HealthInfo Aoraki-South Canterbury
Overview of addiction
This page has links to information in other languages.
We all know that some things we use or take part in are good for us, and others aren't so good for us.
When we make choices that aren't so good for us, it's usually because we feel it doesn't cause too much harm, because we enjoy it, or because it makes us feel better in the short term.
Some of the things that people use to make them feel a certain way include:
- alcohol as a social lubricant
- cannabis for relaxation
- gambling for a bit of a thrill
- party pills for more energy.
Addiction, or dependence, is when these things start to cause problems.
The problems might be in some of these areas:
- relationships – lying to a partner, or becoming violent or aggressive when drunk or high
- responsibilities – neglecting work and childcare duties because of the need to drink, gamble or use drugs
- choices – breaking the law to pay for drugs, taking health risks like injecting, racking up large debts due to gambling, sleeping with strangers, or getting into fights when high or drunk.
If any of these things have happened to you, or to someone you love, then you or they might have an addiction.
In the video above, New Zealanders who were addicted to drugs talk about how they felt when they were taking drugs.
Support services
- Alcohol Drug Helpline
The website of the alcohol drug helpline (0800-787-797 and txt 8681) has information, online tools, and a service directory for support. You can call or txt the helpline any time.
The alcohol drug helpline has a Māori helpline (0800-787-798) and text service (8681) to provide culturally-appropriate support to Māori.
It also has a Pasifika helpline (0800-787-799) and text service (8681) to provide culturally-appropriate support to Pacific peoples.
- Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Service
You can contact this service to discuss your situation. You can also call if you're worried about a family member's or friend's drinking or drug taking. To contact the service, call (03) 687-2150 or 022-000-7628.
- 1737, need to talk?
Phone: 1737 or 0800-1737-1737 or txt: 1737.
If you feel anxious, down, a bit overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, call or txt 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 1737 is staffed by a team of paid counsellors who can talk to you if you have mental health or addiction problems. A counsellor will work with you to develop a care plan. This could include referring you to another service, giving you additional counselling or giving you information and support.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – Addiction
Information about dealing with addiction and how to get help.
- Matua Raḵi (National Addiction Workforce Development) – Managing your own withdrawal
A practical guide designed to help people plan and manage a withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2020.
Sources
Review key: HIADG-47857
