A Northland addiction expert says people experiencing problems withdrawing from psychoactive substances should seek help, with the region's health services already seeing some people having issues since the so-called legal highs were banned a week ago.
Parliament passed an emergency law change last Tuesday which saw psychoactive substances, also known as legal highs, made illegal and pulled off shop shelves last Thursday.
Northland District Health Board Mental Health and Addictions Services clinician Alistair Dunn said the impact on addicts from drug withdrawal was hard to predict and users would need professional help to cope.
The DHB had been providing support to the region's GPs and emergency departments who have seen people coming in asking for help.
"We are responding to calls from GPs and ED as required, it is too early to give specific numbers," Dr Dunn said.
"The impact on people who experience problems after sudden cessation of use is hard to predict as there are many variables involved.
"Anyone experiencing problems is encouraged to seek help. The addictions service is open to any person seeking help with substance use problems.
"Professional help and treatment is available from our team, which includes doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, occupational therapists and a social worker. Treatment is offered in both outpatient and inpatient [Timatanga Hou detox unit, Dargaville] settings.
"Patients can self-refer to our service, or they may wish to present to their GP for help in the first instance."
The call to seek help has been backed by the Ban Synthetic Cannabinoids Whangarei Facebook group that yesterday had a stall in Cameron St Mall giving information on where to get support.
Spokeswoman Darcel Bolton said the aim of the stall was to hand out information on where people could seek help and to promote the group's own Synthetic Support Group which meets at the Otangarei Community House, William Jones Dr, every second Thursday from 5.30pm.
The next meeting will be held tonight.
Where to find help:
District Health Board community Mental Health and Addictions service: 09 4304101 extn 3502; Salvation Army Bridge programme: 09 4307500; Narcotics Anonymous: 0800 NA TODAY (0800628632); AA: 08002296757; The Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800787797.