Tomorrow marks the start of Dry July, when many Kiwis give up alcohol for the month to raise money for people affected by cancer.

The Central Otago Drugs and Alcohol coalition (CODA) of local organisations is calling on people to reduce their alcohol consumption in our region and take positive action again this year.

Cancer Society Central Otago & Lakes health promoter Jamie Seymour said there are lots of great alcohol free drink options and other ways to have fun in a healthy way. 

Figures for Central around alcohol harm make sobering reading.

Southern District Health Board (SDHB) figures for Central show hospitalisations wholly attributable to alcohol have been increasing for the past ten years in Central.

This graph above gives the actual occurrence of hospitalisations in Central. PHOTO: SDHB

Hospitalisation rates for Central compared with all of New Zealand (using age standardised rates). PHOTO: SDHB

Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes for Central are slightly higher than average of all of New Zealand and serious injury from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes for Central is significantly higher than average.

According to Ministry of Transport statistics, of all fatal crashes, 32 per cent are open road crashes with alcohol/drugs as a contributing factor. A further 12 per cent are urban crashes involving alcohol/drugs. 

Overall alcohol/drugs were a contributing factor in 43 per cent of urban fatal crashes and 45 per cent of open road fatal crashes (figures from 2018-2020).

If you’re a teetotaller for July, you’ll minimise your risk behind the wheel and become one of the 54,000 Kiwis who have participated in Dry July so far. Since the first year of Dry July, $7.8M has been raised. 

The funds raised by this year’s participants will help Look Good Feel Better NZ, PINC & STEEL NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand improve the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

For Central’s rangatahi, research shows drinking alcohol can affect brain development as well as increasing chances of injury, assault and risky sexual behaviour. 

Parents can get tips and strategies on keeping teens safe on the No Safe Limit website  or on Amohia Te Waiora here. 

Need help with your drinking?

Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, visit the website, or free text 8681.

Are you going dry this July? Share your experience with other readers by emailing: [email protected]