EmailSevere Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010
The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 (the Act), provides for the detention and treatment of people with severe substance dependence in a treatment centre where this is necessary as a matter of urgency to save the person’s life or prevent serious damage to their health.
Detention must be the only means by which treatment can be provided and there must be no less restrictive means reasonably available to ensure the treatment.
In addition, the peson must be incapable of making decisions about their substance use and personal health, welfare and safety due primarily to their substance dependence.
The purpose is to give the person access to medically-assisted withdrawal, time to recover, capacity to make decisions about their substance use, and the opportunity to engage in voluntary treatment.
Detention and treatment must always be an option of last resort.
Detention and treatment is limited to a maximum of 14 days.
Flowchart
Guidelines
Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 - A summary (55kb, pdf)
Where to get a copy of the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010
Copies of the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 and the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Regulations 2011 can be viewed or downloaded from the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website.
Hard copies of the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act and Regulations can be purchased from the
Victorian Government Bookshop
505 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, 3000
or on 1300 366 356 for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia or (613) 9603 9900 for international callers.
Disclaimer
The information provided on these pages is intended as general information about the Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act and Regulations and not as legal advice. If individuals or service providers have queries about their obligations under the Act they should obtain independent legal advice.
