Treatment
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What does it cost?
What is effective treatment?
How does someone get treatment?
Assessment
Treatment Options
Referral
What does it cost?
- A range of treatment options is available in both the private and health care sectors.
- There may be minimal costs attached to some services in the public sector, but a number of different treatment options (such as counselling and withdrawal) are generally provided free of charge.
What is effective treatment?
- A person may respond differently to different types of treatment and at different stages of their recovery.
Treatment is more likely to be effective if it:
- Is tailored to a person’s individual’s needs and circumstances: a persons treatment program may include a variety of interventions
- Identifies and assists the person to achieve their treatment goals;
- Identifies related issues and links person to relevant services such as accommodation, employment and financial support services
- Is confidential and non-judgemental
- Is delivered by staff and services that are properly accredited and services are based on research evidence and known to be effective
- There is no magic bullet in drug and alcohol treatment and typically people often have more than one attempt.
How does someone get into treatment?
The majority of treatment agencies accept self-referral, but it is best to check with the agencies about their referral requirements. The involvement of the person’s local doctor is also important as health issues can be particularly complex with someone who has an AOD problem.
Assessment for treatment may be done by telephone initially or may involve a face-to-face meeting
There may be waiting lists for some services.
Assessment
A person with drug dependence is normally assessed at a treatment centre or health agency to find which forms of treatment might work best for them.
Face to face interviews and questionnaires help to pinpoint key areas of the person’s drug use in relation to their history, lifestyle and personality.
Following the assessment a treatment plan can be developed highlighting actions to be taken, realistic goals and strategies for achieving those goals.
Last updated: November 2012
Western Sydney Drug & Alcohol Resource Centre Inc.
Reducing harm through education and community development
