Summarised by Centrist
Mental health advocate and I Am Hope founder Mike King has drawn sharp criticism after suggesting alcohol might be a “solution” for people struggling with mental health issues.
King, speaking on Newstalk ZB, rejected well-established links between alcohol, depression, and suicide, calling the evidence “a matter of opinion.”
King’s comments come as his organisation, funded with $24m from the Government, is being questioned over its unorthodox procurement process.
When pressed on his stance, King said, “I would suggest alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives than it makes them take their own lives.” However, according to a 2022 meta-analysis of dozens of studies including millions of participants, alcohol use increases suicide risk by 94%.
University of Otago’s Professor Rose Crossin responded that alcohol “impairs judgement, increases impulsiveness, and can exacerbate mental health struggles.” Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey called King’s stance “dangerous.”
“Alcohol affects the brain’s inhibition control. While it may initially relieve anxiety, it worsens issues in the long term,” Doocey said.
However, King was defiant. “I stand by my statements,” he insisted, dismissing expert concerns as “opinions” and claiming he has seen evidence to support his claims.
“It’s a life jacket; it stops those thoughts,” King said.
