Helplines provide support for people going through a range of different challenges including addiction and mental health issues. They usually provide options to call, text or message online. 

How could it be helpful?

Helplines can be a great first option if you don’t know what support options might suit your needs or are unsure about getting help from someone in-person. You can call a helpline from wherever you feel comfortable, and can hang up or stop responding if you need to. If you’ve never used professional support before, you can use helplines to test the waters and get a feel for what it is like to talk to a professional about what you’re going through. They can help you find other support in your area. 

How to access?

You can use helplines by calling, texting or using live chat (if they have that option available). If you don’t want your phone number to show up, you can hide it in the call settings on your phone or by dialing 0197 before you dial the helpline number.

These are the helplines in New Zealand you can contact to talk about problems with drugs: 

The Alcohol Drug Helpline supports anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s drug use. They are open 24/7. Everything is kept confidential, and it is completely free.

Meth Help offers free, confidential phone support for anyone in New Zealand. Call 0800 METH HELP (0800 6384 4357). You will be assigned your own counsellor and can be supported at any stage of your journey. You can talk to them about any meth-related issue or problem. Including: 

  • Support to quit or reduce meth use.

  • Harm reduction help.

  • Tips for managing cravings and relapse prevention.

  • Advice on preparing for detox and treatment.

  • Info on treatment options and referrals.

  • Call-back service at a time that suits you.

  • Dedicated clinician every step of the way.

  • Ongoing support is available via text, phone, or email.

  • Confidential support & advice for those concerned about others' meth use.

They can also offer some face to face appointments in Christchurch.

If you’re a family member or loved one of someone who is having issues with their drug use you can call Family Drug Support on 0800 337 877 or Brave Hearts on 0508 272 834 to talk about what you are going through. 

More info on whānau/family support. 

Call the Asian Helpline (0800 862 342) for support that is free and confidential. They are open from Monday to Friday between 9am-8pm and are available in eight languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.

More info on Asian Services.

Call the Gambling Helpline for free 24/7 on 0800 654 655 or text 8006. They can help if: 

  • you’re worried that gambling might be a problem for you 
  • you’re concerned about someone else's gambling 
  • you’re looking for a safe place to talanoa, kōrero, talk 
  • you want to know about kanohi te kanohi, face to face services too 

They also offer four specialist services; Māori Gambling Helpline, Pasifika Gambling Helpline, Debt Gambling Helpline, and Youth Gambling Helpline. More info and numbers for those services here. View the Gambling Helpline specialist services.

There is also the Problem Gambling Foundation who offer free and confidential counselling and support services throughout New Zealand for anyone impacted by gambling. They have duty counsellors available by phone between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday to answer your questions and provide immediate support. Freephone 0800 664 262 to speak to a duty counsellor.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem or you're worried that one might be developing, Safer Gambling Aotearoa have a few tips to bring it into line. They also have really good information on gaming vs gambling, how lotto works, and online gambling. 

These are the helplines you can contact for other issues: 

It’s common to feel anxious or when making big changes to your drug use. You can call the Anxiety Helpline (0800 269 438) for techniques to manage your anxiety or 1737 to talk about what you’re going through and improve your wellbeing.

If you’re experiencing physical health problems from using drugs, you can call Healthline for advice on what to do and guidance on whether you need to go to a doctor or more.

You can also call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766 for information about poisons. 

Where

Online, or at home

Time commitment

Minimal or one off

Accessing this treatment

Can start now