Auckland Addiction Support: Prevention to Recovery

- Registered Drug and Alcohol Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor (DAPAANZ)

Kia ora, I'm River Paton, the Specialist Service Manager at PIVOT - Drug, Alcohol, and Addiction Service. With many years of experience in the drug and alcohol sector, I've had the privilege of working as a practitioner, leader, and manager in various senior roles. My approach combines professional expertise with a sense of humour, warmth, and compassion.

As a registered Drug and Alcohol Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. My passion lies in improving mental health and addiction support for all New Zealanders.

- Registered Drug and Alcohol Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor (DAPAANZ)

Kia ora, my name is Emma, and I am a drug and alcohol counsellor and clinical supervisor and have been supporting people to make change to their drug, alcohol or behavioural concerns for ten years in the Wellington region. I joined the drug and alcohol counselling industry after working in hospitality and seeing the impact of substances on my colleagues’ lives.

I work with people from all walks of life using harm reduction principles. My approach focuses on helping people understand their substance use and working alongside them to develop goals, tools, and strategies for positive change.

Beyond working directly with individuals, I have extensive experience supporting family and whānau, helping them navigate a loved one’s substance use while maintaining their own wellbeing. I believe that the whole family can be involved in a person’s wellbeing and that they can provide essential love and support to someone going through difficult times.

In my work, I partner with fantastic wellbeing coaches, who have their own experience of problematic drug and alcohol use in the past, and we bring our knowledge and skills together to support people in all aspects of their life.

At my core, I believe that everyone deserves to be well and receive the support they need.

- Standard Member, Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa-NZ (DAPAANZ)
- Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice

I grew up primarily in Dunedin, whereby the time I reached my teens, a strong drug culture was already in full swing. I started smoking cannabis and drinking at the age of 14, and by 17, I was using hard drugs. In 1989, I went to university—an environment that, unfortunately, became a breeding ground for alcohol dependency, which I readily fell into. Despite my struggles, I somehow managed to complete history and law degrees. In 2002, I moved to the UK, where my drinking and drug use worsened. It wasn’t until 2012, when I entered a residential rehabilitation facility in Ireland, that I was diagnosed as a chronic alcoholic and addict. Today, I’ve been sober for 14 years and drug-free for 12.

In 2021, I began studying for a Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice (BCAP) degree, which I completed in 2023. This journey provided me with the solid foundation needed to work as a wellbeing coach and offer peer support.

Having lived through addiction and recovery myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with clients. I understand what they are going through and what they are facing as they embark on their recovery journeys. It’s a privilege to be part of their healing process, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn their stories.

There’s a saying from traditional Hawaiian religion that resonates with me:
"The mountain has many paths. And as you climb the summit and see the journey taken by others, you realise that — we are all going to the same place.”

This saying perfectly encapsulates the journey of recovery for me. Though our paths may look similar at times, each person’s journey is unique. The goal—the summit—remains the same for all of us: recovery. But the journey to get there is different for everyone. It’s this individuality that makes being a wellbeing coach so rewarding, and it’s what motivates me to get up every day and do this work.

- Endorsed Support Worker, Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa-NZ (DAPAANZ)

Kia ora, my name is Nicole (Nik) McIntosh, and I am a dedicated wellbeing coach with over five years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) field. I hold a Level 4 Peer Support qualification and am passionate about continuing my education in lived experience and peer work, deepening my understanding to better support those in need.

My approach is deeply rooted in my personal journey with addiction to drugs, gambling, and poor life choices. Six years ago, I made a profound decision to change my life, and since then, I’ve been on a mission to pass forward the gift of support and transformation that was so generously given to me. This personal transformation has not only shaped my life but also inspired my career in wellbeing coaching.

Beyond my work, I am a proud mother, wife, and caregiver to two wonderful boys and our two beloved cats. Our family life is filled with adventure—whether we’re attending car shows, drags, rugby matches, or other sports activities.

Supporting individuals who face mental health and addiction challenges is at the core of my mahi. Witnessing the growth and positive, life-affirming changes in people’s lives brings me immense joy. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing space where individuals can thrive on their journey of recovery.

I work primarily within the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of care, which provides a holistic, culturally grounded, and mana-enhancing approach to wellbeing. This model ensures that every person I support receives care that honours their whole self—mind, body, spirit, and family.

A career highlight for me has been my work with PIVOT, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to an empowering and supportive environment that aligns with the care I provide to tangata whai ora (people seeking wellness).

If you are looking for compassionate, experience-based support on your wellbeing journey, I would love to connect and walk alongside you as you create the positive change you deserve.