Seeking rehab for substance dependency is very easy in Australia. You need not feel overwhelmed, confused, or challenged as you can easily reach out for help. You or your loved one can start their rehab journey today. This post will guide you as it will enlist everything that you’d ever need to know when it comes to rehab for Australians. This post will discuss:
- rehab costs
- different treatment programs
- social support
Costs of Rehab in Australia
Australians need not worry about having to pay for rehab because Medicare covers drug and alcohol treatment. You need to take note though that it does not cover everything. This is why it often becomes necessary for patients to use private health insurance for additional aid. Private insurance can easily cover out-of-pocket expenses that patients would have to deal with during rehab.
The Australian government also funds public support services for drug and alcohol treatment. Such can help in minimizing rehab costs.
Treatment Programs in Australia
The following are the different treatment programs that persons undergoing struggle with substance abuse can undergo:
Outpatient
This treatment is community-based. With this, a patient would have to undergo:
- non-residential withdrawal
- counseling
- therapeutic day rehabilitation
To undergo this kind of treatment, you need to be referred by your doctor. You can also seek a referral from your local drug action team. Outpatient treatment is ideal for people with strong social support and stable housing. This is because they are considered low-risk.
Inpatient
This kind of treatment will require the patient to stay in a hospital or supervised facility. During their stay, they will undergo the following:
- individual counseling
- group counseling
- peer support
To access inpatient services, you have to be referred by a specialist, community service, or General Practitioner. You may also be admitted via self-referral. This treatment is highly ideal if you want a complete break from all your stressors and concerns on the outside world.
Pharmacotherapy
This kind of treatment is also referred to as medicated assisted treatment. During this treatment, your doctor will be prescribing medicines that will help in the reduction of your craving and withdrawal symptoms. This kind of treatment is only available for the substitution of a particular drug. For opioid dependence, patients will be treated with Methadone, Buprenorphine, or Naltrexone. Symptoms of withdrawal will be treated with Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate. This kind of treatment works best if it is done in combination with other treatments.
Detoxification
This kind of treatment involves the complete stoppage or reduction of drug or alcohol use. Patients encounter withdrawal symptoms during this treatment due to intense psychological or physical dependence. This treatment can be done both at inpatient and outpatient facilities. Medication is often provided to help in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms. To avoid relapse, it’s best if this treatment is combined with other treatments. You can undergo the following complementary treatments during or after detox:
- peer support
- counseling
- residential rehabilitation
Dual Diagnosis
This treatment is available for Australians who are dealing not just with substance abuse but with mental health issues as well. This treatment is very common and is highly advisable. This is because people highly benefit from undergoing a treatment that addresses both concerns. To have access to a dual diagnosis, you need to be referred by your primary care service provider or a community intake center. A self-referral will also do.
Residential Rehabilitation
This treatment involves the overhaul of one’s lifestyle as it undertakes a long-term approach where a patient gets to live a drug-free and alcohol-free life. With this treatment, you will be provided live-in accommodations that come with a structured and scheduled care plan. Residential centers don’t usually provide withdrawal treatment so it’s best if you would undergo complete detox before undergoing this treatment. This treatment can last for a number of weeks or years. It is best for the following patients:
- patients with court-mandated rehab
- homeless patients
- patients in a dangerous living situation
- patients undergoing a social crisis
- patients undergoing a psychological crisis
- patients with complex diagnosis
- patients with dual diagnosis
Counseling
This is the most popular kind of treatment. This treatment will require you to seek the help of a therapist, psychologist, or professional counselor. In this treatment, you’d be asked to talk about your problems. You will be given tools to allow you to change your behavior and attitudes. You will also be taught how to cope with stress. Counseling can be had in the following manner:
- one-on-one
- with a family member
- with a friend
- with a group
It can be done in person, via the phone, or through the internet.
Peer Support
This kind of treatment is facilitated by individuals who have personally experienced dealing with substance abuse. The shared experience help patients in feeling welcomed and safe. Peer support gives tangible support to all who are currently or all who used to struggle with substance abuse. The most popular peer support programs are Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Social Support
Australians struggling with substance abuse are also provided with social support services. This aid includes help in one’s:
- housing needs
- legal needs
- financial needs
- dental needs
- health needs
To have access to social support services, you simply need to talk to your alcohol and drug treatment provider or community health service provider.