30 Apr 2018

NZ's meth epidemic: Addiction services struggling to cope

From Morning Report, 6:40 am on 30 April 2018

RNZ has launched Broken Bad - an in-depth investigation into New Zealand's meth problem. In just a couple of decades the drug has become endemic - a recent survey of users found meth was easier to get hold of than cannabis. And there has been a huge increase in the number of people seeking help for addiction. Addiction support services say the funding model they operate under is creating stress, fostering competition between providers and, most importantly, detracting from the work of rehabilitating addicts. With the scourge of methamphetamine affecting communities throughout the country, those in the sector want to see more resources and changes to how it is allocated. Ross Bell, the executive director of the Drug Foundation, spoke to RNZ reporter Timothy Brown about the uncertainty and stress facing many in the sector.