals working with youth in the Nelson region found:

·        Nearly all agreed that Nelson had a problem with youth drinking which was justified by observances of increases in binge drinking, crime (including sexual crimes), results of the lowering of the drinking age, increased prevalence of unprotected sex resulting in more sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies and poor adult role modelling as regards drinking.

·        In relation to crime, the most commonly reported effects were vandalism, assaults, drink driving, theft, abuse (including domestic violence) and sex crimes.

·        Alcohol effect in education was seen in a lack of focus and motivation observed in youth as a result of alcohol use, truancy (including group truancy), lack of performance by youth including learning ability and tiredness observed in young people on Monday mornings.

·        Work impairment from alcohol was reported in increases in absenteeism, loss of performance, alcohol use causing youth to be unreliable employees, and loss of license (from excess blood alcohol results) leading to increased difficulties in obtaining employment.

·        The main health related issues from alcohol use were listed as unprotected sex leading to Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs) and pregnancy, dependence issues, behavioural problems, increased potential to overdose, low self esteem and poor self care, injuries from motor vehicle accidents and long term health problems associated with alcohol use.

·        Most respondents reported that harms associated with alcohol had increased in Nelson in the last two years.  This was manifested in an increase in problems associated with a younger age group now drinking, the increased availability of alcohol, increase in recreation drug use alongside alcohol use, violence and assaults including sexual assaults and increase in unprotected sex.

·        The most influential factors on youth drinking were the reduction in the legal purchasing age, adult behaviour, easy access or availability, and peer pressure.  To a lesser extent advertising, TV/movies and certain events (such as after ball functions) were also seen as influential factors.

·        Alcohol is perceived to be obtained primarily from older peers, followed by parents.  To a lesser extent young people acquired alcohol from other adults while others purchased their own alcohol.

·        The most important observations made by the professionals associated with young drinking were the extent of binge drinking, younger people now drinking, availability of pre-mix drinks and spirits aimed at youth, acceptability of youth drinking, lack of parental guidance and support, excess drinking in public places and unprotected sex.

·        Increased numbers of groups presenting to professionals included youth aged 12 to 14 years old, 15 to 17 years old, females, Pakeha, Maori and Pasifika.  (All were reported by six or more people).