An insight into the effect of methamphetamine addiction has found one-third of families in New Zealand supporting addicts are threatened by violence, according to new research.
The research, which looked into the impact addiction has on families, highlighted a "worsening picture of despair".
It found nearly one-third of addicts revealed they had been threatened by violence, 73 percent felt isolated or alone, and 45 percent felt condemnation or judgement.
The research conducted by Brave Hearts NZ and Bethlehem Tertiary Institute shared the experience of 11 families living in the Bay of Plenty.
Brave Hearts NZ founder Erin O'Neill said several stories included people being shunted between mental health services and the police.
"Harrowing" stories surfaced involving a wide range of family members, according to O'Neill.
"It tells the stories of family members under attack from another family member, it's like a warzone in your own home," O'Neill said.
"There were stories of challenges, psychosis, paranoia, criminal activity, behavioural issues, threats, violence, destruction of property," she listed.
Stories also included feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment and hurt, along with broken relationships.
For all families surveyed, meth was involved - along with other substances.
The second part of the research, following an online survey of 728 people, was aimed at understanding the implications of "support" for families based on key findings in the survey.
The online survey showed roughly one in five addicts had to stop working and one in 10 ended up in hospital.
When asked what form of support had been most helpful, 65 percent of respondents said education/information, 62 percent said family/whānau support, and 48 percent said attending a support group.
Meanwhile, 27 percent found online/telephone support had been the most helpful.
In phase one, 7 percent said they felt helpless, and in phase two the number jumped to 45 percent.
O'Neill said respondents often talked of living with someone who needs support and care but often rejects any offer of help, refuses services and seeks comfort out of substances.
The full phase of research is set to be completed and released next year.
