No. 35

HELPING WOMEN BEAT ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION

The 2007–08 ACT Budget provides $209,000 over four years for a residential detoxification and withdrawal program for women and women with children.  

Minister for Health Katy Gallagher said the program will operate from Directions ACT’s existing premises at Arcadia House with funding provided for the additional costs associated with childcare and the clinical risk assessment of children on the program.

“The extra funding will also enable staff to undertake outreach activities to both promote the uptake of alcohol and other drug treatment programs and also better co-ordinate the services women can access before, during and after detoxification,” she said.

Ms Gallagher said this initiative supported implementation of the ACT Women’s Plan which recognises that substance abuse can have a major negative impacts on women’s lives and those of their families,” she said.

“For some women, abuse by men during childhood, or domestically, has been an important causal factor in problematic drug use.  

“This residential facility will be especially effective for those women who are subject to domestic violence. It not only provides them with a place they can deal with their addiction away from violence, but for those with children, it also provides a safe place for their kids. This makes it more likely that women with drug and alcohol addictions, and especially those with kids will access this service,” Ms Gallagher said.