By Angela WoodsMore people seek help for problem drinking in the three months following Dry July, the Salvation Army says. Dry July "gives participants the chance to pause and take stock of their drinking behaviours", Ms Hutson says. "Taking early action can avoid a great deal of heartbreak, illness and even catastrophe," Ms Hutson adds. Three to 10 per cent of the adult population, "depending on the method of diagnosis", are moderately or severely dependent on alcohol, Ms Huston says. For several years, Salvation Army Bridge, the organisation's drug and alcohol addiction programme, has seen an increase in people seeking help throughout August, September and October.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 30, 2016 22:18 UTC