Mike King is standing by his controversial comments about mental health and alcohol

During an interview with Newstalk ZB yesterday, the mental health advocate said alcohol can stop negative thoughts - and could be a solution for mental health.

King told our newsroom this morning he stands by that.

He says medical research linking suicide and alcohol is a matter of opinion.

Health Minister Matt Doocey says he respects King's work - but disagrees.

He says substance use should be treated as a health issue and any anxiety reducing qualities of alcohol quickly wear off.