Where people live could dictate how quickly they're seen by addiction services.  

Health New Zealand figures obtained by Newstalk ZB show more than two thirds of drug and alcohol referrals were within three weeks.  

But only 40.3% in Manawatū's MidCentral health district met that timeframe.  

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge the addiction space has been chronically underfunded over many years.  

She says wait times in general are too long – the window of opportunity for somebody with addiction who's interested in making a change is very short. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Where people live could dictate how quickly they're seen by addiction services. &nbsp;
Health New Zealand figures obtained by Newstalk ZB show more than two thirds of drug and alcohol referrals were within three weeks. &nbsp;
But only 40.3% in Manawatū's MidCentral health district met that timeframe. &nbsp;
Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge the addiction space has been chronically underfunded over many years. &nbsp;
She says wait times in general are too long – the window of opportunity for somebody with addiction who's interested in making a change is very short.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation Executive Director on a post-code gap for access to drug rehab

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a048f21f-ecf7-4c60-bd69-b4f50119fe86/transcript