The waiting list at an Auckland detox programme is getting longer as some people who have lost their jobs during the recession turn to drink and drugs.
The head of the City Mission's detox programme, Irene Rama, says there's been a big increase in the number of people using the service over the past three to four months.
Ms Rama says many have never sought help before, are middle-class or self-employed, own their own homes and have families.
She says many are suffering alcohol addiction brought on by losing their jobs.
