Addiction (the facts)
What is addiction? Read More...
There is still debate about the exact definition of addiction, but there are some generally agreed indicators you should watch out for, such as any uncharacteristic behaviour along these lines:
- Moods swings
- Lethargy
- Explosive outbursts
- Minimal interaction with family
- Trouble with the police
- Changes in eating patterns
- Frequent absences from school/work
- Sudden changes of friends
- Unexplained need for money
- Declining school/work performance
- Disappearing money and valuables
- Impaired memory
- Decrease in activities that may have previously been important to the person
- Poor concentration
- Withdrawing socially.
Who is most at risk? Read More...
In 2006, according to The New Zealand Mental Health Survey, 2006:
- 2.6% of the population experienced alcohol abuse, 1.3% alcohol dependence, 1.2% drug abuse, and 0.7% drug dependence.
- Substance use disorders were more common in:
- Younger people
- Males
- People with less education
- People with less income
- People who live in more deprived areas.
- Maori were more likely than Pacific people and other ethnic groups to experience substance use disorders.
- Of people who will at some time in their lives experience substance use disorder, 25% do so by age 16, 50% by age 18, and 75% by age 24.
What are the most common drugs? Read More...
According to Alcohol Drug Association New Zealand....
- Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in New Zealand. Binge drinking has been defined as five or more standard drinks on any one occasion for 12-17 year olds and seven or more standard drinks for adults over 18.
- Tobacco is the second most common drug. Its use is highest among the 25-34 age group, and among Maori (49.2% of Maori smoke) and Pacific people (35.2%).
- Cannabis comes in third place and is the country’s most widely used illegal drug. About half of New Zealanders try it at some time in their lives and about 30% do so before the age of 15.
- Legal Highs, 'Herbal' Highs, or Party Pills have become the preferred drugs of many young people. During 2003, over 1.5 million party pill capsules were manufactured in New Zealand.
- Ecstasy and MDMA use has increased in recent years. In 2001, 5.4% of people surveyed had tried ecstasy compared with 3% in 1998. Larger seizures of MDMA since 2000 indicates its use is on the increase too.
- ‘P’, methamphetamine, and amphetamine use has also increased in recent years. Now about one in five people presenting for drug treatment cite some form of amphetamine, alone or in combination with other drugs, as their main substance use problem.
- Opiates such as heroin, home-bake, morphine, and poppies account for a small percentage of drug use in New Zealand.
For more information, click here.
What can I do if I think someone I know
is addicted? Read More...
If you’re worried that someone you know has a substance use or gambling problem, here are some initial steps you can take:
- Talk about your concerns with a drug and alcohol professional, other concerned family members, or friends.
- Find out what resources and support services are available.
- Choose an appropriate time to talk with the person concerned and explain how you feel about what is going on.
- Negotiate a set of guidelines for their behaviour with agreed consequences if the guidelines are broken.
- Support and encourage positive behaviour.
- Look after yourself – don’t allow yourself to become overburdened by the person’s problem.
- Ensure the physical safety of yourself and any children involved.
For a more detailed guide, click here.
