Abstract

This paper utilizes Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā Māori-based framework of well-being to analyse 35 former methamphetamine users physical, mental, spiritual and family health. Despite extensive poly-drug use and adversity across multiple life domains, the in-depth interviews reveal two-thirds experienced either minor or no problematic physical health issues, while for almost half extensive poly-drug use exerted only minimal negative impact on their physical health. By contrast, three-quarters consistently or periodically suffered serious mental and/or emotional distress. Such distress―especially depression, emotional pain, stress or anxiety―contributed to drug use for all but three interviewees. This qualitative life-course analysis of ‘people seeking wellness’ (Tāngata whaiora) shows mental distress and frequent methamphetamine use can be a recoverable physical and mental health disruption. Post-methamphetamine use, interviewees’ mental health and life satisfaction were, on average, the highest they have been.