Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service (HADS) - (Brisbane)

The Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service (HADS) based at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston, provides inpatient withdrawal management / detoxification or stabilisation for people with alcohol and other drug dependency.

Following an initial assessment, support will be provided through an admission to HADS, referral to a community alcohol and other drug service (AODS) or non-government agency. While in hospital there is support to withdraw from alcohol or other drugs through a medication regime, supportive counselling and group programme. They provide support to plan the next steps before leaving HADS which may include residential rehabilitation or accessing local supports or AODS within the community.

Patients will need an assessment before receiving an appointment. They can get an assessment at the local community Alcohol and Drug Service, GP or by presenting to the Department of Emergency Medicine at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital between 8.00am-7.00pm. Following the initial assessment, patients will be given an appointment to discuss appropriate treatments available or be admitted for an inpatient stay at hospital. Admission to HADS requires an assessment to work out if this is the most appropriate treatment.