$20 million boost for in need SA drug and alcohol treatment services

The funding, which has been awarded to a number of organisations, will assist people battling the effects of substance abuse and will increase the capacity of the overstretched treatment services in South Australia.

Methamphetamine use in South Australia is well above the national average both in urban and regional areas.

Communities can be hit hard by substance misuse. Its effects are felt deeply and can continue for years.

We know that people impacted by alcohol and drugs need to be able to access appropriate support when and where they need it. This funding will help provide this access.

A high number of applications from committed treatment organisations were received as part of this measure to boost services in areas of need which included the Fleurieu Peninsula; Peterborough and Mid North; Port Augusta; Ceduna; Murray Bridge; Playford; Port Adelaide; and Onkaparinga.

Nine organisations will be funded:

• Mission Australia
• Baptist Care (SA)
• The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia
• Murray Mallee General Practice Network Inc
• SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services
• Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA
• Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
• Country and outback Health Inc, and
• Sonder Care

The Department of Health consulted with the South Australian Government, the South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services and the Primary Health Networks who undertook extensive needs assessments to determine service gaps in their regions.

Areas of need were based on a range of factors which included the range of existing services in particular regions and demand for those services.

This funding will increase the treatment service offerings in South Australia including counselling, detox, residential rehabilitation with some of the services focussing on youth and rural areas.

Alcohol and drug misuse doesn’t just affect one person; it also affects their families, friends and the surrounding community.

Increasing the level of funding for drug and alcohol treatment in South Australia, will improve lives impacted by drug use.

This funding forms part of the Liberal National Government’s broader investment of more than $723 million in the Drug and Alcohol Program.

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.