New Zealand 'ill', says doctor

Photo / Herald on Sunday

New Zealand has a social illness and needs clinical-style treatment, according to crusading Timaru doctor Albert Makary.

He believes binge boozing is ruining society. "Unless everyone works together it will destroy us," he says.

Makary, who is funding television advertising to change attitudes to drinking and substance abuse, will give an address called Time for a Change: A Sober Look at Intoxicated Youth on Thursday at the University of Auckland .

He points the finger at baby-boomers for allowing binge-drinking to take hold.