Thousands of Victorians are facing long waits for drug and alcohol treatment, revealing critical flaws in the rehabilitation system. According to data from the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), more than 4,550 individuals were waiting for assistance on any given day in September 2024. This situation comes as the number of deaths from drug overdoses in Victoria has reached a ten-year high.
One such individual, Michelle, arrived at Bridge Haven, a women’s rehabilitation centre in Preston, in 2023. She was desperate for help, feeling trapped by her addiction: “I felt I was a slave to the drugs. I couldn’t even consider doing anything without being on drugs. I was unable to function,” she said. Unfortunately, Michelle found herself on a lengthy waiting list, with no indication of when a bed would become available. Her condition deteriorated during this agonising wait.
After four months, she was admitted to the Salvation Army-run centre and successfully completed the rehabilitation program. Now, two years later, she is on track to finish her studies in social work. Without the support she received, Michelle believes she would not have been able to turn her life around. “Rehab was my only option because I needed 24-hour-a-day support,” she stated.
Rising Demand Highlights Systemic Issues
The alarming findings from VAADA indicate that the demand for treatment is escalating, particularly among young people. The number of youths waiting for treatment has increased by 33 percent since 2022. This surge in demand has raised concerns, as 4,450 individuals waiting for treatment represents the second-highest figure recorded since VAADA began its annual demand survey in 2020.
Scott Drummond, acting chief executive of VAADA, pointed out that barriers to accessing treatment, including an inefficient centralised system and inadequate funding, are contributing to the lengthy wait times. He explained that the increase in substance abuse is a complex issue, exacerbated by the availability of illicit drugs and the pressures associated with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Existing concerns about high demand and long wait times have persisted for years, as highlighted in various reports and reviews dating back to 2014. These include a federal review of drug and alcohol care, an ombudsman report in 2017, and a Victorian health commissioner investigation in 2020. Despite these findings, significant changes to the youth alcohol and drug treatment sector remain scarce.
Financial Implications of Treatment Access
Drummond expressed alarm over the rising number of young people seeking treatment, noting that the youth sector has remained largely unchanged for the past 25 years. He argued that investing in treatment for young individuals would yield better outcomes for the community and save costs in the long run. He cited the state government’s decision to reopen the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, which is expected to cost over $140 million over four years, as a misallocation of resources.
“We can save money, and we can potentially reduce the risk of reoffending by being properly resourced to treat youths with addiction issues,” Drummond stated.
Furthermore, a 2017 investigation by then-ombudsman Deborah Glass revealed that prisoners struggling with addiction were more likely to reoffend if they could not access support services within prison or upon release. “The cold grip of addiction drives a pattern of reoffending, in which too many people cycle in and out of prison,” Glass noted.
Data from 2024 shows a worrying trend: illegal drugs accounted for 65.6 percent of overdose deaths in Victoria, up from 58.9 percent in 2023 and 54.9 percent in 2022. This spike underscores the urgent need for effective interventions.
Dr. Erin Lalor, chief executive of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, recently commented on the lack of a long-term strategy in Victoria aimed at alcohol and drug harm prevention. “The state government consulted with the alcohol and other drug sector last year about a dedicated strategy, but we are still waiting for its release,” she said.
The Department of Health has been contacted for comment regarding the current state of the rehabilitation system and the growing demand for treatment. As the crisis continues to unfold, the stories of individuals like Michelle highlight the dire need for a more responsive and adequately funded support system for those battling addiction.
