Want to ditch your bad habit? Here is how to get help

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. 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.

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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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