This thesis examines the current polices and methodologies used and promoted by drug treatment centres in Christchurch. Personal experience and the subsequent awareness of the need for more available literature developed into the motivation for this thesis. Deficiency in knowledge about the current status of treatment demands clarification of the options which an addict may avail for his or her self in order to change the destructive cyclic pattern of maladaptive behaviours which reduces life's enjoyment and in some cases results in death.

The hypothesis, therefore, was that if more pertinent literature were obtainable, then the suffering of addicts in the wrong treatment or simply not seeking any help at all, may be reduced. In due course, perhaps an addict may change her or his life by seeking help from the correct health provider, guided by the information presented here. The overarching objective of this thesis is the clarification of treatment possibilities and contributing to the public. awareness, thereby reducing actual and potential anguish or distress.

Seven addiction professionals participated in interviews and were asked about their respective agency's treatment policies and methodologies. Two programmes declined to take part and subsequently lessened the reliability and validity of this study. The flexibility built into the research design was also not enough to cope with reality. The information obtained from the interviews, however, was sufficient to offer a strong indication for future directions in the field of addiction treatment.

The results are compared both with each other and with data gathered during the literature review, which indicates that key issues experienced internationally are mirrored in Canterbury. Furthermore, there is not enough existing data or resource allocation for the treatment of present addicts, which is compounded by recent escalating trends in drug consumption. Contemporary Aotearoa is becoming ever more diverse with increasing numbers of immigrants from all over the world. Diaspora in post-modernity is a consequence of globalisation and the reduction of space and time (Giddens, 1997) which is, economic factors permitting, constantly gathering momentum. This diversity is reflected in the addict population, but not in mainstream health care providers.

An outcome of this thesis is the call for more specific drug treatment centres that cater to subgroups of addicts who currently have nowhere to turn for help. The conclusion is a plea for immediate action to avert disastrous consequences in the near future for addicts, their families and the general public in Christchurch, and in Aotearoa as a young nation.