New $30.6M Plan Boosts Faster Meth Treatment and Recovery Support Nationwide

More people in communities hardest hit by meth are now getting faster access to treatment and recovery support, with new services rolled out across the country, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

We are clear that drugs destroy lives and put enormous pressure on families and communities. That is why we announced a $30.6 million health-led plan for areas experiencing some of the greatest harm, Mr Doocey says.

The package includes new and expanded treatment and recovery services, more frontline workers, peer and family support, screening and early intervention, and drug prevention programmes.

Since announcing the package last year, new and expanded services have started being rolled out in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Wairoa and Invercargill.

In Kaitaia, Te Hiku Hauora has established Te Puarangi, a new drug harm reduction service providing community-based treatment and support.

People in Kaitaia and Kaikohe can also access new peer-led recovery support, while navigation services are helping people in Kaitaia and Wairoa connect with treatment and other community support.

In Invercargill, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu has expanded its intensive treatment services and workforce, giving more people access to methamphetamine-related support.

Screening and brief intervention for alcohol and other drugs has also started at Kaitaia Hospital, helping identify people earlier and connect them with support.

We have also extended the Tūturu school-based prevention programme into Northland, Rotorua and Tairāwhiti, helping young people understand the risks of drugs.

An additional 10.6 full-time workers have now been employed as part of the frontline response, alongside increased access to peer support, recovery groups and counselling for families.

Family Drug Support is also receiving increased funding to provide more free counselling and support nationwide for families affected by meth.

There is only the start. Clinical treatment services planned for Kaikohe and Wairoa are expected to be in place in the coming months, with further peer support, treatment and family services also being established in Rotorua, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

Six of the seven additional screening and brief intervention services are also expected to be operational in the next couple of months.

This is about fixing the basics and building the future so people can get faster access to addiction support, get help earlier, and have the support they need to stay on track in recovery.