Content warning: This article discusses drug addiction.
A recent report shows Māori die from accidental drug overdoses at more than twice the rate compared with non-Māori.
The Drug Foundation’s Drug Overdoses in Aotearoa 2024 report also reveals Māori have nearly twice the rate of drug poisoning ending up in hospital compared with non-Māori.
Otago University research fellow and Māori health researcher Dr Michaela Pettie (Ngāti Pūkenga) says the data is “disheartening” and “deeply worrying”, but it aligns with what they already know – how accidental drug overdoses disproportionately harm Māori.
Michaela says she backs the Drug Foundation’s recommendations to build a national overdose surveillance system, as it can give more information about drug poisoning and accidental overdoses.
The Drug Foundation’s Overdose Prevention Plan says a national overdose surveillance system could provide timely data on drug supply changes, and fatal and non-fatal overdose patterns, which is crucial for an effective overdose response. Currently, there isn’t a national system in place.
“From that information, we can make more informed decisions about how we can support Māori communities,” Michaela says.
She says there needs to be improved access to education, employment, and housing – all of which play into why people would use drugs.
Otago University research fellow and Māori health researcher Dr Michaela Pettie (Ngāti Pūkenga). (Photo: supplied).
The stigma on Māori using drugs can cause a ‘sense of shame’
Michaela says the causes behind the data aren’t simple, and “there isn’t one answer”.
It’s about a long-standing history, she says, of “our whānau, our people, are experiencing even still today”.
“We’re facing systematic challenges related to our healthcare access, but also the stigma – how people treat anybody, but particularly Māori who are using drugs can cause a sense of shame.”
“Māori are less likely to talk about it or seek help for it.”
She’s encouraging those who struggle with substance misuse to speak to their whānau, chosen family or even support workers, saying it could be “life-changing.”
“They can often help advocate for us or check-in with us.”
She says there are also peer support groups and health providers aligned with te ao Māori and kaupapa Māori available.
“[They] can often provide a sense of belonging and a sense of understanding that can be really crucial for us grappling with substance use or misuse.”
“Māori health providers are fantastic, they’re often providing the whole range of services, from mental health, addiction support, to… our general health.”
The need for cultural considerations
OraToa Maurioa (Ngāti Toa) is a kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addictions service and provides free services to support rangatahi and their whānau.
Alcohol and other drug counsellor Reihana Ngatoro says it’s never just about alcohol and drugs, but a whole range of other issues, too.
“As an iwi, Ngati Toa, they’re accommodating for a lot of the other needs, like housing, healthcare like GP services, and a lot of social work happening as well.”
“It’s quite a huge issue to unpack.”
When patients come through their doors, Reihana says they’ll work through their immediate needs first, but over time, they’ll unpack their cultural backgrounds, like colonisation and systematic racism.
He says reconnection to te ao Māori and healthy values and principles have led to positive outcomes for those in recovery.
“When you’re working with Māori, there is the cultural stuff to consider.”
“The ability for clinicians to articulate what those values are, if you are working with Māori, it’s really important to have a sense of what that is.”
‘We as Māori are resilient’
Michaela says that she’s had her own experience of substance misuse when she was younger, and she’s also seen it among close friends, whānau and in the communities she’s worked with.
“One thing that helped me shift out of that was gaining the knowledge that my substance problems were not solely my fault,” the 37-year-old says.
“They were an expression of the trauma I had been through as a child, and the trauma that had come down through the generations of my whānau.
“Being able to connect with my whānau, being able to spend time with my auntie, uncle, and cousins, and connecting with my language really helped.”
Seeing how these statistics affect Māori, Michaela says it’s important to remember that “we as Māori are resilient and there is a collective strength within us.”
“And we need systems to help us, but ultimately, we can't forget we've been here for so long and we continue to be here and we need to honour that within ourselves.”
Where to get help:
- Alcohol Drug Helpline: A 24/7 telehealth service providing confidential advice, information or support about drinking or other drug use. Free call on 0800 787 797 or free text 8681.
- Narcotics Anonymous: A global organisation of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Meetings are free. Free call on 0800 628 632.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experiences with alcoholism and help others to recover. Membership is free. Free call on 0800 229 6757.
- Primary Health Care Services. You can start by talking with your GP or practice nurse. Usual fees will apply.
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