For non-alcoholics it may seem strange the lengths alcoholics will go to feed their addiction. Some people have been known to rob their own family members or even their employers to obtain money to buy alcohol. Others have engaged in illegal activities such as prostitution in order to get the money to feed their habits. An example of this strange and dangerous behaviour occurred in Sydney last year when a woman with an alcohol addiction walked out of a Sydney hospital where she was being treated without being discharged.
A search then ensued for the woman who was later found intoxicated in Paddington a week later. The woman seemed disillusioned when the police caught her, claiming she thought she had been away from the hospital for only a few hours when in fact it was a week.
The police claimed that the woman had been breaking into homes and stealing alcohol during the time she went missing. She was then charged for breaking into 3 houses and robbing them of alcohol. Luckily this person did not cause any harm to any other persons but this incident could have turned out much worse.
The story does however have somewhat of a hopeful ending because the woman involved is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will hopefully be able to overcome her addiction.
Read what this post from Abc.net.au had to say about the incident:
A woman who sparked a police search when she walked out of a Sydney hospital last year has admitted stealing alcohol while her family and friends were looking for her.
Belinda Burcham walked out of St Vincent’s Hospital on the 30th of December without being discharged, sparking a large police search and an online campaign by her family and friends.
It is understood the one-time businesswoman is an associate of Moses Obeid.
Burcham was found drunk in Paddington about a week after she disappeared. She later told police she thought she had only been gone for a few hours.
Police say that while she was missing, Ms Burcham was breaking into Paddington houses and stealing alcohol to support her addiction.
The 40-year-old was charged with six offences relating to three break and enters on the same street.
Documents tendered to Waverley Local Court allege Belinda Burcham stole two bottles of wine valued at $1600. The owner is looking for compensation.
The documents also state she was crying so much when police tried to interview her that they had to stop.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-18/woman-who-sparked-search-admits-alcohol-theft/4579252
Overcoming an addiction is an ongoing battle and most alcoholics require professional help and rehabilitation in order to kick the habit. But prevention is better than cure especially when it comes to addictions, that is one of the reasons why Responsible Service of Alcohol training is so important.
Every worker in a licenced venue must be in possession of a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate not only for legal compliance but also to ensure they have the knowledge and skill needed to avoid serving too much alcohol to customers or contributing to alcohol fuelled violence or addictions.