Salvo Alcohol Culture Initiative ( SACi ) Learning Module

1. Salvo Alcohol Culture Initiative (SACi) Learning Module Part 1: Australia’s alcohol culture: Where are we? How did we get here? Can this change?

2. Overview of this module: • Part 1 – Introduction to Australian alcohol culture & harm • Part 2 – Personal aspects of alcohol & addiction • Part 3 - Why (as a Salvationist) should I care about alcohol harm? • Part 4 - So what can I do about all this? • Part 5 – More resources

3. Part 1 of this module addresses the questions: • Where are we in terms of our Australian alcohol culture? • How did we get here? • Does this have to remain the same?

4. Our Australian alcohol culture - vignettes: • In Alice Springs, a woman mourns the loss of six of her family members to alcohol related causes. Nearby, alcohol outlets soak up the weekly incomes of whole families. • A young man on his first night out in a major state capital is bashed and kicked by a drunken 16 year old for no apparent reason. His face hits the asphalt on a bridge, causing severe harm. • Young boys on a fishing trip are given a slab of vodka alcopops to drink unsupervised. One is burned seriously by falling into a campfire while intoxicated. At the time, no law had been broken, although this happened without parental permission or knowledge.

5. A woman and children cower as a drunken partner abuses and assaults them. The woman will seek shelter from The Salvation Army. • Within the space of a few weeks, Police Commissioners in Australia’s two largest states describe our alcohol culture as ‘out of control’, and ‘transforming’ (changing or mutating) to exploit a trend towards drinking specifically in order to become drunk. The common element? • An unhealthy obsession with alcohol, deeply ingrained in our national way of life, causing great harm. • It doesn’t have to be this way ...

6. Introduction • Booth’s London: ‘Drunk for a penny, blind drunk for tuppence’ • Australia today: ? (See Table 1) • The Army way: treat causes not just symptoms • Defining ‘culture’: ‘The way we do things around here’ or • ‘A set of shared assumptions about what is normal, acceptable, desirable or undesirable, shared stories, values, understandings of social roles, language and more’. • Culture is not beyond the control of its participants, but takes time & effort to change.

7. Table 1: Some current Australian alcohol harm • Alcohol: the most widely used ‘psychoactive’ (mind altering) drug in Australia (National Alcohol Strategy). • Just under nine percent of drinkers do so at levels considered risky or high risk for bothshort and long-term harm. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2010 Australia’s Health 2010. Australia’s Health Series No. 12. Cat. No. AUS 122. Canberra: AIHW.) • Over 450,000 children (13.2 percent) live in households where they are at risk of exposure to binge drinking by at least one adult (Dawe et al. 2007. ANCD Research Paper: Drug use in the family: impacts and implications for children. Australian National Council on Drugs). • Hospital records show increasing trends across Australia for underage drinkers (14 to 17 year olds) being admitted for alcohol-related problems. (Toumbourou, 2009).

8. Alcohol-related harm costs Australian taxpayers around $36 billion per year (The Range and Magnitude of Alcohol’s Harm to Others, AERF, 2010). • In 2007 the majority of Australians (around 61 %) over 14 years drank at levels in excess of NH&MRS guidelines. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2008). • Alcohol marketers are exempted from restrictions on electronic advertising to children during sporting events. • Inconsistent state laws allow the provision of virtually any amount of alcohol to children of virtually any age, in homes, without parental knowledge or consent in some states (Only Victoria, NSW, Qld and Tasmania had legislated on this at June 2012).

9. Alcohol’s unique place in Australian life: the development of our alcohol culture • Why drink? • At settlement … • At 1930s… • Post WW2 … • Now … (See table 1) • Perceptions have changed: ‘Moral’ issue… ‘health’ issue… ‘social & cultural’ issue...

10. The Salvation Army, social problems & justice: traditional responses & precedents • TSA leading the way … • Seeing a need and moving on it • SACi: changing Australia’s alcohol culture • (Internal to TSA) education • (External to TSA) policy advocacy

11. The cost of alcohol harm • $ cost of alcohol harm: $34 billion • What else could be done with this money? (see next slide) • Harm to‘the lowest, the least and the lost’... the young, indigenous communities, the addicted • Social justice perspective … winners & losers • Other key aspects of alcohol harm …

12. What could be done with $34b? (The likely cost in just one year of alcohol abuse in Australia) • Buy a National Broadband Network (NBN): $27b • Lift millions of African children out of poverty: According to UNICEF, some 300 million children go to bed hungry every day. Of these, only eight percent are victims of famine or other emergencies. Around a billion people live in extreme poverty - millions on less than $1 a day... • Pay the cost of physical and economic damage fromthe Australian floods: Early estimates have been as high as $13 billion,but will no doubt change over time... What else would you like to see an annual saving of $34b spent on?

13. Questions for discussion: Is the above view of culture too optimistic? Are we stuck forever with ready acceptance of the harm done by alcohol in Australian communities as a part of our culture? Who benefits from our booming alcohol sales? What changes have you observed amongst the way (amount, occasion, type of drink) alcohol is consumed over say the past 5-10 years? What steps are necessary to initiate and sustain long term change in beliefs concerning alcohol? Especially amongst men, key strands of Australian culture – ‘drinking to excess’, and ‘mateship’ – have become entwined. To what extent might emphasis on that other key Australian value of the ‘fair go’ for all, and a fresh look at what it means to be ‘mates’, be two keys to reducing alcohol harm amongst men? Is alcohol harm just a men’s issue?

14. Questions for discussion (cont’d): 6. Most negative trends in alcohol harm in Australia appear to be accentuated amongst young people, e.g. binge drinking, road trauma, city violence. To what extent is alcohol harm a ‘youth’ issue? 7. Typical government responses to alcohol harm involve mass media driven ‘education’ campaigns. Why is this? Do you believe such campaigns are likely to make significant change to Australia’s drinking culture? What other key changes are necessary to achieve long term change in alcohol harm?

15. Salvo Alcohol Culture Initiative (SACi) Learning Module Part 2: Alcohol and the individual

16. This part of the module addresses the questions: • What is the nature of alcohol and its effects on the body? • Why the fuss about alcohol harm – from the point of view of individual Australians?

17. Quick Facts • A depressant: can slow down: • inhibitions • breathing and heart rate • “feeling centre” • Two different types of alcohol-related problems: • intoxication • dependence • Different types of harm to the individual: • Short term • Long term • Note: Varying effects of alcohol from person to person

18. The long and the short of it • Some immediate effects: • lack of balance • slowed reactions • slurred speech • Some long term effects: • heart disease • diabetes • malnutrition • Any healthy benefits??

19. What about addiction? • Relevant statistics: • 5% of Australians drink at high risk levels • 15% drink at risky levels • 15% abstain • Alcohol addiction … • Addiction: not the only harm that befalls drinkers

20. How much is too much?(NH&MRC guidelines) • A ‘standard drink’ = any beverage which contains 10 grams (which contains 10 grams (equivalent to 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol (ethanol) • National Health and Medical Research Council: Guidelines to reducing alcohol consumption risk: • The lifetime risk of harm from drinking alcohol increases with the amount consumed. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day reduces the lifetime risk of harm. 2. On a single occasion of drinking, the risk of alcohol-related injury increases with the amount consumed. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury.

21. How much is too much?(NH&MRC guidelines)(cont’d) 3. For children and young people under 18 years of age, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. Parents and carers should be advised that children under 15 years age are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking and that for this age group, not drinking alcohol is especially important. For young people 15 -17 years, the safest option is to delay drinking for as long as possible 4. Maternal alcohol consumption can harm the developing foetus or breastfeeding baby. For women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding not drinking is the safest option.

22. Questions for discussion How has alcohol affected your life or the life of family members, friends and communities of which you have been a part? A common attitude is that: ‘I’m not an alcoholic, therefore I don’t have a problem’. Is this an adequate view of alcohol harm? While any possible health benefits from drinking alcohol are at best extremely minimal, the majority of Australians do drink alcohol. What are some of the benefits our friends experience from having a social drink? What are some ways we can support those we know who suffer some of the ill-effects of alcohol mis-use?

23. Questions for discussion (cont’d) 5. As Salvationists, how can we avoid allowing our legitimate concerns about alcohol harm to alienate those who enjoy drinking socially? Is there a place in our Salvation Army worshipping communities for those who drink socially? 6. How can Salvationists who have chosen to abstain from alcohol avoid 'watering down' our stance, while also avoiding any (even unintended) exclusion of the majority of Australians who choose to drink socially from being welcomed within our churches/centres?

24. Salvo Alcohol Culture Initiative (SACi) Learning Module Part 3: Alcohol harm: Why should I care?

25. This part of the module addresses the questions: • ‘TSA’s stance on alcohol: what is it, and why’? • ‘Australia’s alcohol harm: why should I care’?

26. Salvationism: the ‘good news’ effects the whole person • Hebrew and Christian scriptures: no room for obvious abuse of alcohol, such that a user loses self control (Prov. 21:17; 23:20-21, 29-32; Rom. 13:11-14, Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Pet. 4:1-4; Rom. 14:19-20). • Most in the general community would share this view, yet over 60 percent of alcohol consumed is actually consumed in a dangerous manner (Aust. Inst. Health & Welfare 2008). • TSA stance goes further – abstinence for full members (‘soldiers’).

27. Christian faith includes the Incarnation of Jesus … ‘God in the flesh’ • This stresses the importance of the physical, social & emotional c.f. Gnostic views: the spiritual world is over & against the material world • Spiritual and physical wholeness are to be considered together • Some important principles flow from this …

28. Principle 1 – We work towards wholeness of the whole person • William Booth – In Darkest England and the Way Out: Salvation for the whole person. • We see the harm done & we want to model wholeness – physical, social, emotional, spiritual. • TSA’s abstinence stance on alcohol: not from zealotry or wowserism – but as an example of a joyous alcohol free life.

29. Principle 2 –We speak and act on behalf of the poor and marginalized – those without power or a voice • TSA’s traditional focus is on the insignificant – the ‘lowest, least and lost’. Who fits this category today in Australia? • Alcohol harm as a social justice issue. There are clear winners & losers, & entrenched economic interests in the marketing of alcohol. • Alcohol related harms are not acceptable or inevitable. There are definite things which can be done. • Salvationists make a radical commitment to the care, welfare & wholeness of others

30. Principle 3 – We are actively concerned for our neighbour • Motivation for TSA’s acts of compassion … love – e.g. story of the Good Samaritan • We take responsibility for the impact of our actions upon others – even if this means going without something ourselves • The Biblical concept of care for the ‘weaker brother’ – which in the case of alcohol harm will include a definite proportion of our friends & those to whom we minister - over-rides other considerations.

31. Questions for discussion: • How meaningful is it to speak of ‘redemption’ as applying to the whole of life? What might this mean for a) the Salvationist contemplating their role as Christ’s ‘hands and feet’ to achieve salvation for all, b) for a victim of alcohol fuelled violence c) for a perpetrator of alcohol harm, such as a drink driver who kills, or a chronic perpetrator of violence against a partner or family while intoxicated? • Traditionally, The Salvation Army has targeted its justice seeking actions towards the most disadvantaged members of society – the ‘least, the less, the lost’. With regards to the various forms of alcohol harm in Australian communities, who would you pinpoint as fitting this category? • How does your answer to Q2. (above) impact on the kind of mission activity you believe God is calling you to regarding alcohol harm?

32. Questions for discussion:(cont’d) 4. ‘In western society, we tend to focus more on our rights rather than our responsibilities.’ – Discuss this statement, with respect to our freedoms and rights as Salvationists relative to our responsibilities towards those around us. 5. In what way can choosing not to drink be part of a ‘radical commitment for the sake of Salvationist mission’? 6. Some within Salvation Army corps/centres will choose to drink alcohol. i) Are such folk excused from engaging in mission against alcohol harm? ii) Are such folk at any advantage or disadvantage if they choose to work against alcohol harm?

33. Salvo Alcohol Culture Initiative (SACi) Learning Module Part 4: ‘What can I do?’

34. Introduction • Take the next step – consider what we can actually do to tackle alcohol harm & promote long term cultural change? • Note the concept of ‘community development’ – one size doesn’t fit all. The key is empowerment of local communities to drive change. • The first step – finding people of like mind • But … talking is not enough, definite action is needed to effect long term cultural change • The responses of Corps A-D (following) are based on real events. Which seems most like your Corps/Centre?

35. Corps/Centre A • Undertook action in support of young families • Conducted a peer-led parenting development program dealing with issues of: • role-modeling • communication • parenting styles • youth drinking culture

36. Corps/Centre B • Developed a strong focus on assisting own youth group and youth leaders • Developed of a two-part youth program • Part 1 – factual input at a regular youth group night. This knowledge building session developed into open discussion around prepared questions • Part 2 –church youth meeting with recovering alcoholics (under careful agreed guidelines). Opened the corps up to people in recovery.

37. Corps/Centre C • Developed a strong focus on social justice aspects of alcohol harm • Pinpointed three standout social justice related issues: • 1. Marketing of alcohol towards children • 2. Disproportionate suffering of Aboriginal communities • 3. Alcohol advertising breaches of voluntary guidelines • Members queried local MPs on policy responses to these issues

38. Corps/Centre D • Developed a strong focus on local schools (students and staff) • Developed an after school youth venue providing an alternative to alcohol-focused gatherings • Apparent key to success – ongoing development of one-on-one relationships with students, staff and parents

39. Conclusion • There is a close fit between alcohol harm mission outcomes such as those above (in Corps/Centres A – D) and the stated goals of The Salvation Army within Australia, such as transforming lives, caring for people, serving suffering humanity, making disciples, reforming society,and evensaving souls. • One size does not fit all. Each corps/centre needs to assess local needs, resources & calling. • The resources provided in this module can be applied in many other ways and contexts.

40. SACi & Advocacy by the Salvation Army • The Salvation Army is partnering with credible, like minded organisations in the struggle to move against alcohol harm & towards long term cultural change in the way Australians view alcohol • Involves Australia wide Salvation Army advocacy in support of gradual but significant change in the Australian drinking culture • Includes the use of formal statements, submissions, lobbying and contribution to public debate • Pray for this work - & support it when you can

41. Questions for discussion As a person in Corps leadership, key issues such as available resource (time in a crowded corps program, people resources etc.) will doubtless arise when considering the range of responses to alcohol harm canvassed here. Leaving these matters aside for now, what is your ‘gut feel’ regarding the area(s) of alcohol harm mission which appear to be of the highest priority a) within your corps and b) within your local community? Do any of Corps A – D seem like your corps/ have similar needs & opportunities? How are your specific corps and community affected by alcohol consumption? If we are not sure, how can we identify which key alcohol harms problems are evident within our community? Our Australian Salvationist mission intentions include ‘Reforming society’ and ‘Serving suffering humanity’. How does addressing problems associated with alcohol harm aid in implementing these particular mission intentions?

42. Questions for discussion(cont’d) 4. Which aspects of alcohol harm raised through this module have concerned you personally the most? Who around you feels similarly? Have you discussed this with those people? 5. All things considered, what can you as an individual Salvationist, and as a member of a Salvation Army centre actually do to tackle alcohol related harm? 6. Recommended: Develop an action plan addressing the alcohol-related issues in your community.