Referring a client to addiction rehabilitation

Start by contacting the treatment provider to discuss the client’s needs and arrange an assessment. You do not need to determine the right program before making the referral, as the admissions team can recommend detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment or another pathway.

Useful information includes the substances used, the frequency and duration of use, previous withdrawal symptoms, current medications, physical and mental health conditions, previous treatment, and any immediate safety concerns. Details about the client’s living situation, support network and willingness to engage can also help determine the right level of care.

The client should generally be aware of and consent to the referral before personal health information is shared. The Hader Clinic can then complete a comprehensive assessment and develop an individual treatment plan.

Residential rehabilitation may be suitable for clients who need more structure, support and separation from their usual environment than outpatient treatment can provide.

It may be appropriate when a client has significant substance dependence, has experienced repeated relapse or has struggled to engage with previous treatment. Residential care can also help when the client has limited support at home, lives in an unsafe or substance-exposed environment, or needs a structured routine to participate consistently in therapy.

The Hader Clinic completes an individual assessment before recommending inpatient rehab. Some clients may be better suited to outpatient rehabilitation, particularly when their risks are manageable, and they have stable accommodation and reliable support. The aim is to match each client with the level of care most suited to their needs.

Yes. A client can be referred before completing detox, allowing withdrawal management and rehabilitation to be planned as part of one treatment pathway.

Detox focuses on safely managing the symptoms that can occur when alcohol or drugs are reduced or stopped. Rehabilitation then addresses the behaviours, triggers, mental health concerns and circumstances connected to the addiction.

We can assess whether medically supervised detox is required before inpatient rehab. Where appropriate, the client may move directly from detox into rehabilitation, reducing gaps in care.

Clients experiencing both substance dependence and a mental health condition may still be suitable for rehabilitation. This is often referred to as a co-occurring condition or dual diagnosis.

Both concerns should be considered during assessment because substance use and mental health symptoms can affect each other. Helpful referral information includes known diagnoses, prescribed medications, treating clinicians and any history of psychiatric admission, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or psychosis.

Some people experiencing acute psychiatric instability may need hospital assessment or stabilisation before entering rehab. This does not necessarily prevent future admission. It means the client’s immediate safety and clinical needs must first be managed in the most suitable setting.

Referrers can remain involved when their participation supports the client’s recovery and the client has provided appropriate consent.

During treatment, The Hader Clinic may communicate with the client’s GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, case manager or other provider about matters that affect their care or discharge plan.

Client privacy and confidentiality still apply, so not everything discussed in therapy will be shared. Communication should be limited to information required for safe and coordinated treatment.

With consent, updates may include treatment progress, medical follow-up requirements, expected discharge timing and recommended next steps. In limited circumstances, information may need to be disclosed without consent due to a serious safety risk or legal requirement.

Before a client leaves residential rehabilitation, the treatment team should develop an aftercare plan based on their progress, risks, living situation and ongoing support needs.

The plan may include outpatient counselling, mental health treatment, medical reviews, peer support and relapse-prevention strategies. It should also identify triggers, early warning signs, and clear steps the client can take if they begin to struggle.

Some clients may return home and continue with outpatient rehab or aftercare. Others may benefit from transitional housing, which provides a more gradual move from residential treatment into independent living.