Natural health products in relation to substance use

The University of Auckland is conducting a study about natural health products (NHPs) and substances used to help with symptoms caused by alcohol, tobacco and other recreational substances, or used for psychoactive (mind altering) effects.

What's involved?

The study involves two stages:

Phase One

An online questionnaire about participants' use of NHPs and natural substances to help with symptoms caused by alcohol, tobacco and other recreational substances. They will receive a $20 electronic shopping voucher for completing this questionnaire which will take about 20-30 minutes.

Phase Two

An online interview for participants who use NHPs or natural substances to help with symptoms caused by alcohol, tobacco and other recreational substances, or for recreational use. This session will explore people's views and experiences and will take about 30-45 minutes. Participants will receive a $30 electronic shopping voucher after the interview.

People can choose to take part in only Phase One or in both phases. 

Eligibility criteria

To participate in this study, you must

  • Be able to complete an online questonnaire
  • Be aged 18 years or above
  • Live in New Zealand
  • Have drunk alcohol, or
  • Have smoked any tobacco product, or
  • Have used electronic cigarettes/vapes, or
  • Used any other recreational substance (including natural substances for recreational effects)

Contact details

Rayna Sharma
Student Researcher
Email: rayna.sharma@auckland.ac.nz

Professor Jo Barnes 
Principal Investigator
Email: j.barnes@auckland.ac.nz

Further information

The Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee has approved this study.

Approval number: AH28031