27/10/2026
“I honestly didn’t know what it was. I had no knowledge. I wish I’d had some warning. I wish I’d had the education to understand what it would do to me mentally, spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. Everything.
I lost a lot through methamphetamine, but I also grew a lot as a person."
Michael Hogan grew up in Porirua and spent around a decade experiencing the impacts of methamphetamine addiction. Eventually, he left home for Taranaki and spent two years focused on his recovery.
That experience changed the direction of his life.
Michael went on to study mental health and addiction, and today works back in his Porirua community as a drug, alcohol and gambling practitioner with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.
He’s now been free from drugs for almost 15 years.
“I didn’t always do the right thing growing up, but it’s nice to be able to support people in my community. We need more understanding, but also a more supportive, compassionate approach rather than a judgemental one.
If I can shine light on other people’s lives and not judge them, support them, understand them and help them through the dark back into the light, there’s no bigger gift for me.”
Michael, Addiction Support Professional, Porirua
