Substance misuse and addiction

When a person uses too much alcohol or other drugs on a regular basis, they can feel dependent on them to make it through the day. This substance misuse and addiction is a disease, and it can damage a person’s physical, social and mental health.

Substance misuse can result in changes and long-term damage to the brain and other organs. It is a major cause of mental illness. 

Treatment for substance misuse and addiction depends on the type of substances involved, and how serious a person’s addiction is. Treatment may involve a mix of psychiatric interventions, psychological care, support groups and self-help strategies.

How do we treat addiction at Ramsay Clinic Albert Road?

Ramsay Clinic Albert Road offers a range of treatment options for patients with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance misuse or problematic addictive behaviours.

The Addictions Service provides inpatient support and detoxification as well as day patient rehabilitation and relapse prevention programs. All include a comprehensive assessment service.

The service utilises the Stages of Change Model and aims to create a therapeutic environment emphasising improved quality of life, support seeking, healthy responses to stress and personal functioning, in addition to addressing substance dependence.

The integrated therapeutic model includes:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – a method of treatment for psychological disorders, that takes a practical, task-based approach to solving problems
• Motivation Enhancement Therapy – an approach that helps individuals resolve their ambivalence about engaging in treatment and stopping their drug use
• Psychoeducation – the process of providing education and information to those seeking or receiving mental health services
• Group Psychotherapy – helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships

The service liaises closely with referring medical practitioners to ensure the optimum standard of quality care required in order to minimise the risk of relapse.

To find out more about Ramsay Clinic Albert Road’s addictions unit, please complete the contact us form, or alternatively contact 03 9256 8322 to have a confidential conversation with one of our staff members.

Inpatient

Please contact us for more information on inpatient care.

Day Programs

Day Programs are structured, therapeutic group sessions – think of it as ‘group therapy’. We have a diverse range of day programs on offer, each tailored to address the specific needs of the people we care for. Run once or twice a week, over a period of weeks or months, you’ll work with our expert therapists on building life skills, managing symptoms and preventing relapse. Depending on your program, you may also receive individual therapy sessions as part of your therapy.

Click here to view a list of day programs available at Ramsay Clinic Albert Road.

Outpatient Services

The Ramsay Clinic Albert Road Outpatient service provides specialist psychiatric services that do not require staying at the hospital. As an outpatient, you will be seen by a psychiatrist in our consulting suites. Psychiatrists at Albert Road can complete a range of services for outpatients including assessments, secondary consultations, short term or long-term care and therapy. The number of visits you may need will be discussed at your appointment and together with your psychiatrist, a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and the goals identified in your referral will be developed.

Outreach

Outreach is community-based care involving individualised treatment plans for adults or seniors delivered in your home. Sometimes, outreach will be provided via telehealth – like during period of lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach is ideal for people who need short-term support after a stay at Ramsay Clinic Albert Road, for people who are waiting to begin a day program or who need longer-term support.