Substance Use Disorder

This service is dedicated to mitigating the impact of Substance Use Disorder.

Primary objectives:

1. Ensure widespread awareness of the adverse effects of substance use disorder.
2. Foster sustainable collaboration across sectors within the province.
3. Facilitate easy access to treatment, aftercare, and support for those in need.

Services offered:

• Awareness and primary prevention services.
• Early intervention.
• Treatment centres.
• Reintegration and aftercare support.
• Integrated programs with the Departments of Education and Health, as well as Local Drug Action Committees of Local Authorities.
• Collaboration with partners, including the NGO sector.
• Standardising professional and management best practices.
• Facilitating diversion programs with the Social Crime Prevention Unit as an intervention for at-risk youth.

Before embarking on treatment, participants will attend an assessment session.

The assessment, conducted by trained healthcare professionals or social workers, determines the required treatment type. Assessments can be conducted at local Department of Social Development offices or community-based organisations offering substance use disorder services.

Treatment options are tailored to the evaluation:

1. Early intervention services: Targeting individuals experimenting with substances without developing a dependency, these services are provided within the community.
2. Community-based treatment: Geared towards individuals engaging in harmful drug and alcohol use, this treatment allows regular sessions, maintains employment, involves family support, and is cost-effective compared to inpatient treatment.
3. Inpatient treatment services: Recommended when necessary, these services involve an extended stay in a residential facility away from loved ones, typically provided by a registered treatment facility.
4. Aftercare: Post-treatment, users receive ongoing support to manage and maximise the benefits gained. Attendance at aftercare sessions is encouraged for sustained recovery.
5. Outpatient Treatment: Non-residential services provided by treatment centres or halfway houses for individuals abusing substances or affected by substance use disorder, offering a holistic treatment approach.
6. Halfway House: A sober living environment for individuals completing formal treatment, providing a protected setting to prepare for reintegration into society.