Drug Rehabilitation Programs in Sydney: Helping Users to Kick the Habit

If you want help to kick a drug habit, there are several good rehabilitation centres in Sydney that can assist you through the process – and you don’t have to be charged with a drug offence to take advantage of them.

Alternatively, if you are in trouble for drugs and intend to plead guilty, you may wish to undertake a program to show the court that you are on the right track and are unlikely to reoffend. Voluntary drug rehabilitation can result in a more lenient penalty.

Or if you are being sentenced for an offence, the court may require you to undergo mandatory drug treatment as part of your penalty. Mandatory drug rehabilitation can form part of a good behaviour bond or a suspended sentence, which may be imposed instead of a harsh penalty like full-time imprisonment.

Mandatory drug rehabilitation

The idea behind mandatory drug rehabilitation is that helping a drug user to combat the underlying issues that may have led to them committing crimes in the first place may reduce the chances of them committing other crimes in the future. Rehabilitation programs can help break unhealthy patterns which can lead an individual to commit offences, and help get them on a more positive path.

Voluntary drug rehabilitation

If you haven’t yet been sentenced but you are due to face court on criminal charges, there are plenty of benefits to be gained from undertaking voluntary drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Participating in an approved program can indicate to the court that you understand and accept the part that drugs may have played in the alleged offence, and that you are committed to changing your habits in the future. This can encourage the magistrate or judge to look more leniently on you when it comes to sentencing, especially if it is your first offence.

Programs in Sydney

There are a number of different court-approved programs for drug rehab in Sydney and if you are under a court order to attend, it’s important that you take it seriously. If you have a recognised drug dependency and would like to undergo voluntary rehabilitation, your lawyer can advise you and recommend the most appropriate course of action for your specific circumstances.

Here are some of the drug rehab programs operating in and around Sydney:

South Western Sydney Drug Health Services

This government-run service provides a number of different programs aimed at helping people with a drug dependency with detoxification and ongoing management. Offering both inpatient (live-in) and outpatient services, as well as counselling, interventions and one-off assessments, the service is available at a number of different locations including Bankstown, Ingleburn, Bowral and Liverpool.

South Western Sydney Drug Health Services also runs a number of court-approved diversion programs including the MERIT program and the Adult Drug Court Program.

St Vincent’s Hospital

Based in central Sydney, St Vincent’s Hospital runs a number of different treatment programs for alcohol and drug users, including extensive telephone and face-to-face counselling options.

The hospital also runs a residential withdrawal unit and inpatient care, as well as outpatient clinics for those seeking counselling and support. For opiate users, there is a specialised clinic that provides treatment including supervised methadone dosing and assistance with mental health care and support.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a not-for-profit organisation which offers various residential and non-residential drug treatment programs throughout Sydney. It offers a long term residential program lasting around eight to 10 months, which allows people the time and space they need to make lasting changes. It also offers a number of outpatient and non-residential programs including withdrawal management and youth programs.

Guthrie House

Set up specifically for women with drug dependency issues who have been in contact with the criminal justice system, Guthrie House is funded partially by Corrections NSW and offers a range of services. Taking in women over the age of 18, including those with dependent preschool-aged children, Guthrie House specialises in helping women who are at imminent risk of homelessness or who are currently homeless.

Offering a three-month residential program, followed by a period of 12 months support in the community, it aims to help women transition successfully to long-term housing and combat the issues that may have led to them coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

Guthrie House provides counselling and psychological support as well as life skills training, relapse prevention and healthy living programs.

Making a difference with the right support

For people who are struggling with a drug addiction, finding the right support services can make a big difference to their future. Drug rehabilitation can also help those facing serious drug charges to avoid prison, which could impact their long-term chances of finding work and getting back on their feet.

Fortunately, in Sydney there are a number of services available depending on the level of treatment required and any other underlying issues like mental illness that may also need to be taken into consideration.

If you want to get help to overcome drug use, click on the links contained in this article and you will be directed to the appropriate program.

Or if you would like further assistance, whether or not you are facing drug charges, contact a drug counsellor or a drug lawyer to point you in the right direction.