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 an addiction because of stress or perhaps a lack of other ways of managing painful emotions. However with alcohol and other commonly used drugs just using the drug frequently enough can cause a physical dependence that also needs to be assessed and treated.

Addictions

People can become addicted to many different things (including alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, internet porn, computer games, shopping etc). Generally we see something as an addiction if someone feels unable to stop the behaviour, or experiences ongoing problems caused by the behaviour, for example missing work due to hangovers or becoming physically sick or depressed due to drug use.

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:

Drug & alcohol counsellors
    Kyle MacDonald (Ellerslie)
    Mandy Montague (Sandringham)