Wait Times for Rehab Services

In reply to Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (17 June 2022). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

The average waiting time between clients receiving an assessment and entering an NGO-operated residential rehabilitation program in metropolitan Adelaide for the 12-month-period ending 30 June 2022, was 27 days, and in regional South Australia it was 22 days.

It is important to note that rehabilitation for people experiencing issues with alcohol or other drugs is tailored to individual needs. People with less severe dependence can often successfully address their issues through supportive counselling, whereas people with severe dependence may require medically supervised withdrawal as an inpatient or, undertake home based withdrawal if their treatment can be safely delivered in this environment.

Following withdrawal, which takes approximately five days to complete, a small percentage of people with complex needs who are at higher risk of relapsing may enter a longer term residential rehabilitation program, such as The Woolshed program in the Adelaide Hills near Strathalbyn, run by the Drug and Alcohol Service South Australia (DASSA), or a residential rehabilitation program funded by SA Health and operated by a non-government organisation (NGO).

There are also several private residential rehabilitation options available in South Australia.

The Malinauskas Labor government is investing $24.2 million to meet growing demand for extra rehabilitation and detox beds across the state, with a clear focus on boosting services in our regions.

This investment includes boosting funding for family drug support so they can continue to provide vital counselling and support for families who are affected by their loved ones' drug use. Importantly family drug support are now able expand support groups to five new areas, starting with three extra metropolitan groups in Willunga, Modbury and the Holdfast Bay area, followed by at least two more groups to be set up in regional locations in 2023-24.