New data shows strain on addictions services

New data shows a need for increased investment in addiction services, with long wait times and people being turned away from services despite increased need in the community, the NZ Drug Foundation says.

Data released today by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission shows that out of all people using specialist mental health and addictions services, 25.4% were accessing addiction services – despite addictions only receiving 9.1% of total mental health and addiction funding.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says it shows a sector punching above its weight but badly overdue for increased funding, especially in light of a recent surge in methamphetamine use.

“People working in our addictions sector are doing heroic work with the resources they have, but this data shows we need significant investment into services to make a difference for communities reeling from drug harm, particularly in light of a recent doubling of methamphetamine consumption,” she says.

The data shows that there is significant strain on services. Wait times are getting longer and declined referrals have risen from 4.7% in 2019/2020 to 8.6% in 2023/2024.

“There has been a long-term under-investment in addiction services. If we don’t address it, the issues we’re currently seeing with methamphetamine are only going to get worse,” says Helm.

"In the face of the extraordinary methamphetamine harm in the community, the professionals trying to address addiction need more than a hope and a prayer - they need investment and more people being trained into the sector."

“Anyone whose drug use is becoming risky or difficult for them to manage needs to be able to access specialised treatment and harm reduction. That proportion of people is likely to be a lot higher than the 0.9% who are currently able to access addiction services,” she says.