People who are fighting to overcome, and recover from alcohol or other drug dependency across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) now have access to additional therapy and treatment services through the expanded community-based rehabilitation day program at Dubbo.
Together with Lives Lived Well, WNSWLHD has established a Non-Residential Day Rehabilitation Program to expand services already available and improve access to care, as the development of the Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre continues.
Helen McFarlane, WNSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, said the day program will provide intensive therapy and treatment to assist people to safely and successfully transition back into their life.
“Overcoming problematic substance use is an incredibly difficult, stressful thing to do and ensuring people in our communities have access to specialised support, both initially and for the long-term, is one of our highest priorities,” Ms McFarlane said.
“The Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre will be a critical service but it will take time to develop and build, so expanding people’s pathways to treatment and recovery is vital between now and then.
“In collaboration with Lives Lived Well, we have delivered community-based rehabilitation and treatment across the District and this program builds on that work to create another safe, appropriate environment for more intensive care.
“Along with the local community in Dubbo, this program will help improve access to care for people in surrounding areas, allowing them to receive the therapy and treatment closer to home.”
Mitchell Giles, Lives Lived Well Chief Executive Officer, said the program will be offered on weekdays in three-week cycles, with before and aftercare to help participants realise their life potential and get back on track, free from the harms of alcohol and other drugs.
“At Lives Lived Well, our unwavering belief is, with the right support people can change their lives, and we see evidence of this every day as we support people to make these changes,” Mr Giles said.
“This new day program allows clients to continue meeting their work and family responsibilities while learning new strategies to reduce their dependence on alcohol or drugs. Our alcohol and drug support includes group therapy sessions, counselling, practical tools, referrals and ongoing access to community support.”
Ms McFarlane said the day program will be linked to existing treatment services across the area, to coordinate an approach across existing referral pathways and local provider networks.
“With that coordinated approach, we can create much smoother referral, communication and consultation between partner agencies and service providers, including the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program and the Dubbo Drug Court,” Ms McFarlane said.
“Most people who are referred from MERIT or the Drug Court already undergo rehabilitation and treatment in a community setting and that has been incredibly effective. Creating more pathways into the service will allow more people to receive the care and treatment they need.”
Anyone who has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, can contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957 or visit www.liveslivedwell.org.au to self-refer.
People can also contact WNSWLHD’s Drug and Alcohol Helpline (1300 887 000) for advice or referral to services in Western NSW. The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm and you can self-refer or be referred by a family member or other service provider.
The NSW Alcohol and Other Drug Information Service (1800 422 599) also provides a 24-hour helpline for advice and information. For emergencies or urgent assistance, call Triple Zero (000).
