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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responds to Mike King’s mental health alcohol claims
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responds to Mike King’s mental health alcohol claims

“Access to mental health is absolutely essential.

“I disagree with the comments, it’s good that it provides some context; alcohol is causing huge harm in New Zealand,” Luxon summarized.

“The harms of alcohol are a serious problem in New Zealand.”

Mike King with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey following the pre-Budget announcement of a $24 million increase for Gumboot on Friday. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Mike King with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey following the pre-Budget announcement of a $24 million increase for Gumboot on Friday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Luxon said he had not spoken to King since the row and said Labor was “playing politics” by saying funding for Gumboot Friday should be stopped.

“This is an organization that delivers results. Don’t play politics with young people’s mental health, I know that’s easy for the Labor Party to do,” the Prime Minister said.

King, who also provides youth counseling services There is $24 million in government funding on the contrary Auditor General’s criticism of “unusual and inconsistent” procurement processNewstalk commented on ZBs Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Wednesday.

According to a 2022 meta-analysis report, alcohol use was found to be associated with a 94% increase in the risk of suicide. Alcohol use and death by suicide: A meta-analysis of 33 studies. It included 10 million participants.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said: reporter “I disagree with King’s comments that alcohol use is the solution to mental health.”

Doocey defended $24 million of taxpayers’ money going to King’s Gumboot on Friday, saying: “This will allow young people… to access free mental health counselling. “I remain interested in other young New Zealanders who are able to access support.”

Doocey pointed out that the Government takes the harm of alcohol seriously and has recently increased alcohol taxes.

“Alcohol affects the part of your brain that controls inhibition, so people may feel relaxed, less anxious and more confident after drinking, but these effects quickly wear off.

The king told reporter He stood by his statements and rejected research on the harms of alcohol.

He also claimed there would be evidence to prove he was right, but did not provide any research when asked.

King hung up after being pressed on the issue and said the increased risk of suicide from alcohol consumption was a matter of opinion and that he should “agree to disagree.”

‘I’m a drug addict, an alcoholic’: King says drink is the solution to mental distress

King was speaking about the issue in conjunction with a suicide prevention fundraiser for Dunedin, which is fighting to get an alcohol license from the council. He said any alcohol ban would be “classic overkill” and then claimed it was the solution for people with mental health problems.

“Alcohol is not a problem for people with mental health problems.

“This is actually the solution to our problem, and until you find a better solution…

“It stops those thoughts,” he explained.

“I can tell you that alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives than it has enabled young people to take their own lives.

“So I’m a drug addict, an alcoholic; All my life I have used drugs and alcohol to silence that little voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough, that I was useless.

“It’s a broadcast, like a video game.

“It’s like methadone, it keeps us going until help comes. “This is our life jacket.”

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SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:

  • Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or send a message to 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • Youth services: (06) 3555 906
  • Youth Line: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
  • What’s up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11:00 – 23:00) or web chat (11:00 – 22:30)
  • Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or send a message to 4202 (available 24/7)
  • Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
  • If it is an emergency and you think you or someone else is at risk, call 111.