Alcohol, drugs and gambling when you've lost your job

Free confidential help

Why it creeps up

A drink after a bad day becomes a drink at lunchtime, and the empty hours of unemployment make it easier. Drugs, vaping, food and gambling can all become ways to numb shame, boredom and worry. Using doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're hurting and looking for relief.

Signs it might be a problem

• Using or gambling more often, or for longer, than you meant to.
• Hiding it, lying about it, or feeling guilty afterwards.
• Spending money you need for rent, bills or food.
• It's affecting your sleep, mood, relationships or job search.
• Needing more to get the same effect, or feeling unwell without it.
• People close to you have raised it.

Cutting back on alcohol and drugs

1. Call or text the Alcohol Drug Helpline. They can talk it through and refer you to local services, including kaupapa Māori and Pasifika services.
2. Tell one person, and ask them to check in with you.
3. Set simple rules, like no drinking before 5pm or alcohol-free days, and track them.
4. Replace the habit: a walk, a gym session, a call with a mate, or a coffee.
5. Ask your GP for support. Services are free through the public health system.

Gambling and your redundancy pay

Having a lump sum, or being desperate to 'win it back', makes gambling riskier. Online gambling is available 24/7 on your phone. Warning signs include chasing losses, borrowing to gamble and hiding bank statements.

• Ask a trusted person to help manage your money for a while, or move redundancy pay into an account you can't easily access.
• Remove gambling apps and block gambling sites. Ask the Gambling Helpline about self-exclusion options and local counselling.
• Get free debt advice from MoneyTalks. Don't take payday loans to cover gambling debts.
• Tell Work and Income if you're in hardship. Don't borrow from loan sharks.

If someone you love is using or gambling

You can call the same helplines for advice about someone else. Be honest about how it affects you, avoid lecturing, protect your own money and safety, and look after yourself. If anyone is at risk of harm, call 111.