South Australia

Sobering Up Unit

Located on Kaurna Land, Adelaide, we operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Providing brief shelter, support, referrals and advocacy for people 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 in South Australia. Everyone presenting to the Sobering Up Unit will be assessed and those determined as being in greatest need will receive priority.

No referral is required

We have 30 beds available, and admission is based on a brief assessment when presenting at the unit.

• 62A Whitmore Square, Adelaide
• Phone: 08 8212 2855

Your safety is our priority

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.

Our services

We offer shelter in a safe, supportive environment for people 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, and:

• Conduct an assessment of the person’s level of intoxication
• Monitor people throughout the sobering up process, arranging medical intervention if necessary
• Provide people who are sobering up with basic physical support such as a bed, clothing, bathing and laundry facilities, and an appropriate meal
• Respond to phone calls from members of the public, clients and their families
• Provide advocacy, assistance and referral for clients seeking accommodation, medical, welfare, counselling and rehabilitation services
• Encourage clients to consider the harm and risk associated with their alcohol and drug use, giving information about medical detoxification services and rehabilitation programs and arranging referral as appropriate

Warrondi Engage and Link Day Program

Also known as the WEL Day Program, this non-residential alcohol and other drugs program 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 person-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.

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

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.

Activities include

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

Referrals

Self-referral

• You 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: Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm, no booking required

Referral made by other workers and 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