Addictions
There are many things we can be addicted to. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, food, and work are to name but a few common addictions. Basically anything we use compulsively and obsessively to ease tension or enhance our mood can be defined as addictive. No matter what the addiction, to deal with it successfully we need support.
Key Points:
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Learn about how to recognise an addiction
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If you think you have an addiction, seek help from someone you trust or call a crisis line
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Learn tips to help manage peer pressure
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Seek out a support person who will listen, motivate you, and help keep you safe
Alcohol Drug HelpLine: 0800 787 797 and website
Free, confidential information and support for any questions about your own or someone else’s drug taking or drinking
Addictions Treatment Directory
Regional database of all the addiction treatment and advice services in New Zealand
Gambling Helpline NZ 0800 654 655 and website
Free, confidential information, support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling. Funded by NZ Govt.
Overview
In this section you will find information about the common types of addiction.
 | What is Addiction? Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
 | Drinking & You |  | |
| Problem Gambling | | |
| Smoking - Help with Quitting | Quit NZ | |
| What is Metamphetamine? | | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Here is a self-test to help you assess whether your drinking is ok or if you need to seek help.
| Cannabis - What is it? | Australia National Youth Mental Health Foundation | |
| Ecstasy - What is it? | Australia National Youth Mental Health Foundation | |
| Drug Addiction | Mayo Clinic | |
| Is Your Drinking OK? |  | |
| Questionnaire to help assess 'is your drinking OK?' | |||
What can I do? - Self help measures
In this section is a resource to help get you started in working through your substance abuse.
| Problem Substance Use Workbook | Here to Help | 52 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| Preventing Relapse Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 4 Pages |
 | Wellbeing & Resilience Action Planning Workbook |  | 11 Pages |
| Wellbeing & Resilience Support Person's Guide | | 19 Pages |
| Getting Help | Australia National Youth Mental Health Foundation | |
| Call the Quit Line | Quit NZ | 2 Pages |
Treatments & Medication
Treatment for addiction involves counselling and support.
| Community Alcohol & Drug Services Auckland | Community Alcohol & Drug Services (CADS) | |
| Evidence of the Effectiveness of Brief Intervention for Alcohol Abuse |  | 2 Pages |
| Drug Addiction - Treatments & Drugs | Mayo Clinic | |
| Compulsive Gambling - Treatments & Drugs | Mayo Clinic | |
| Quitting Smoking - Getting your Patches, Gum or Lozenges | Quit NZ | 2 Pages |
Clinical Resources
Great tools for use in clinical practice.
| Guidelines for Recognising, Assessing & Treating Alcohol & Cannabis Abuse in Primary Care - Jul 99 | | 36 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| Referring to CADS | Community Alcohol & Drug Services (CADS) | 2 Pages |
| Recognition, Assessment & Initial Treatment of Substance Use Algorithm | | 1 Page |
| AUDIT: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test | | 2 Pages |
| Substances and Choices Scale | Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) | |
| Assessment of Cannabis Use Question Sheet | | 1 Page |
| NZ Smoking Cessation Guidelines | Ministry of Health | 60 Pages |
| CLIMATE Online Treatment Programme | Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression | |
Support
Support is essential when you have an addiction. Here you will find some useful information to help you find the help you need, and for friends and carers, information to help you provide the best support.
| Getting Help for Addictions Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 4 Pages |
| Had Enough - Then Make a Change | Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) | 64 Pages |
| Maori | |||
| Getting Help & Support | Ministry of Social Development | |
| Wellbeing & Resilience Support Person's Guide | | 19 Pages |
| Helping Others Quit Smoking | Quit NZ | 2 Pages |
Want to Learn More?
In this section are fact sheets about addiction in Chinese and Korean.
| MindNet | | |
| Internet-based resource and e-bulletin about mental health promotion and prevention | |||
| Webhealth | | |
| NZ health & social services | |||
| What is Addiction? Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
| Korean | |||
| What is Addiction? Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
| Chinese | |||
| Health Translations Directory | State Government of Victoria, Australia | |
| Australian website with multilingual health information | Multiple Languages | ||
| Order Resources & Pamphlets | | |
| Working Well | | |
| Working Well supports employers and managers to create more mentally healthy work places | |||