The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) has outlined the process to be followed to gain admission at substance abuse rehabilitation centres.
Spokesperson for the MEC of Gauteng Department of Social Development Teddy Gomba said the process applies to those who voluntarily want to overcome addiction and those who are sent for rehabilitation by the court.
Gomba continued that voluntary admission will work as follows:
1. Walk-in service: Individuals may arrive at a DSD or a DSD-accredited NPO office without prior appointments. They will then be assisted, and the admission process will be explained to them.
“Many individuals seeking help are walk-ins who are motivated to start treatment. It is important to act on this motivation as it can fluctuate over time, so it is better not to waste time and get help,” Gomba added.
2. Initial screening: Upon arrival, a screening will be conducted to assess whether the individual is experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD).
3. Comprehensive assessment: A social worker will perform a thorough psychosocial evaluation to determine the appropriate intervention, which may include a brief intervention, inpatient treatment, outpatient care and community-based services.
4. Medical screening: A medical officer at a primary health care facility will complete a medical screening report.
5. Placement: Placement will be arranged at a state-owned or funded inpatient treatment facility. If deemed suitable, individuals may also be referred to outpatient services, community-based programmes or day clinics located in the area.
6. Inpatient admission: Admission to inpatient treatment facilities must be facilitated by a social worker. Walk-ins are not allowed directly at these centres. While awaiting admission, individuals may participate in preparatory group sessions.
For involuntary admissions, Gomba said the process must be initiated by the substance user’s significant others.
“Admission to an inpatient treatment facility will be processed through a court-ordered committal. The same steps outlined above will be followed, starting with the screening and assessment procedures,” he said.
“Members of the community are urged to check compliance and authenticity of service providers with their local Social Development offices,” Gomba added.
He concluded that during anti-substance abuse awareness campaigns, affected substance users can only be profiled for intervention, where no one will be picked up at a rehabilitation facility before any necessary assessment is conducted.
For more information on the admissions process, contact the Gauteng Anti Substance Abuse hotline on 0800 22 88 27.
