There are many different health services out there that can help you take care of your wellbeing. These include your local doctor (GP) for health checkups, dentists, and sexual health clinics.
How could it be helpful?
Staying healthy is an important way to prevent problems from alcohol and other drugs. If you’re physically unhealthy, drug use is more likely to cause health problems. Sometimes physical health issues aren’t easy to spot, and getting a check-up can help to identify issues before they become big problems.
For example, substances like cocaine and methamphetamine make your heart beat faster, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attack over time. Those risks are difficult to spot without getting checks.
How to access?
You can see your local Sexual Health Clinic to get tested for sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections and get contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and infections. You can use Healthpoint to find your nearest clinic.
Visit your doctor (GP) for health checks. This is especially important if you’ve noticed something out of the ordinary after using drugs. Healthpoint has a list of GPs you can search through. Also consider getting checkups from the dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
You can also see a Rongoā Māori practitioner. Rongoā considers the connectedness of the mind, body, spirit, and a person's connection to the natural environment. It includes therapies like mirimiri (massage), rākau rongoā (native herbal remedies) and karakia (spiritual healing). You can find a list of Rongoā Māori practitioners in your region on Healthpoint.
If you’re not sure whether you should see a health service, you can call Healthline (0800 611 116) and talk through the problems you’re experiencing. They can give you information and advice about what to do next.