Tasmanian residents affected by drug or alcohol addiction can continue to access quality rehabilitation treatment programmes, following a $500,000 Australian Government investment.
Minister for Rural Health Fiona Nash and Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson MP are pleased to announce the funding for the Missiondale Residential Rehabilitation Facility near Evandale.
“The Missiondale facility, managed by Launceston City Mission, helps people with substance misuse issues – like alcohol or drugs such as ice – to get their lives back on track,” Minister Nash said.
“The additional funding, allocated under the Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund, means the service can continue its residential therapeutic rehabilitation programmes to support Tasmanians who need help and support to make a positive change to their lives.
“It takes a great deal of courage and determination for someone to take that important first step to beat an addiction, and I’m pleased this funding will help Launceston City Mission continue this vital service.”
The Member for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson said Missiondale’s programmes are based on abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
“It is the only accredited therapeutic rehabilitation facility in Tasmania and offers residential programmes beyond eight weeks and encourages participants to take a holistic view at underlying factors which may influence their drug or alcohol use,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“The Missiondale facility does a wonderful job of helping Tasmanians to reclaim their lives, and I welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to this rehabilitation service.”
Missiondale CEO Stephen Brown said the charity was delighted by this announcement. “This funding will enable us to continue operating the 24 beds we have open, and help us keep our waiting list minimal.”
Minister Nash said with ice use increasing across all areas of Australia, appropriate rehabilitation services are becoming increasingly important.
“The National Ice Taskforce in its final report found that many of the current treatment programmes are not designed to respond to ice use, particularly the come-downs associated with stimulants like methamphetamines and the follow-up care required for the long withdrawal periods,” Minister Nash said.
“Under the Government’s Ice response package, we will invest an additional $241.5 million over four years from 1 July next year to increase service capacity in the alcohol and other drug treatment sector to specifically address the impact of ice. This is in addition to the significant current Commonwealth investment in drug and alcohol treatment over the same period.
“Addiction can destroy not only the life of the individual, but also their families and community. We want to make sure people get the support they need to recover.”
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson
