The New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence has played an integral part in the development of alcohol and drug treatment services in New Zealand for over fifty years. NSAD was established at a similar time as Alcoholics Anonymous came to New Zealand and has always worked closely with AA. Our joint histories are outlined in the book “Duty of Care’ which was published in 2004 to mark the 50 year anniversary of NSAD.

NSAD was initially established in response to a growing need for drug and alcohol counselling, education, treatment and rehabilitation and, as the landscape has changed, has grown to be an advocate for ensuring better delivery of treatment to New Zealanders who are suffering from problems related to alcohol and drugs.

NSAD is an umbrella organisation for CareNZ, which is responsible for drug and alcohol education, treatment, counselling and prevention in the community and operates a range of Drug Treatment Units in New Zealand Prisons.