How to overcome alcohol and drug problems

Introducing the Alcohol and Drugs Community Services (CADS), Asian Service

In Chinese society there are three things considered immoral and not often talked about: drugs, gambling and sexual difficulties.

Most Chinese people do not like to associate themselves with these things because of the negative connotations, such as broken families, debt and shame. But these problems do exist, and can be related to the difficulties faced by migrant populations. Coming to a new country can be challenging and, sadly, some people do turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their stresses and loneliness.

Many new Chinese migrants are unfamiliar with New Zealand culture and how society functions. Some might experience language barriers. As well, they also experience distress if they are either under employed or unemployed. International students can experience increased stress due to exams, which can develop into insomnia.

One of the major problems in Chinese communities in New Zealand is dependency on alcohol or drugs (mostly sleeping pills). Unfortunately, many Chinese do not know that sleeping pills can be addictive, especially when their use is not monitored by professionals. In addition, more and more young people are using methamphetamine (usually called ‘P') in South East Asia.

In New Zealand it is illegal to take recreational drugs, but quite legal to use most party pills, sleeping pills and alcohol. However, dangers lie with those who may not understand what is considered to be ‘healthy drinking' or ‘reasonable use'. It is very common to have one or two glasses of wine or a beer after work to unwind but, unfortunately, some people may drink a great deal more than this.

They may drink a lot because of our ‘Kiwi drinking culture' and due to peer pressure, but most grow out of it after their teens and early 20s. But this may be very difficult for others and can lead to problems.Some people use alcohol or drugs to escape deeper issues, such as trauma, distress or family problems. Others may take drugs or alcohol to ease their social anxiety. Unfortunately, this can lead to the development of alcohol and drug dependency.

New Zealand is well-resourced to deal with these problems. Alcohol and drug problems is one area where services are offered to support those who need help. This article's primarily focus is on introducing a friendly Asian alcohol and drugs service, which runs in the Auckland region.

CADS (Community Alcohol and Drugs Services) is funded by the Waitemata DHB. It provides free counseling and intervention services, and is confidential. The objective of the service is to reduce harm to people who experience alcohol and drugs issues. At the same time, it provides services to support friends or family members who are trying to help their loved one.

Currently there are six clinics running throughout the Auckland region: North shore, Centre, East, South, West and Mt Eden. They provide counseling for the individual, families and small groups.

CADS Asian Services began in November 2005; it is the only Asian Service providing counseling to those who are experiencing drug and alcohol problems.

CADS provided services to people who are:

• Facing drink driving charges, where they had over the legal limit of alcohol in their blood while driving.
• Addicted to tranquilizers.
• Using illegal drugs.
• Facing problem-gambling issues.

The service also provides:

• Individual or family counseling services.
• Information and education workshops to educate about drink driving and illegal drugs.
• Information services through email.
• Family visits.
• Referral services to ensure an individual's needs are being met.

Rebecca Zhang, CADS Asian Service Coordinator, says she experiences other issues in Asian communities, such as:

• Family members refusing to get involved with their loved one due to fear of ‘losing face' or because they are worried that their family will be discriminated against.
• People willing to get help but want a quick fix. Unfortunately, it usually takes time to make positive changes when alcohol or drugs are involved. Often alcohol or drugs dependency means there is a deeper emotional problem.
• Family beliefs that CADS will be able to resolve the alcohol and drugs problem without their input. Family play a crucial part in a person's recovery.  For some they do not understand what alcohol and drug dependency is, because lack of accurate information or knowledge.
• Miss Zhang says things can get especially difficult for family members who live with the person who have the dependency.

The situation can negatively impact on a couple's relationship, children and parents, or on the family's financial security, or society as the whole.

Subsequently, family members might also need good support or help. When they are willing to engage with the person with the alcohol or drugs problem, this can help their recovery.

Miss Zhang also says when Asian people decide to get help they have usually already exhausted all other resources. This is due to a lack of understanding of dependency problems, and they don't seek help with CADS early enough.

Seeking early intervention means problems are more easily be treated and managed.

More information

If you would like to find out more information about alcohol and drugs dependency problems, please contact Rebecca.Zhang   "at" waitematadhb.govt.nz for Chinese you can contact (iCare) phone (09) 442 3232. English line: phone (09) 845 1818.

You can visit CADS clinics without making appointment 10am to 1pm Monday-Friday. If English is not your first language, you can also get free interpretation services for Vietnamese, Cambodian and other ethnicities.