How to Access Treatment

Treatment

‘Treatment’ is a term used to describe help, usually professional, that people get when they are experiencing drinking problems.

Treatment for alcohol problems includes a range of activities including 12 step support groups, counselling services that provide one-hour counselling appointments, or residential programmes where the person stays for a period of several weeks.

There is good evidence that treatment for alcohol problems works!

Different approaches

Different treatment approaches work for different people. A lot of people run into problems with their drinking and are able to make positive changes.

If you are worried about your drinking (or someone else’s) it will probably help to talk to someone outside of your situation. A good starting point is to phone the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for free, confidential advice and support. The Helpline will also tell you the services available in your area if you want that information.

If you do not want to talk to the Helpline but are looking for an alcohol or other drug treatment service, you can go to www.addictionshelp.org.nz. This website provides a database of all addiction services and self-help groups available in New Zealand including Māori and Pacific services.

If you have any concerns about your drinking (or any other drug use), it is also a good idea to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

The Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act

The Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act (ADA Act) provides for people who are diagnosed as alcoholics and drug addicts to undergo compulsory treatment under a court order at specially certified institutions.

Click here to find out how the ADA Act works.

Contemplating change

As you begin to contemplate change it is often very helpful to hear the stories of others who have gone through what you are going through and have made changes. The following links are to some resources where you will hear some of these stories:

Like a drink?
Ki te Ao Marama
Bewildered
Drug Help
Meth Help