Steps to be admitted to a government rehabilitation centre in Gauteng

Are you experiencing alcohol and/or drug addiction and looking for professional intervention to help you kick the bad habits and guide you through your recovery?

Then, state-owned or funded inpatient treatment facilities are here to help you recover and go on to live a healthy life.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) has outlined the steps to follow to gain admission at the available substance abuse rehabilitation centres.

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The process applies to those who voluntarily want to deal with the addiction and those sent for rehabilitation by a court of law.

The department said your treatment depends on your personal circumstances and what you want help with.

The first thing the staff will do is a screening. The staff will ask you about your substance use to assess whether you are experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD).

The staff will then determine the appropriate intervention (treatment options), including referral to a residential rehab service or for inpatient treatment and community-based services. Whatever treatment plan is agreed on, you will get a professional to support you throughout your journey.

Voluntary admission

• Walk-in service: Individuals can arrive at a DSD or a DSD-accredited NPO office without prior appointments.
Staff will then assist and explain the admission process to them. Many individuals seeking help are walk-ins motivated to start treatment. Acting on this motivation is crucial because it could fluctuate over time, so it is better not to waste time and get help.

• Initial screening: Upon arrival, a screening assesses whether the individual is experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD).

• A social worker will do a thorough psychosocial evaluation to determine the appropriate intervention. It could include brief intervention, inpatient treatment, outpatient care and community-based services.

• A medical officer at a primary healthcare facility will complete a medical screening report.

• Placement is arranged at a state-owned or funded inpatient treatment facility. Individuals could be referred to outpatient services, community-based programmes or day clinics in the area if deemed suitable.

• Admission to inpatient treatment facilities must be done by a social worker. Walk-ins are not allowed directly at these centres. While awaiting admission, individuals can participate in preparatory group sessions.

Involuntary admission

• For involuntary admissions, the substance user’s significant others must initiate the process. A court-ordered committal will ensure admission to an inpatient treatment facility.

• The steps outlined above will be followed, starting with the screening and assessment.

• Community members are urged to check the service providers’ compliance and authenticity with their local DSD offices.

• Affected substance users can only be profiled for intervention, where no one will be picked up at a rehabilitation facility before doing any necessary assessment.

For more information on the admissions process, call the Gauteng Anti-Substance Abuse hotline on 0800 22 88 27.

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