What is drug and alcohol rehabilitation?

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation helps people improve the way they live their lives by helping them get off or reduce their use of drugs and alcohol.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services provide treatment and support. These services are sometimes called ‘rehab’ services.

State and territory governments fund most of these services. The Australian Government funds some too. Many are run by non-government organisations and charities.

There are also private drug and alcohol treatment options.

Types of rehabilitation programs

Rehabilitation programs usually take place in community-based treatment centres or residential rehabilitation services.

Residential rehabilitation services allow people to stay in a special clinic for a number of days or weeks.

Treatment approaches for drug and alcohol addiction

If you have a severe problem with drugs or alcohol, you might need hospital treatment. You might also need to do a detoxification program to get rid of drugs and alcohol in your body.

Rehabilitation can involve counselling to help you change your behaviour. You might also be prescribed medicine.

If you have a drug or alcohol problem and a mental illness, you will need help with both at the same time.

Rehabilitation might not be successful the first time. Many people need to go through the process more than once. But if it doesn’t work first time, you will have learnt something, and it will make it easier next time.

Where to go for help

Counselling Online offers 24-hour free drug and alcohol counselling. Family Drug Support Australia offers 24-hour support to families and friends of drug and alcohol users. Call 1300 368 186.

Search for a drug and alcohol service through services directory, or the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

If you need help with alcohol addiction, call Alcoholics Anonymous on 1300 222 222

The National Alcohol and Other Drug helpline (1800 250 015) will direct you to your state service. The helpline is available 24/7. All calls are confidential and anonymous.

The helpline also has confidential online web chat — available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation costs

Costs vary. Some treatments are free. Some government-funded community-based and residential rehabilitation centres ask for a co-payment.

Talk to your doctor about Medicare rebates.

Depending on your cover, some private health insurance companies offer rebates.

More information

Lifeline and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have information on drugs and alcohol. ReachOut and headspace have information on drugs and alcohol for young people.