How to get help
If you feel you or anyone you know needs help, there are a number of treatment organisations you can contact in strict confidence.
Like a drink? has been produced for people who have experienced some issues with their drinking and are thinking about making some changes. There you can view the helpful, real life stories – funny, gruesome, sad and hopeful – of eight young New Zealanders as they talk about their experiences with alcohol. www.likeadrink.org.nz
DrugHelp is a uniquely New Zealand website for people looking for help with their own or someone else’s drug use. DrugHelp shares the stories, experiences, insight and hope of people who have been there – people who have abused drugs and found a way through. www.drughelp.org.nz
The Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) provides free and confidential support for any person concerned about their own or another person's alcohol or drug use. When you call you will talk to an experienced counsellor who is there to listen. You can trust the helpline to provide you with confidential and non-judgemental help when you need it. The helpline is open from 10am–10pm, every day.
What to do in a crisis
- If someone overdoses, becomes unwell, or has a bad reaction to alcohol or any other drug, do not hesitate to get emergency medical assistance. A quick response could save their life.
- Dial 111 and ask for Ambulance. Do not wait to see if the person comes right on their own.
- Stay with the person until medical help arrives. Find out if anyone on the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Have them stand by in case the person stops breathing or you can no longer detect a pulse.
- Ensure the person has sufficient air. Ask crowds to stand back, open windows, and loosen any tight clothing.
- If the person is unconscious roll them onto their side into the recovery position so they won’t choke if they vomit. Tilt their head back slightly to ensure their tongue does not obstruct their airway.
- If the person stops breathing apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, if you cannot detect a pulse begin CPR.
- When the ambulance arrives give the medics as much information as possible – what drugs were taken, when they were taken, and whether the person has any existing medical conditions.
- Before you go out, know what to do in a crisis.
