The volatile mix of social media, drugs, drink, and teenage testosterone have left there mark in the United Kingdom.
Thus far Australia been the smart country with respect to banning Guns and Weapons, along with a strong push to reduce and eliminate tobacco use. Australia’s last major hurdle is “Alcohol” and this appears to have reached a Hiatus.
If alcohol was to be release today in tablet form it would never pass the most basic of pharmaceutical criteria. It is time that Alcohol is treated as a drug rather than the harmless social drink of the day.
The younger generation are those most affected by crimes related to alcohol. A paradigm shift is needed to avert alcohol related crimes before they are committed and end up in the courts, as is currently the case.
In Australia tobacco smokers have well and truly been shown the door, while alcohol consumers live on only being kept in check after the crime has been committed by the courts.
If we can find a way to remove alcohol from the equation then you could realistically expect a reduction in all alcohol fuelled crimes.
The article below is one idea that looks at the introduction of an alcohol alternative, “A legal Smart Drink.” At this stage the drink is just an idea, but more importantly it has got people thinking, and thats what we need in the wake of the, "deadly UK riots during August 2011"
Article By Brendan Mckenna 17th Aug 2011
A smart drink to address aggresive behaviour and violent crimes. Any promising idea that could reduce crime should be considered particuclarly in the wake of the "UK riots" during Aug 2011.
View from Australia:
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was ahead of her time when she registered interest in a smart drink for school kids earlier this year. The feedback from fellow Aussies gave the impression that she was crazy and so the idea was quickly dropped.
Crimes of violence, and aggressive behavior are just a few of the problems initiated and fuelled by alcohol. The best way to address alcohol related violence is at the "roots" before it has a chance to develop into a more serious problem. There can be no doubt that the "UK riots in Aug 2011" were fuelled at least in part by alcohol.
HURDLES:
It would be unthinkable to try to remove the heavily entrenched range of alcoholic social drinks available in Australia today. The very fragile beer, wine and spirits industry would be the first group needed to be won over before any rival product could be introduced, that could be difficult. There is no doubt that any alternative to alcohol regardless of shape or form could impact heavily on well established alcohol sales.
The situation is reminiscent of plans to ban smoking back in 1970's - Nobody believed it could ever be done, the years ticked bye and now 40 years later we are starting to get somewhere. There is little doubt that the "Nicotine" patches have played a vital part in the reduction.
CRITICS AND STIGMA:
To implement such a program we would need to jump the "Crazy Idea" hurdle, and view it as it is, a smart solution to combat crime, reduce police and welfare services.
TIME FRAME:
I would not be surprised if drug companies already have or are at least working on a prototype as we speak. "Red Bull" is perhaps the best example of what can be achieved under current laws. If we start today we could possibly have a prototype on the shelves by 2015.
PROS:
Reduction in crime rate. The benefits of such a product have the potential to reduce violence and aggression along with a string of alcohol fuelled violent crimes including "rioting".
CONS:
The biggest opponents would be the beer wine and spirits industry, due to the threat to traditional alcohol sales. Critics, there will always be those that label the idea ludicrous, along with those who cry the Mantra "Not Another Drug."
CONCLUSION:
It is important that we quickly step over any hurdles and move forward. The right type of product implemented correctly could realistically achieve a "Win Win" situation. A small pilot study is all that is needed to get the ball rolling. If successful a designer smart drink, patch, or pill to rival alcohol may be all that is needed to reduce crime. This simple idea could easily have a significant positive effect on our daily social structure resulting in a reduced need for policing and counseling services.
Article by: Brendan Mckenna - "Outstanding" A Radiographer by Profession - 15 Years Experience at Two Major Hospitals in Melbourne. Professional Writing:- I am currently tackling a broad range of professional writing applications including, - Articles- Product Reviews, News, Documentary. - Editing - Written and Photographic. - Website Design and Build - Including SEO and Statistic Counts. - Concise Instruction booklets, Quick reference guides. It is early days yet; I have already met a number of challengers in the handful of reviews I have written.
Article by Brendan Mckenna 10th Aug 2011
If there is one thing to learn in the wake of the UK riots, Hoodies and or head scarfs should be banned, except of course in inclement weather. The idea of allowing people to walk into shops with hoodies on is asking for trouble.
Admittedly it is a tough one, not everyone who wears a hood is a bad guy, but a simple law banning hoodies, and or headscarfs would be an easily justified move and offers a great boost to security and policing alike.
