Compulsory treatment
Key messages
- The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 (SSDTA) provides for a brief period of detention and treatment for people with severe substance dependence in a treatment centre.
- The SSDTA only applies to people with the most severe substance dependence who are incapable of making decisions about their substance use and personal health, welfare and safety due primarily to their substance dependence.
- Only a person who is a fellow or affiliate of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (psychiatrists) or a person who is a fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (addiction medicine specialists)
- The current declared treatment provider is St Vincent's Health Australia.
About compulsory treatment
The Victorian Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 (the Act) allows for up to 14 days of compulsory substance dependence treatment.
The SSDTA is only appropriate for people whose substance dependence is life limiting (threatening) and who are refusing treatment, meaning no less restrictive treatment is available.
Compulsory treatment provides evidence-based withdrawal support so that a person can regain capacity to make decisions about their substance use, health and safety, and to consider ongoing voluntary treatment. People who receive compulsory treatment are discouraged from continuing to use substances but are entitled to do so.
Seeking compulsory treatment under the SSDTA
The applicant must complete an application form and obtain a recommendation from a prescribed registered medical practitioner that the person subject of the application satisfies the strict criteria for detention and treatment under the Act. Both the medical practitioner's recommendation and the application should then be lodged with a Magistrates' Court by the person making the application. Upon approval by the Court, the person is admitted to the treatment centre.
Disclaimer
Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 resources and forms
The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 allows for the detention and treatment of a small group of people with severe substance dependence.
Information for people detained under the Act, their carers and their family
People detained under the Act and their carers and family should understand the provisions of the Act
Information for prescribed registered medical practitioners
Only prescribed registered medical practitioners can make recommendations for an alcohol and other drug detention and treatment order.
Information for other health professionals
A defined process must be followed for detention and treatment orders under the Victorian Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act.
Step-by-step application and order process
The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act was reviewed in 2015 to determine whether the Act is effective or requires amendment.
Resources
Factsheets and forms relating to applications for a detention and treatment order under the Act
Review of the Act
The purpose of the review was to determine whether the objectives of the Act are being achieved and are still appropriate, and whether the Act is effective or needs to be amended.
Updated