Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/addictions/
Addictions
There are many things we can be addicted to such as cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, food, and coffee. Anything we use compulsively and obsessively to ease tension or enhance our mood can be defined as addictive. However, some addictions are much more harmful than others.
If there is something you find hard to give up or stop doing that is causing any harm to you or others, then pick up the phone and ring one of the numbers below. Do it NOW! Help and support are just a phone call away.
Key Points:
- Learn about how to recognise an addiction
- If you think you have an addiction, seek help from someone you trust or call a crisis line
- Learn tips to help manage peer pressure
- Seek out a support person who will listen, motivate you, and help keep you safe
Where to get help:
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 - Multiple languages
Free, confidential information, support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling. Funded by NZ Government.
Quitline 0800 778 778 or visit the website for a range of resources and information.
Overview
In this section you will find information about the common types of addiction.
 | Is your drinking okay? - online quiz | Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) | |
| Drinking & You |  | |
| Smoking - Help with Quitting | Quit NZ | |
| What are the effects of illicit drugs? | NZ Drug Foundation | |
| Drugs - help for yourself or others | NZ Drug Foundation | |
| Funded by NZ Government | |||
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Here is a self-test to help you assess whether your drinking is ok or if you need to seek help.
| Test your drug use | NZ Drug 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.
| Test your drug use | NZ Drug Foundation | |
| Had Enough - talk about it & how to ease up | Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) | Pages |
| useful website | |||
 | Wellbeing & Resilience Action Planning Workbook |  | 11 Pages |
| Wellbeing & Resilience Support Person's Guide | | 19 Pages |
 | Call the Quit Line | Quit NZ | 2 Pages |
| Problem Substance Use Workbook - Canadian, updated 2011 | Here to Help | 52 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| Drugs - help for yourself or others | NZ Drug Foundation | |
| Funded by NZ Government | |||
Treatments & Medication
Treatment for addiction involves counselling and support.
| Community Alcohol & Drug Services Auckland | Community Alcohol & Drug Services (CADS) | |
| Drug Addiction - 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.
| Referring to CADS | Community Alcohol & Drug Services (CADS) | |
| Substances and Choices Scale | Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) | |
| NZ Smoking Cessation Guidelines | Ministry of Health | 60 Pages |
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 & Support | Ministry of Social Development | |
| Wellbeing & Resilience Support Person's Guide | | 19 Pages |
| Helping Others Quit Smoking | Quit NZ | 2 Pages |
| Stories from those who have changed | NZ Drug Foundation | |
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 | |||
Date last reviewed