Alcohol affects the way we think and behave, and is associated with many physical, mental, and social harms to the user and to others. Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of road accidents, injuries, violent behaviour, and criminal activity. Alcohol use is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, liver disease, cancer, stroke, and developing mental health conditions. It can lead to many social problems, such as issues at work, financial difficulties, legal issues, and problems within whānau and relationships. Despite these harms, drinking large amounts of alcohol is normalised and common within New Zealand.
A substance use disorder (SUD), also known as an addiction, is when someone experiences tolerance to and dependence on a substance. Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) leads someone to abuse alcohol and be dependent on alcohol in order to function. They have developed a tolerance, meaning they need more and more alcohol to get the same effect, and they have a dependence meaning they experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking.
Some questions to ask yourself about your alcohol use …
- Is your drinking harming you or the people around you?
- Are you unable to stop drinking even if you wanted to?
- Do you feel you have no control over your drinking?
- Do you or others worry about your drinking habits?
- Do you feel like you need more and more alcohol to get the same effect?
- Do you feel unwell, or experience withdrawal symptoms, when you are not drinking?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions then you may have a problem and might benefit from talking to someone about your drinking. There are effective treatments available and the earlier you seek help the better the outcomes. Talk to your doctor/ GP, a mental health professional, a whānua member, friend, or someone else you trust. Tell them what is going on for you and talk about finding support.
Alcohol.org.nz “Is your drinking okay?” test:
Alcohol.org.nz has created an “Is your drinking okay?” test. This is based on The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which was developed as a screening tool by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to determine when alcohol use has become a problem.
Complete the test here → https://www.alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/is-your-drinking-ok/tool-is-your-drinking-okay
Or complete The AUDIT here:
Answer each question below and add up your points to determine your score.
A score of 8 or higher indicates hazardous/ harmful drinking patterns.
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test:
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
- Never = 0
- Monthly or less = 1
- 2-4 times a month = 2
- 2-3 times a week = 3
- 4 or more times a week = 4
2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?
- 1 or 2 = 0
- 3 or 4 = 1
- 5 or 6 = 2
- 7 to 9 = 3
- 10 or more = 4
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
5. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
6. How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking?
- Never = 0
- Less than monthly = 1
- Monthly = 2
- Weekly = 3
- Daily or almost daily = 4
9. Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
- No = 0
- Yes, but not in the last year = 2
- Yes, during the last year = 4
10. Has a relative, friend, doctor, or other health care worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
- No = 0
- Yes, but not in the last year = 2
- Yes, during the last year = 4
Here are some other resources you can check out if you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking:
Alcohol Drug Association of NZ - https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/
Alcohol.org.nz - https://www.alcohol.org.nz/
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) NZ - https://aa.org.nz/
Odyssey - https://www.odyssey.org.nz/
Living sober - https://livingsober.org.nz/
The Salvation Army - Alcohol and Drug Support - https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/alcohol-and-drug-support
Ministry of Health NZ - Community treatment services -
Ministry of Health NZ - Live-in treatment services - https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/help-alcohol-and-drug-problems/live-treatment-services
For whānau, friends, and supporters -
Al-Anon Family Groups - https://al-anon.org.nz/
Al-Anon Family Groups: Alateen - https://al-anon.org.nz/alateen/ → For teens impacted by someone else’s drinking.
Kina Families and Addictions Trust - https://www.kina.org.nz/
Concerned about someone’s drinking? - https://www.hpa.org.nz/sites/default/files/useruploads/Resourcepdfs/02856_Alcohol&YourHealth_ALAC_Concerned_About_Someone's_Drinking_FA2_LR.pdf