Alcohol and Drugs (Youth Focus)

People often use alcohol and drugs to cope with various conditions. There are countless psychological, biological, socio-economic, environmental, and spiritual factors that contribute to why they use. Intergenerational trauma due to colonization is a huge factor as to why certain ethnic groups are over-represented in alcohol and drug abuse statistics. Our young people will often turn to alcohol and drugs because there’s some major trauma or abuse going on in their lives.

Alcohol is the No. 1 drug in New Zealand, we spend around $5 billion a year on alcohol alone. With the targeted cheap alcohol in poorer areas, as well as a price drop in the price of methamphetamine access to alcohol and drugs has never been easier for our young people. This all contributes to almost 70% of youth admissions into hospital during the weekends being alcohol related.

On the 4th of August, we had Peter Thorburn run a workshop for 14 of our community members learning about why our young people turn to using alcohol and drugs to cope, and the various symptoms and effects different substances have on the body. From what a standard drink is, Peter also debunked many rumors and false facts concerning alcohol and drugs, and various ways we can help guide our young people out of addiction.

We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to have these amazing sessions that talk about real issues in our community. Having our community members help our young people make more informed choices when it comes to alcohol and drugs is the best way we can combat this issue. If we have healthy people, the more chances we can have healthy relationships in our community.