How our services work
Intro to The Salvation Army Alcohol and Other Drugs Services
If you are struggling with alcohol and other drugs use, we can help you find a treatment option that suits you, whether it's with us or another provider. Our number one priority is to help you on your journey to recovery.
How our programs work
We aim to match people with a treatment that is right for them. We have various approaches to treatment depending on individual needs. Therefore, we may suggest one type of program over another. Learn more below about the different types of programs we offer.
Select a service from the list
Detox/withdrawal services
Detox and withdrawal management involves supporting you to safely withdraw from alcohol and other drugs. We can help you do this in a planned and controlled manner. Detox usually occurs over five to seven days, during which time you will be able to stay at one of our centres. In some locations, we can discuss the option of home-based or residential withdrawal closer to where you live.
You will have qualified and trained staff supporting you every step of the way, to ensure you're safe and to minimise the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
After your detox we can offer you entry into any of our residential recovery centres or day programs, or refer you to another service for ongoing support.
Residential recovery services
We have residential rehabilitation services across the country. All services offer individual care planning and evidence-based group work programs. Participants are invited to explore personal spirituality, including connecting with their own values and beliefs. Services may also include counselling, group work, peer support, life skills development and recreation opportunities. We recognise that every person has had a different journey, so we tailor a recovery plan to suit you.
All services have established relationships with an array of external service providers. An individual treatment plan will be created and will remain a live document throughout the program. This plan will identify the services that will further support an individual’s journey during the program and post treatment.
Treatment lengths vary depending on individual need, but an average stay is 90 days.
Non-residential services
A non-residential service may suit your needs best. We offer a range of community-based services to support your recovery while you remain living at home. Our flexible approach ensures that your individual needs are met through one-on-one case management or counselling, day programs (including structured Salvation Army group work programs and SMART recovery groups), support and referrals. We care about you and will stand alongside you every step of the way. We’ll be there to celebrate your triumphs with you and comfort you during the hard times.
Primary health and harm reduction services
We provide health and harm reduction services across Australia. These services include sobering up centres, needle and syringe programs, and referrals. These services aim to help minimise drug-related harm for individuals and the community.
We understand that accessing services is often difficult for the most vulnerable people in the community, so primary health and harm reduction services aim to break down barriers to accessing services and assist people to access services they need.