CADS – Counselling Services

Who We Are

CADS Counselling services provides a comprehensive range of alcohol and drug psychoeducation groups designed to support individuals at various stages of their recovery journey. These groups offer a safe, inclusive space to explore the impacts of substance use, build insight, and develop practical strategies for change. Facilitated by experienced Alcohol and Drug clinicians, our programs are grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Our service is underpinned by a harm reduction philosophy, recognising that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. We aim to reduce the negative consequences of substance use by promoting informed decision-making, safer practices, and improved wellbeing—regardless of where someone is on their journey. We respect individual autonomy and work collaboratively to support realistic, meaningful goals that enhance quality of life.

Whether you're seeking early intervention, relapse prevention, or ongoing support, our group programs promote resilience, empowerment, and connection.

Where We Are Based

North (44 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland)
West (1 Trading Place, Henderson, Auckland)
Central (2/409 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland)
South (7 Ronwood Avenue, Manukau City, Auckland)

Our Service

Community-based service (Non-residential)

Duration of Stay

No set time limit – engagement can be short- or long-term depending on what’s helpful

What We Offer

Getting Started
Getting Started is a group for people who are new to CADS or who have been here before and are looking for support to change the way they use alcohol and other drugs.

The group will focus on topics including:

• How change happens (the wheel of change) and why change can be difficult
• The real life effects of using alcohol and other drugs
• The reasons for lapse and relapse
• Exploring our values
• Setting meaningful achievable goals
• New skills to support the change you want to make

Taking Action
Taking action is a group to support you and help you stay on track as you make changes to your use of alcohol and other drugs.
In this group you will learn:
Why you use alcohol and drugs
Your patterns of using and ways to change these patterns (though you will already have some skills)
Strategies to manage high risk situations, triggers, stress, loneliness and boredom
Communication skills
Ways to achieve balance in your life

Maintaining Change
Sometimes change can feel overwhelming. The Maintaining change group provides you with support as you continue to meet your goals and build the recovery capital - the supports, connections and skills - that are relevant for you.
The group offers you a place to:
Build social connections with peers and the community
Increase your confidence in maintaining your goals
The opportunity to practice new skills
Continue with relapse prevention and other skills that support your recovery
Create meaning in your life and relationships away from using alcohol and other drugs

Family and Friends
Family whānau meetings at CADS are an opportunity to actively involve your support people in your recovery journey. Evidence indicates that having supportive family and friends involved can have a positive impact on your recovery.
The sessions are practical and we hope you will come away with some useful ideas, plans and support.
Focus areas of these meetings often include:

• recovery plans
• next steps after CADS
• planning for managed withdrawal (detox)
• understanding goals
• identifying further support needed for you and your family/whānau
  

We acknowledge that involving family whānau can be difficult and you may have some concerns. Your clinician can support you to identify who you would like to attend the meeting and develop an agreed focus so you get the most out of the time. (A meeting usually takes 60 - 90 minutes.)

Stop Drink Driving
Stop Drink Driving is a group for people with 3 or more drunk in charge (EBA) convictions who are referred to CADS by the Community Probation Service.
Most of the people who take part in the group manage to reduce their drinking and driving and believe they will be able to continue not drinking and driving.
The course is approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
If you have already attended other courses with approved providers but have again been convicted of drinking and driving NZTA will require that you pay for the second course elsewhere. However the CADS group is always free.
When you complete the group you will be able to apply to the NZTA to get your license back.
Your CADS clinician can help you with the process.

Managing Mood
Managing Mood group is designed to provide you with information, support and skills. Learn and practice new strategies to help you manage your emotions in a healthy way with new skills including:

• Mindfulness  
• Regulating your emotions
• Ways to deal with anger, guilt, and shame
• Cognitive and behavioural skills

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) (Group ran at North site only)
(DBT) is a type of talking therapy for people who feel emotions very intensely. The aim of DBT is to help you:

• Understand and accept your difficult feelings
• Learn skills to manage these feelings
• Become able to make positive changes in your life

DBT is different to other CADS groups in a number of ways. The group is part of a larger therapy programme. It requires a commitment to:

• attending weekly one hour sessions with an individual clinician
• weekly two hour sessions of skills training
• practicing the skills you have learned filling out a weekly diary card

DBT is a contract between the client and clinician and is usually for 1-2 years with a mid-point review.

Rainbow support Group (Group ran at Central site only)
This an open group where you can get support from other gay, lesbian, bisexual, takataapui, fa’afafine, transgender and intersex people who are experiencing issues around their substance use.
The group provides an environment where you can explore:

• Sexual orientation, gender diversity and substance use.
• Surviving difficult times and preventing relapse
• Relationships with family and friends
• Coping with external and internal Homophobia /Transphobia
• Enhancing a sense of identity and developing a sense of community away from the bars and club scene

How to Get in Touch

• Phone – Referral / Enquiry Line (Free Phone): 0800 845 1818
• Website: CADS Counselling services
• Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5pm
• Referrals: Accepted via self-referral, community probation, G.P, Police, or community healthcare providers.
  

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