News
Investment in specialist drug and alcohol treatment
The Victorian Government has announced millions in funding for new residential rehabilitation facilities.
State Health Minister Martin Foley says the facilities ‘will mean more Victorians can embark on their journey towards to recovery and wellbeing’. (AAP)
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley has released the final designs for new rehabilitation facilities in the state’s Gippsland, Hume and Barwon regions, which he says will provide care and support to an additional 900 people each year.
‘We know the damage addiction causes for families across the state; that’s why we’re doubling the number of rehab beds – so more Victorians can get the support they need to beat their addiction faster,’ he said.
‘These new facilities will mean more Victorians can embark on their journey towards to recovery and wellbeing in a place close to their family and support networks.’
According to the Victorian Government, the facilities ‘will provide a structured therapeutic and home-like environment where people experiencing addiction can develop coping skills and address underlying issues to overcome their alcohol and other drug use’.
Thirty-bed adult facilities will be built in Corio and Wangaratta, providing 24-hour care for people experiencing withdrawal or stabilisation and who need to continue their treatment.
A 20-bed youth-specific service to be built in Traralgon for people aged 16–21 will provide care and activities that support ‘lasting behavioural change’, including coping, social and life skills development, relapse prevention, individual counselling and group work. The facility will also support young people to reintegrate back into the community and access educational and vocational training and employment skills.
RACGP resource
The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) GP Education Program is designed to help GPs better support and treat patients experiencing AOD-related problems.
The CPD-accredited program is specifically tailored for GPs in different communities and settings, and comprises face-to-face education, online learning modules, and a small group online education and mentoring series aimed at rural and remote GPs.
In response to an identified gap in the AOD education regarding practical ways GPs can support patients who are presenting in their practice, the RACGP aims to help GPs:
- converse with patients about alcohol and other drug use
- work collaboratively with colleagues to develop a whole-of-practice approach on management of pain and prescribing drugs of dependence
- implement best practice approaches to safely and effectively support patients who consume AOD to minimise harm and improve health and wellbeing.
More information is available on the
RACGP website.
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alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation Victoria