Introduction to rehabs in Australia
- There are a number of rehab facilities in Australia but there are limited options for most residents because of the high cost of treatment.
- Government-funded treatment has long waiting lists and is limited to the most desperate in society.
- It is common for Australians to travel for addiction recovery in Thailand and to rehabs in Bali because of the lower cost of treatment programmes.
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Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centres
There are a number of private rehab clinics in Australia that may be suitable for those trying to break free from alcohol/substance abuse. Individualised care is important. A good addiction rehabilitation centre should be able to create a treatment plan that is appropriate for someone’s unique needs and circumstances.
Recovery from addiction is most likely to happen when determination is combined with the right resources. There isn’t one path that is going to work for every person so caution is advised when any addiction treatment facility advocates a one-size-fits-all approach.
Raymond Hader Clinic
Victoria, South-eastern Australia
The Hader Clinic is a holistic drug and alcohol rehab treatment facility that offers a medical psychosocial model of care for patients seeking rehabilitation for addiction. Extensive treatment programmes range from 28 Day Withdrawal & Detox to Outpatient Relapse Prevention.
The Fountainhead Retreat
Queensland, North-east Australia
The Fountainhead Retreat provide custom programmes to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and stress. Treatment involves Bio (nutrition, exercise, and rest), Psycho (mind) and Social (integration) delivered through a mix of one-on-one therapies and group workshops.
Palladium Private
Queensland, North-east Australia
The Palladium Private is a treatment centre designed for people suffering from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD and/or substance dependency. Residential treatment lasts between two and five weeks with customised daily schedules to limit distractions with the outside world.
The Buttery
New South Wales, Australia
The Buttery is a not-for-profit, charitable, community based organisation that specialises in the treatment of alcohol and drug addictions, problem gambling and mental health issues. A long-term residential treatment programme operates as a Therapeutic Community where residents promote personal change through self-help and mutual support.
Byron Private
New South Wales, Australia
Byron Private Treatment Centre is a residential treatment facility with a integrative holistic approach that provides specialised therapeutic support for individuals suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse. Western and eastern philosophies provide clients with a program that addresses all aspects of care.
Visible Recovery
Adelaide, South Australia
Visible Recovery offers treatment for drug and alcohol addictions, food addictions (Bulimia and Anorexia), gambling, sex & love, and co-dependency. 60 days, 90 day and 120 day treatment programmes are available with free pre-rehab and family support services provided as part of the recovery programme.
Addiction Treatment in Australia
Australian addiction treatment services are mostly focused on outpatient care meaning patients can find it difficult to escape the triggers of their immediate environment. Insurance funded treatment is often within a highly clinical psychiatric setting where patients are mixed with those suffering from mental illnesses. Rural and regional areas typically have even fewer options for effective addiction treatment.
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Government Assistance Programmes
Free government-funded treatment programmes can have long waiting lists. Patients within the system are also more likely to be unmotivated due to court-ordered admissions.
This is particularly the case in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Government funded drug rehab programmes can have 6 month waiting lists and provide a minimal standard of care due to limited resources and personnel.
“Ice addiction has really hit Australia’s youth. It is a big problem that won’t go away any time soon unless the government does something radical!” – Troy Morgan
Ice (meth) is the most commonly abused substance in Australia. Treatment is mostly centered around a psychiatric pharmaceutical approach and successful treatment outcomes are unlikely in most cases.
A common complaint of the government system is the medicalization of treatment that leaves patients feeling powerless and at the mercy of clinical staff.
Where to go for help
Counselling Online offers free 24-hour alcohol and drug counselling. Call or text 1800 888 236.
Family Drug Support Online offer 24-hour support to friends and families of drug/alcohol users. Call 1300 368 186.
If you need help with alcohol addiction, you can call Alcoholics Anonymous Australia on 1300 222 222.
Search for a drug and alcohol services through the Health Direct services directory, or the Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN) website.
More information
Lifeline and DrugInfo have some useful information on drugs and alcohol.
ReachOut and headspace have useful resources on drugs and alcohol for young people.
DrinkWise Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.
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The Cost of Rehab in Australia
Costs vary. Private treatment programmes range from AU$6,000 for 1month at a basic facility to AU$50,000+ for luxury inpatient programs. Some government-funded community-based and residential rehabilitation centres ask for a co-payment. Some treatments are free. You can talk to your doctor about Medicare rebates as some private health insurance companies may assist.
“You need a big bank balance to stay in luxury rehabs in Australia, that’s why people are prepared to travel overseas for cheaper alternatives .” – Sammy Rogers
Australia’s Most Luxurious Rehab Clinic
The Sanctuary, which calls itself a “luxury rehabilitation centre and therapeutic retreat”, offers treatment for AU$135,000 for four weeks. By comparison, California’s Betty Ford Center, which has welcomed the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Downey Jr, is US$32,000 a month.
The Sanctuary has treated European royalty, American record producers and corporate chiefs from Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It claims a success rate of 89.6%, according to owner Michael Goldberg, and success occurs, he says “when people overcome their harmful addictions, depression or anxiety.”