There has been considerable publicity recently about whether or not a stronger stance should be taken against drink and drug fuelled violence, which sadly seems to be on the increase. Frankly, it’s surprising that the question even needs to be asked.
Newspaper reports are full of stories of innocent people abused and attacked by aggressive drunks and drug-filled crazies. We hear of policemen and other emergency responders being attacked as they try to assist victims and even hospital doctors and nurses assaulted as they administer medical treatment.
Enough is enough. This epidemic (and that is not too strong a word) has to be addressed immediately because, left alone, it certainly isn’t going to get any better. Prior to Christmas a leading doctor suggested that drunks receiving hospital treatment as a result of their excesses should pay for that treatment. He is right, they should. Anybody disagreeing with that should ask themselves how they would feel if they or their loved ones required urgent medical aid but couldn’t receive it because ambulances and hospital wards were already committed to treating drunks and druggies.
There is nothing wrong with people enjoying themselves and having a good time and most of us have at some time drunk one too many. The point however, is why should innocent people suffer from other’s lack of control and responsibility? The message needs to be sent out, drink and take drugs to excess if you wish but be prepared to pay the price for your irresponsible and excessive behaviour in the criminal courts.
Common Sense 
I agree: binge drinking is a problem we need to do something about. It costs millions to sort out and generally does nobody’s health any good.
However, I totally disagree when it comes to healthcare. The example of critically ill patients being made to wait for treatment is, to be quite honest, absurd. Resources are always prioritised to ensure that nobody is put in danger, and it simply wouldn’t happen. Secondly, imposing charges on treatment for drink-related emergencies is insane. As a student myself, I know one or two people who have needed A&E treatment after a night out. Cash-strapped young people would stop calling 999, and then there really will be people missing out on vital care, and potentially even dying from the simplest problems.
Pressure to binge drink etc. is immense, and I know very few people who didn’t do something stupid when young and under pressure. A change of culture is what we need to aim for, not another little back-door privatisation measure which scares those in need away from vital treatment.
Thanks for your comments. I agree that a change of culture is required. The behaviour I was describing is rife across all levels of society and certainly isn’t restricted to youngsters. My blog was largely inspired by the comments of a senior doctor. I’m sure that critically ill people would not be prejudiced but the point is that A&E are so drastically overstretched that those responsible people who require relatively minor treatment are inevitably going to suffer from delays. I agree with your comments on privatisation and there is no doubt that more effective and efficient funding of the NHS is required. Thanks for reading my blog!