Auckland Therapy Counselling and Psychotherapy

Alcohol & Drug Counselling

Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used drugs in New Zealand, followed by cannabis (marijuana, pot, weed, methamphetamine (“P”, speed, crystal), ecstasy (MDMA), hallucinogens (LSD, Magic Mushrooms), opiates (heroine, opium, codeine) and other prescription drugs such as sleeping pills and sedatives.

Often people will turn to alcohol and drugs because of stress or a lack of other ways of managing painful emotions. With alcohol and other commonly used drugs frequently use can cause a physical dependence that also needs to be assessed and treated.

Alcohol

As alcohol is frequently used socially in New Zealand it can be hard to tell if your use is a problem. Often we are surrounded by people drinking the same amount, as frequently as us. It may be that you have always used alcohol and drugs and never thought of it as causing you problems.

If you are unsure if your alcohol use is a problem, the following questions may help:

Is my drinking a habit? YES, if you drink regularly to:

  • Relax, relieve anxiety or go to sleep
  • Be more comfortable in social situations
  • Avoid thinking about sad or unpleasant things
  • Socialise with other regular drinkers

Is my drinking a problem? YES, if you:

  • Can't stop drinking once you start
  • Have tried to stop drinking for a week or so but only quit for a few days
  • Fail to do what you should at work or at home because of drinking
  • Feel guilty after drinking
  • Find other people make comments to you about your drinking
  • Have a drink in the morning to get yourself going after drinking heavily the night before
  • Can't remember what happened while you were drinking
  • Have hurt yourself or someone else as a result of your drinking

Getting Help

If you have any concerns about your alcohol or drug use it helps to talk to a professional trained in this area. They can help you decide if your use is a problem, and make some practical plans to start changing your usage so you feel more in control.

Find a Therapist

The following therapists have particular experience and training working with alcohol, drug issues:

    Mandy Montague (Sandringham)
    Blair Schulze (Grey Lynn)