Addiction
Parents' worse nightmare: a child's meth addiction
Two different sides of the same story: overcoming a meth addiction, from the real life perspectives of a Hawke's Bay mother and daughter. Valeria Tokoar has written a memoir called Rehabilitated… Audio
Over half of antidepressant users suffer withdrawal - study
A survey of 1800 people prescribed antidepressants has found only a handful were warned by doctors about the medication's potential withdrawal or addiction side-effects.
Mental health and addiction inquiry begins
A government inquiry has started asking New Zealanders for their thoughts on how to help the increasing number of people suffering mental health and addiction problems. Public consultation for the… Audio
Could gambling be treated with a nasal spray?
Finnish researchers are studying whether a fast acting nasal spray be used by gamblers to kick their addiction. The spray contains naloxone, which is usually used in the emergency treatment of opiate… Audio
Austin Eubanks - Surviving trauma after Columbine
Watching students flee from a gunman at their school in Florida last week brought back painful memories for Austin Eubanks. Eubanks hid under a table in the school library in 1999 as two students… Audio
Govt names head of mental health inquiry
A ministerial inquiry into mental health and addiction is not about tinkering, as significant change is needed in the sector, Health Minister David Clark says. Video, Audio
Addiction service looking for employers to hire trainees
Laura Tupou talks to two people who have completed the programme and thanks to the skills they learned are now enrolled to study this year. Audio
Urgent need to increase addiction services - Health Minister
Addiction services are under-funded and more treatment facilities are urgently needed, Minister of Health David Clark says. Video, Audio
Govt needs to ban pokies in poor areas - Lance O'Sullivan
Doctor Lance O'Sullivan, who was named New Zealander of the Year in 2014, says pokie machines are one preventable cause of poverty in his Northland community, and is calling for them to be banned. Video, Audio
Anti-meth rally calls for more support for addicts
Around 150 people marched with the NZ P Pull group calling for greater government support for addicts. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went along. Audio
Jenny Valentish: Woman of Substances
Jenny Valentish has brought the experience of her own wild, alcohol and drug-fuelled past, and her sober, contemplative present to examine the experience of substance abuse in women and girls. Her… Audio
Poorna Bell - Chase the Rainbow
Poorna Bell is an award-winning journalist who works as executive editor for The Huffington Post UK - the UK's third most-read digital website. Bell has also previously written for The Guardian, The… Audio
Synthetic cannabis addict: 'I'd use my money, my partner's ... I'd shoplift'
A father who had his three children taken off him while addicted to synthetics says he's not surprised they're killing people. Audio
New approaches needed to mental health - Coleman
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today launched a new free 24-7 phone and text number for people to connect to mental health and addiction professionals. But is the Government doing enough? Video, Audio
Flying Solo - solo dad Warren's story
In the second episode of Flying Solo, Lynda Chanwai-Earle meets one of the minorities, Pakeha solo dad Warren. He tackles - with humour - co-parenting through two separations, a child with depression… Audio, Gallery
Former All Black Zac Guildford considered suicide
Alcohol and off-field problems have plagued Zac Guildford's career, culiminating with the New South Wales Waratahs terminating his Super rugby contract last year. Audio
Mental health sector worries it will lose workers
The mental health and addictions sector has warned it could lose more skilled staff - this time to rest homes.
Insight: Meth - the Human Cost of a Hit
The rise in methamphetamine use in New Zealand is breaking up families, piling the pressure on schools, mental health workers, police and rehabilitation clinics. RNZs Northland reporter, Lois Williams… Audio
Tech addiction: clicking for kicks
A new book claims almost half of us have some kind of behavioural addiction involving screens or the internet, and that has worrying implications for us as social beings. Audio
Codeine-based painkillers may become prescription-only
Common over-the-counter painkillers like Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and many others may soon require a prescription. Video