New laws to help those with severe drug dependence

New laws will provide better support for people with a severe drug or alcohol dependency who, as a result of their dependency, are causing serious harm to themselves.

The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act came into effect on Tuesday 1 March providing a health intervention of last resort when all other voluntary forms of treatment prove ineffective.

A review of the Alcoholics & Drug-dependent Persons Act 1968 in 2005 concluded that for a very small number of people, involuntary treatment and detention is necessary as a last resort to save their lives.

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said research has shown that for this very small group of people, a brief period of hospitalisation and treatment can be beneficial and the difference between life and death.

The new law requires a registered psychiatrist or addiction medicine specialist to personally examine the client and determine that no form of voluntary treatment is available to break the cycle of abuse that risks their life and wellbeing. A magistrate must also be convinced that a person meets the criteria before ordering their involuntary detention and treatment.

The Act has procedures to protect a person’s legal rights and ensure appropriate medical advice and services are provided.

Depaul House, St Vincent’s Hospital has been named as the treatment centre responsible for the detention and treatment of a person who is the subject of a court order under the Act.

The centre will provide specialist addiction medicine and drug withdrawal services for a period of up to 14 days. There will then be up to six months of intensive case management support for voluntary rehabilitation to help deal with the addiction.

The government will closely monitor the impact of the new legislation over the first 12 months of operation.

“In particular, we will monitor the impact of the Act in regional Victoria and ensure those living in regional and rural towns are able to access a registered medical practitioner when needed,” Ms Wooldridge said.