A person is classified as having a substance use disorder, also known as a drug addiction, if they are unable to control or stop their use of a substance, even though it is causing harm and severely impacting their day to day life. The substance can be a drug or medication, such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, stimulants, or cannabis.
Someone may use a drug because it makes them feel good, maybe euphoric, ‘high’, or relaxed. This feeling is caused by activation of the reward system within the brain. They like this feeling so they take the drug again. However, repeated use of the drug causes physical changes within the brain, and more and more of the drug is needed each time to produce the same effect. These changes within the brain can lead a person to crave the drug, feel they need it to function, and if they don’t take the drug this can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms.
There are genetic and environmental factors involved in the development of a substance use disorder. A family history of addiction, having other mental health conditions, associating with certain peer groups, and starting drug use at a young age are all factors which can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Drug abuse and dependence is associated with many physical, mental, and social harms. It can lead to problems at home, at work, in relationships, and cause financial issues. Addiction can severely impact a person's life but there are effective treatments.
- Craving a substance/ drug - Feeling you need to use the drug daily or multiple times a day.
- Feeling you are unable to stop or reduce drug use.
- Taking a drug for longer than intended, or in larger amounts than intended.
- Drug use causes you to neglect other things in your life [e.g. family, work].
- Continuing to use the drug despite it causing harms to your physical health, mental health, and/or other harms in your life [e.g. relationship issues, financial issues].
- Large amounts of time spent using or getting the drug and then recovering from use.
- Failing to meet responsibilities and obligations [e.g. at work/ home/ school].
- Failing to attend important work and social events due to drug use.
- Spending more money than you can afford or doing things you wouldn’t normally do [e.g. stealing] to get the drug.
- Engaging in risky behaviour while influenced by the drug [e.g. driving].
- Tolerance - Needing more and more of a drug to get the same effect/ ‘high’.
- Withdrawal symptoms - Attempts to stop taking the drug cause intense craving and physical illness.
If you think you are dependent on or abusing drugs it is important to speak to your doctor. There are effective treatments available and earlier help leads to better outcomes.
Treatment for substance use disorder focuses on stopping drug use and preventing future use. Treatment will vary based on the type of drug and other individual factors, and may take place in individual or group settings. The process of stopping drug use (detoxification) can be done at home, or inpatient treatment may be needed (e.g. in hospital).
Psychological Therapy:
Behaviour therapy and counselling are used in the treatment of substance use disorder. These psychological therapies focus on learning how to cope with cravings, preventing relapse, developing strategies for if relapse occurs, and addressing other problems (e.g. work or relationship issues). Substance use disorders commonly occur alongside other mental health problems, or drug use may be a way to cope with other emotional issues. Talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be beneficial to address these issues.
Support Groups:
Joining a support group can be a great way to meet a supportive network of people going through a similar experience. Support groups provide an opportunity to speak with and learn from others who are facing similar issues.
The Alcohol Drug Helpline provides confidential free advice and support for those struggling with alcohol or drug use and for the whānau and friends of those who use. Their website provides a range of great resources including information on alcohol and other common drugs of abuse, advice for those concerned about someone else’s drug use, and personal stories of recovery from addiction.
Kina Families and Addictions Trust is a resource for whānau/ families of those who are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. Their website is a space for whānau to access information on substance misuse, find links to other resources and support, and access advice on how to help a loved one and how to look after themselves.
The ‘Real Stories’ page on the 'Drug Help' website shares stories of New Zealanders who have experienced drug misuse and addiction. In the videos they share their experiences, their motivations for recovery, and their journeys to show it is possible to change.
This booklet, made by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), was created as a resource to provide information on the science behind drug use and addiction. This is a good resource to find out more about how drug use and addiction changes the brain, the consequences of use, and to learn about prevention and treatment strategies.
alcohol.org.nz is a New Zealand website which aims to promote better decision making around alcohol use and to reduce the harms caused by alcohol. Their website offers information, resources, and advice for those who use and for their support networks. Resources include information on the effects of alcohol on the body, alcohol use during pregnancy, and how to access support. They also have information for parents/caregivers and resources for youth. The “Is your drinking okay?” test is a great resource for those who want to find out if their drinking is at a harmful level.
alcohol.org.nz is run by Te Hiringa Hauora/ Health Promotion Agency.
The ‘Alcohol and other drugs - support services’ page on the ‘Health Navigator’ website provides a helpful overview of support services, helplines, treatment options, and places to seek help throughout New Zealand. There are resources for those experiencing drug and alcohol use and whānau/ family and friends impacted by others' use.
Family Drug Support is a national organisation who aim to support and assist whānau impacted by the drug and alcohol use of their loved ones. Their website provides information on how to help others as well as ways to ensure you are looking after yourself. The organisation runs courses, events, and support meetings. They also offer a free phone counselling service for whānau 9am till 10pm, 7 days a week (0800 337 877).