ADHD Aotearoa

13/05/2026

ADHD, Substance Use & Safety - Final

One of the challenges in conversations like this is that everything often gets grouped under “mental health”.

But not all situations are the same.

Some involve:

* Stress and life pressures
* Mental illness
* Lifelong conditions like ADHD

And often people are navigating more than one of these at the same time.

When these differences aren’t understood, it becomes harder to respond safely and appropriately.

This is why clearer frameworks and better understanding matter, not just for individuals, but for how systems respond as well.

These are conversations worth continuing.

11/05/2026

ADHD, Substance Use & Safety - Part 3

So what actually helps reduce risk?

When it comes to ADHD, medication, alcohol, and substance use, safety comes from the right support, not assumptions.

Some key things that make a difference:

* Clear guidance around medication and substance interactions
* Honest conversations with health professionals (without fear of judgement)
* Support for co-existing mental health or substance use challenges
* Early access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment
* Education for individuals and whānau

Not everyone will experience the same risks but having the right information and support can significantly reduce harm.

This is where systems, services, and conversations need to align with real-life experiences.

Because safety isn’t just about crisis response, it’s about what happens before that point.

09/05/2026

ADHD, Substance Use & Safety - Part 2

Following on from the earlier post, it’s important to understand why some people with ADHD may be more vulnerable when it comes to substance use.

ADHD itself is not the issue.

But some of the challenges that can come with ADHD can increase risk in certain situations, including:

* Impulsivity
* Emotional distress or overwhelm
* Difficulty with regulation
* Self-medicating to cope
* Co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma

For some, alcohol or other substances can feel like they “help” in the short term especially when support or diagnosis hasn’t been available.

Over time, though, this can increase the risk of harmful interactions, especially when combined with prescribed medication.

This isn’t about blame.

It’s about understanding the realities people are navigating so support can be safer and more effective.

More to come in the next post on what actually helps.

08/05/2026

Upcoming Series: ADHD, Substance Use & Safety

Over the next week, ADHD Aotearoa NZ will be sharing a short series looking at the connection between ADHD, substance use, mental health, and safety.

These conversations can sometimes be uncomfortable or misunderstood, but they are important especially as more attention is being given to overdose prevention, mental health responses, and the realities many people and whānau navigate every day.

This series is not about blaming ADHD or creating stigma.

It is about:

* Understanding risk factors
* Recognising co-existing challenges
* Encouraging safer conversations around medication, alcohol, and substance use
* And highlighting the importance of appropriate support and education

Not everyone with ADHD will experience these challenges. But for some people, factors such as impulsivity, emotional distress, trauma, mental illness, or self-medication can increase vulnerability in certain situations.

The goal of this series is to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and support informed conversations around a complex issue.

The first post will be shared tomorrow.

07/05/2026

This is an important development in Aotearoa, with Kahurangi Carter’s overdose prevention bill passing its first reading.

Conversations about overdose often focus on illicit substances, but it’s also important to recognise the role of complexity including prescribed medication, alcohol, and other substances used together.

For some people with ADHD and co-existing conditions, there can be increased risk when medication is combined with alcohol or other drugs, particularly where there is limited awareness, support, or clear guidance.

ADHD itself is not the cause of overdose.
But factors such as impulsivity, emotional distress, self-medication, and co-existing mental health or substance use challenges can increase vulnerability in certain situations.

This highlights the importance of:

* Clear education around medication and substance interactions
* Safe, informed prescribing and monitoring
* Access to appropriate support services
* Reducing stigma so people can seek help early

As this bill progresses, it also opens up a broader conversation about how we support people safely including those navigating ADHD, mental health challenges, and substance use.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/593763/green-mp-kahurangi-carter-s-overdose-bill-passes-first-hurdle

06/05/2026

This issue matters because it goes beyond individual cases it affects how we respond to mental health crises across Aotearoa.

As Police step back from mental health call-outs, the challenge is not just who responds, but whether the system is equipped to respond safely and appropriately.

Not all situations are the same.
Mental health distress, mental illness, neurodevelopmental conditions, and psychiatric emergencies require different responses and different types of support.

When these are treated as one broad issue, there is a real risk that people receive the wrong kind of help, or no help at all.

This is an opportunity to strengthen the system by ensuring responses are better matched to the realities people are experiencing for individuals, whānau, and frontline services.

The Public Service Association's national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the delays to phase four showed police are aware that the changes aren't working.

06/05/2026

To everyone who has continued to support ADHD Aotearoa NZ over the past few months , thank you 💙

I’ve been quieter on here since March while focusing heavily on research, policy work, and preparing submissions around ADHD, mental health, and the wider systems that impact many individuals and whānau across Aotearoa.

During that time, this page has continued to grow, with new people joining each week and many still engaging with the series and topics already shared. That ongoing support genuinely means a lot.

ADHD Aotearoa NZ was never created to be just a social media page. It was created to support honest conversations, education, advocacy, and understanding especially around ADHD, co-existing conditions, mental illness, and the real-life experiences people navigate every day.

I’ll be spending more time back on here again, with posts planned and scheduled over the coming weeks to keep things consistent and useful.

Thank you for sticking with this kaupapa, even during the quieter periods.

There is more to come. 💙

ADHD Aotearoa NZ

03/03/2026

PHARMAC MEDICATION SHORTAGE

Medication Changes Matter - Stability Is Key

Ongoing ADHD medication shortages and changes to available formulations are creating real challenges.

For many especially those diagnosed in childhood finding the right medication and dose has taken years. Stability isn’t accidental, it’s carefully managed. GPs do not have the same specialist psychiatric training in ADHD management, which can make handling complex treatment responses or medication changes more challenging.

Some people are not responding well to the alternative medications being offered. Different stimulant medications have different release mechanisms, durations, and side-effect profiles they are not interchangeable. Substitutions may not produce the same outcomes, even for those who have relied on a specific medication for years.

This isn’t about resisting change. It’s about recognising that ADHD treatment is highly individual and stability matters.

If you or your whānau have been affected by medication changes or shortages, please share your experience below.

02/03/2026

I Haven’t Dropped This.

When Pharmac allowed GPs to diagnose adult ADHD, I opposed it. Not because adults don’t need support but because:

• We already had medication shortages
• Diagnosis costs were already high
• Specialist psychiatric expertise was being sidelined

Now we’re seeing reports that ADHD medication shortages could last all year.

The cost of adult diagnosis hasn’t meaningfully dropped.
Supply hasn’t stabilised.
And people are still struggling to access medication.

Some areas of the country seem unaffected. Others are experiencing real difficulty.
That inconsistency matters.

This was my concern in 2025 that expanding access without securing supply would put pressure on an already fragile system.

If your family is affected or if your area is not experiencing shortages I want to hear from you.

Please comment with:

Your region
The medication affected
How long you’ve been waiting

Real experiences matter.

A rise in ADHD patients were expected as rules changed this month to allow GPs and nurse practitioners to assess and prescribe medications.

17/02/2026

AN event not be to be missed

Two day - Introduction course to Understanding and Developing your Matekite gift.

16/02/2026

Health & Employment - Know Your Rights

A recent case saw a security guard sacked over painkillers and later awarded $45,000 after the Employment Relations Authority found the dismissal was unfair.

This is a reminder:

Your health or medication should never automatically cost you your job

Employers must follow fair procedures and consider reasonable accommodations

The ERA can order compensation if your rights are breached

Have you experienced a workplace dismissal related to health or medication? Share your story below (anonymously if you like).

Sacking was ‘not a decision that a fair and reasonable employer could come to’