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Sobering Up Unit

The Salvation Army Sobering-up Unit is located at 62A Whitmore Square, Adelaide and operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We provide shelter, support referrals and advocacy for persons who are assessed when presenting at the unit as requiring a safe place to sober up or recover from the immediate effects of alcohol and drug use. The unit also caters for people apprehended under the Public Intoxication Act (PIA) in South Australia. Priority of access is accorded to persons assessed as being in greatest need.

Please note:

There has been some community discussion about our use of a Breath Analysis Machine to determine levels of intoxication. We see this primarily as a health issue. Determining levels of intoxication means we can assess if the client is safe to stay in the unit or alternatively requires immediate medical intervention including hospitalisation.

Sobering Up Unit Services

  • Shelter in a safe, supportive environment for persons who are, due to their level of intoxication, assessed as being at risk of harm to themselves or others if not provided with a safe place to sober up;
  • Assessment of the person’s level of intoxication, monitoring throughout the sobering up process, arranging medical intervention if necessary, providing basic physical needs such as a bed, clothing, bathing, laundry facilities and an appropriate meal;
  • Responding to phone calls from members of the public, clients and their families;
  • Advocacy, assistance and referral for clients seeking accommodation, medical, welfare, counselling and rehabilitation services.
  • Encouraging clients to consider the harm and risk associated with their alcohol and/or drug use, giving information about medical detoxification services and rehabilitation programmes and arranging referral as appropriate.

No referral is required. Admission is based on a brief assessment when presenting at the unit.

62A Whitmore Square, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8212 2855

View SUU Brochure 2023

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The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.

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The Salvation Army is an international movement. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name with love and without discrimination.

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