If someone's life is in immediate danger — an overdose, a serious injury, thoughts of ending their life with a plan or the means to act — call 111 right now and ask for ambulance or police. This page is here for everything after that first call, too.
Reach out now — the always-on lines
These three cover almost any moment. All are free, and you can call from any phone even with no credit.
| If you need… | Call / text | When |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — life in danger | 111 (ambulance / police) | 24/7 |
| Someone to talk to about anything | 1737 — call or text 1737 (Need to Talk?) | 24/7 |
| Help with alcohol or other drugs | 0800 787 797 — call, or text 8681 (Alcohol Drug Helpline) | 24/7 |
You can also reach a trained counsellor by web chat at alcoholdrughelp.org.nz and 1737.org.nz.
Alcohol & other drug helplines
The Alcohol Drug Helpline is staffed by trained, non-judgmental counsellors. There are dedicated lines so you can talk with someone who understands your world:
- Alcohol Drug Helpline — 0800 787 797 (or text 8681)
- Māori Line — 0800 787 798
- Pasifika Line — 0800 787 799
- Youth Line (AOD) — 0800 787 984
- Gambling Helpline — 0800 654 655 (or text 8006)
Prefer a room full of people who get it? You can find a 12-step meeting — many run online and late at night — or reach a fellowship directly: AA 0800 229 6757, NA 0800 628 632.
Mental health & suicide-crisis lines
Addiction and despair often travel together. If your mind is the emergency, these lines are for you:
| Service | Call | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Need to Talk? (general) | 1737 | 1737 |
| Lifeline Aotearoa | 0800 543 354 | 4357 (HELP) |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) | — |
| Depression Helpline | 0800 111 757 | 4202 |
| Healthline (health advice) | 0800 611 116 | — |
For young people, Youthline is on 0800 376 633 or free text 234. For children and teens, What's Up is 0800 942 8787.
If someone has overdosed
Call 111 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Stay with the person. New Zealand has no "move-on" or drug-possession consequences for calling 111 to save a life — getting help is always the right choice. If opioids may be involved and you have naloxone, use it and still call 111. Put the person in the recovery position (on their side) if they're unconscious but breathing, and keep them warm.
If you're thinking about ending your life
Please tell someone tonight. Call 1737, the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 828 865), or 111 if you have a plan and the means. You can also go to any hospital emergency department, or phone your local DHB mental health crisis team (search "crisis assessment team" + your region, or ask Healthline on 0800 611 116 to connect you). A craving, a relapse, a terrible day — none of it means the story is over. Reaching out is a strength, and it works.
If you're worried about someone else
Trust your gut. Ask directly and kindly — "Are you thinking about suicide?" does not put the idea in someone's head; it gives them permission to be honest. Stay with them, remove immediate means if you safely can, and call 111 or 1737 together. For the longer road, our guide on how to help a loved one walks through boundaries, enabling and looking after yourself too.
After the crisis passes
Getting through the night is the win. When you're ready for the next small step:
About this page. 12 Steps is an independent recovery resource, not a medical or emergency service. We list New Zealand helplines so you can reach the right people quickly. Phone numbers were checked on 9 September 2026; if a number has changed, call Healthline 0800 611 116 and they will connect you. In an emergency always call 111.