Here are the rules the officials are going by when looking at your case.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/35058.htm
I have quit drinking and I'm attending counselling and trying to think of other things I can do so when I reapply in 6 months they might approve a character waver.
This seems like a good step in the right direction. I don't know about the time factor - maybe someone else would have some idea. But I think it would be a good idea to make sure you collect evidence of all the counselling and anything else you come up with, to be able to PROVE the effort you're putting in. Get it firmly backed up with dates and/or costs, and reports from any professionals or mentors.