South Australia AOD Services

Sobering Up Unit

The Salvation Army Sobering Up Unit is located on Kaurna Land, at 62A Whitmore Square, Adelaide and operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. We provide brief shelter, support, referrals and advocacy for persons who are assessed when presenting as requiring a safe place to sober up or recover from the immediate effects of alcohol and drug use. The unit also caters for people apprehended under the Public Intoxication Act (PIA) in South Australia. Priority of access is accorded to persons assessed as being in greatest need.

Please note:
There has been some community discussion about our use of a Breath Analysis Machine to determine levels of intoxication. We see this as a health issue. Determining levels of intoxication means we can assess if it is safe for a person to stay in the unit or alternatively if they require immediate medical intervention including hospitalisation.

Sobering Up Unit services

We offer shelter in a safe, supportive environment for persons who are, due to their level of intoxication, assessed as being at risk of harm to themselves or others if not provided with a safe place to sober up.

The service:

• Conducts assessment of the person’s level of intoxication, monitoring throughout the sobering up process, arranging medical intervention if necessary, providing basic physical needs such as a bed, clothing, bathing and laundry facilities, and an appropriate meal
• Responds to phone calls from members of the public, clients and their families
• Provides advocacy, assistance and referral for clients seeking accommodation, medical, welfare, counselling and rehabilitation services
• Encourages clients to consider the harm and risk associated with their alcohol and/or drug use, giving information about medical detoxification services and rehabilitation programmes and arranging referral as appropriate.

No referral is required. Admission is based on a brief assessment when presenting at the unit.
62A Whitmore Square, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8212 2855

Warrondi Engage and Link Day Program

Warrondi Engage and Link Day Program also known as WEL Day Program is a non-residential alcohol and other drugs program which is located on Kaurna Land. The WEL Day Program offers culturally safe support to primarily Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It focuses on addressing substance use issues with a client-centred harm minimisation approach. This is achieved through one-to-one counselling and case management alongside positive activities in a safe space. The length of the program is based on the client’s needs and level of engagement.

Counselling and case management

Counsellors support clients towards recovery from alcohol and other drug issues through culturally appropriate individual counselling, therapeutic groups and case management, which may include advocacy and external referrals. We aim to work with clients and their support networks collaboratively.

WEL Day Program activities include:

• Gym twice a week
• Art classes once a week
• Music once a week
• SMART recovery once a week
• Monthly social outings to various places (predominantly with a cultural and nature focus, outdoor adventure and other indoor activities)

For more information, contact us on the details below.

Referrals

Self-referral

Clients are welcome to come in for a yarn with a counsellor about joining the program or to find out more about what we offer. Walk-ins are welcome from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm, no booking required.

Referral made by other workers/agencies

We also welcome referrals made by other agencies on behalf of clients. You’re welcome to come along with your client during walk-in hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm) to have a look at what we offer or get in touch with a counsellor to discuss a referral.

Contact details
Phone: (08) 8212 1215 (Monday–Friday)
Email: wel-info@salvationarmy.org.au
Address: 62 Whitmore Square, Adelaide SA 5000