22 Jun 2009

Jobless show up in detox programme

10:53 am on 22 June 2009

The waiting list at an Auckland detox programme is getting longer as some people who have lost their jobs turn to drink and drugs.

The City Mission says people are struggling to cope with the recession, and many of those seeking help are middle-class and self-employed.

Irene Rama, head of the mission's detox programme, says there has been a big increase in the number of people using the service in the past three to four months.

Ms Rama says many of those it is treating have never sought help before. They own their own homes and have families.

She says many are suffering alcohol addiction brought on by losing their jobs.