An archive of recent news articles on the topic of alcohol and drugs.
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Drug-driving law results in over 100 charges
1st June 2010
A recently introduced drugged-driving law has been effective with over 100 drivers charged as a result, says Transport Minister Stephen Joyce. Transport Ministry figures showed 101 drivers had been charged since the law came into effect on November 1, with 46 having been convicted and another 55 awaiting court appearances, Mr Joyce said.
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Grant Christie: Hard decisions needed about youth drinking
1st June 2010
Auckland psychiatrist Grant Christie asks whether alcohol reform is a matter of conscience or science. Will the recent tragic death by alcohol of an Auckland teenager help us see reason? It's unlikely. Instead we will explain such events away as an unfortunate one-off, a freak occurrence. Accepting the fact that the deceased's drinking was not unusual for a 16-year-old and that needless alcohol-related deaths occur on an everyday basis, it is not as easy as seeking solace in the erroneous belief that what happened was unusual.
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Zoo joins tidal wave of bans on smoking
27th May 2010
Auckland Zoo will ban smoking from Saturday, riding the growing wave of opposition to lighting up at outdoor venues. Smoking is banned by law indoors at all workplaces and everywhere - both indoors and outdoors - at schools and early childhood centres. Now a growing number of outdoor venues, universities and polytechnics are choosing to ban smoking.
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Time to quit
27th May 2010
It's World Smoke Free Day on May 31 and there are many great reasons for having a go at quitting. Health benefits are right at the top of the list, however, Canterbury District Health Board smokefree manager Vivien Daley points out some you may not have thought about. I've heard that my sense of smell will get better when I give up smoking - how long will it take? In as little as two days of being smokefree, your senses of smell and taste improve.
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Smoke dope and become one, study warns
26th May 2010
The study of more than 6000 New Zealanders and Australians found those who used cannabis before the age of 18 ended up achieving less academically those those who did not use the drug. They were more likely to fail to complete high school, less likely to enter university and less likely to attain a university degree - even when socio-economic status, previous educational achievement and other personal factors were taken into account.
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Customs seizures increase in war on P
26th May 2010
The Government's plan to fight P is making early inroads, with record Customs seizures of the main ingredient, although users say the drug is becoming easier to get. The Government yesterday, in releasing its first six-monthly progress report in the battle with P, announced an extra $5.9 million for Customs to invest in technology to fight the illegal drugs trade at the border.
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$6m of P in luggage
25th May 2010
The six tourists flew into Auckland on Cathay Pacific flight 107 from Hong Kong early last Sunday afternoon. Their short itinerary featured a two-day stay in Auckland and a visit to the tourist mecca of Rotorua before a return trip to Auckland and the flight home. Five of the tour group, and their tour leader, passed through Customs and immigration and waited in the international arrivals hall for the last member of the group.
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Newlyweds recruited to smuggle in drugs
25th May 2010
Young Taiwanese honeymooners are being used to carry drug parcels into New Zealand, says a local tour operator. The Customs Service said yesterday that Taiwan was the new hot-spot for P imports, surpassing China in terms of being the source of methamphetamine seized over the past 12 months. Japan and South Africa are equal third.
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New online tool for young problem drinkers
20th May 2010
A new online tool will be launched today to help young adults change their drinking habits. An anonymous web-based resource with a DVD and workbook has been developed for the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC). It showcases the real stories of 10 young New Zealanders and their experiences with alcohol. The stories are funny, gruesome, sad and hopeful. ALAC chief executive Gerard Vaughan said the initiative would do more than just provide information and facts.
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Survey: NZers favour blood-alcohol reduction
20th May 2010
New Zealanders are in favour of reducing the amount drivers can legally drink before getting behind the wheel, with 70 per cent supporting a limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, a survey has found. The Government last year proposed lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit from 80mg to 50mg - a proposal backed by health experts, and included as one of 153 recommendations in last month's Law Commission report on reducing alcohol-related harms.
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