Not everyone trapped by alcohol is an alcoholic
There is help for families affected by problem drinking.
In extreme cases, an alcoholic may be homeless, but many live in families that are struggling because of the challenges that come with problem drinking.
Family members become lonely, isolated, ashamed and depressed. They feel that life has become unmanageable or unbearable. Al-Anon-Alateen Family Groups is a support programme for people who are living with or have lived with the problems of someone else's drinking.
Al-Anon and Alateen for young people offer understanding and personal growth - whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. There are free of charge meetings daily around Auckland. To find one visit online here.
Members share their experiences of applying the Al-Anon principles to their lives. There is no advice given or specific direction suggested.
Below are a few thoughts from people who have tried Al-Anon:
"I believed that the only thing I needed to be happy and safe was for my husband to stop drinking."
"My life had got so out of control not knowing what my state my daughter would be in when I got home."
"I thought I was strong enough to deal with this on my own...After trying everything, I went to my first meeting."
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.
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