10 November 2016

New Zealanders share their Meth turning points

A powerful new video released today shows musicians Tiki Taane and Marcus Powell, NZ lightweight Muay Thai champion Miriam Tio and everyday kiwis William Swift and Tane Dunn talking frankly about how methamphetamine, also known as P, affected their lives and what turning points triggered their recovery.

Their stories can be viewed on YouTube.

Kate Duder, lead author of the ‘Knowing Someone Cares’ report into the experiences of young people at greater risk from alcohol and other drug-related harms, says the video shows young people that there are turning points to overcoming addiction.

“Someone showing they care about a person is most often a catalyst for users getting help for an alcohol or drug addiction,” the Senior Community Action Youth And Drugs (CAYAD) Advisor says.

“For many of the young people we interviewed, feeling like they didn’t have anyone who cared about them led them to care less about themselves, which they felt led to increased alcohol and other drug use.”

The video is part of the BUZZED social media campaign designed to reach out to young people and their families affected by drug and alcohol harm. It was produced by CAYAD at Auckland Council, which is funded by the Ministry of Health.

There are several free helplines that offer anonymous supportive advice and referrals, including the Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797), Youthline (FREE text 234 or free phone 0800 376633) and Lifeline (0800 543 354).

The Meth Help website has resources to help users understand meth and withdrawal. The site offers a guide for change booklet and DVD and information on what to expect when people are ready to change.

http://drughelp.org.nz/help-yourself

http://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/methamphetamine/help

http://drughelp.org.nz/a-bit-about-drugs/meth

ENDS

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