Heading about the section
Alcohol Harm Prevention
This service looks at reducing alcohol-related harm for Pacific families across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty — including injury, long-term illness, family harm and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
PICT’s goal is to support Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora harm-minimisation work and Amohia Te Waiora — we’re stronger without alcohol. We use a whole-of-family approach and Pacific models of care.
The service includes education, brief advice, and support to cut down or stop. Clients can self-refer, or referrals can come through GPs, midwives and other services.
Looking for support around alcohol? Contact us today to find out more.
Phone 07 577 1270 · Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 (Pacific line 0800 787 799)
Explore the journey of alcohol harm
Test what you know, then choose a topic to explore: health effects, acute harm, long-term conditions, social impacts, and where to get help.
What do you already know?
Find out more
What happens in the body?
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, circulates quickly to the brain and other organs, and is mainly metabolised by the liver. Ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde and then acetate.
Key message: feeling less drunk does not mean alcohol has left the bloodstream.
Judgement & reaction
Alcohol slows thinking, reaction time and coordination, increasing the risk of falls, crashes and unsafe decisions.
Memory & consciousness
Higher levels can impair memory formation and, in severe intoxication, suppress consciousness and breathing.
Heart & circulation
Higher blood pressure, abnormal rhythms and stroke risk.
Liver
Fatty liver, inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Cancer
Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers.
Brain & mental health
Memory, mood, sleep and dependence can be affected.
Pancreas & digestion
Pancreatitis, gastritis and nutritional problems may occur.
Dependence
Tolerance, craving and withdrawal can develop.
Whānau
Conflict, relationship strain and reduced parenting capacity.
Violence & injury
Higher risk of interpersonal harm, road trauma and other injuries.
Finances
Alcohol spending and consequences can increase financial pressure.
Work & study
Absence, reduced performance and unsafe behaviour.
Community
Greater demand on health, emergency, justice and social services.
Balance of Journey
Harm minimisation protects not just the person drinking, but also whānau and community wellbeing.
Need help or want to talk?
PICTBOP
Pacific community health, navigation and support in Bay of Plenty.
07 577 127026B Twelfth Avenue, Tauranga SouthAlcohol Drug Helpline
Free and confidential alcohol and drug support.
0800 787 797Free text 86811737 — Need to Talk?
Free mental health and addictions support.
Call or text 173724 hours · 7 daysEducational information only. Confirm local service contact details before publishing.
