The lasting impact of Addiction 101
Published:
December 8, 2025
Research type:
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The latest impact evaluation of Addiction 101 shows the workshop has increased people’s confidence to have conversations about addiction, while notably reducing stigma towards people experiencing addiction.
Delivered by Blueprint for Learning and funded by Te Whatu Ora, Addiction 101 is a one-day addiction literacy workshop launched in 2019. It teaches learners to recognise the signs of addiction, builds their understanding, and reduces stigma. The workshop has been delivered to people from all walks of life in communities and organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
The impact evaluation
Between January 2023 to November 2024, 164 workshops were delivered to over 2,700 learners. Data for the impact evaluation was gathered from follow-up surveys, focus groups, interviews, and wānanga. Key findings from the evaluation are presented below.
Kaiwhakaako facilitators share impactful stories
The workshop’s distinctive strength is its co-facilitation model; every workshop is led by someone with lived experience of addiction alongside someone with clinical expertise. 95 percent of participants surveyed said that the lived experience stories added value and were “the most powerful” part of the day.
“Everyone was absolutely gobsmacked hearing the facilitator’s story. It connected with me and the whānau I work with.”
Shifting stigma
Stigma reduction is a key goal for Addiction 101. The evaluation used an adapted a validated stigma scale in the surveys. The results showed a measurable stigma reduction attributable to Addiction 101, with the greatest reduction in stigma towards others in the workplace.
“It’s really important to see the person not the issues that result from the addiction.”
A community leader described the effect on their small town: “Addiction is rife here. This workshop opened our eyes. We began to see people not as problems, but as victims too. It’s helped us work together with other agencies. We now want Addiction 101 running here a couple of times a year—the community is right behind us.”
Safe and relevant for Māori
Thirty percent of survey respondents were Māori, and their feedback showed they feel the workshop creates a safe learning environment for them. The evaluation included a wānanga with Te Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust, who shared the value of the workshop in supporting their aspirations as well as providing suggestions for improvement.
The workshop highlights Te Whare Tapa Whā, the holistic model of wellbeing connecting physical, mental, spiritual and whānau health, and uses this framework throughout as a basis for discussions and activities.
“I really liked how they just flowed with the Māori concepts throughout the day.”
Builds lasting confidence and capability
Learners said their confidence and understanding increased after attending Addiction 101. Some learners were surveyed again two to three months later, and 72 percent said they were still confident talking about addiction and recovery.
Sixty percent said they had started a conversation with someone they were concerned about, and most of those had positive outcomes. This is a tangible, powerful, real-world difference made by Addiction 101 for people experiencing addiction.
Supports the wellbeing of learners and their whanau
Of those surveyed two to three months after attending Addiction 101:
- 57 percent said they were doing more to maintain their own wellbeing
- 62 percent said they were suggesting self-help strategies to others more often because of the training.
“I’ve used the workbook at work, at home, even with my son. Te Whare Tapa Whā gave us a framework to talk things through.”
Addiction 101 impact evaluation report
Learn more about the ongoing impact of Addiction 101 and read participant stories in the Addiction 101 impact evaluation 2025 report.
Or you can find a summary of key findings in the Addiction 101 impact evaluation 2025 infographic.
Find an Addiction 101 workshop
Register now for an Addiction 101 workshop near you and join the thousands of other New Zealanders who have gained skills and confidence to support their colleagues, communities and whānau and reduce the stigma around addiction.
