Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service (HADS)
The Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service (HADS) is a state-wide service providing inpatient withdrawal or stabilisation for people with alcohol and other drug dependency.
Our services
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. We provide support to plan the next steps before leaving HADS which may include residential rehabilitation or accessing local supports or AODS within the community.
How to access this service
You will need an assessment before receiving an appointment. You can get an assessment at your local community Alcohol and Drug Service, your GP or by presenting to the Department of Emergency Medicine at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital between 8.00am-7.00pm. Following your assessment, you 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 for you.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Recovery goals and plan
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription and herbal medicine
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame
Frequently asked questions
You are not permitted to smoke within 5 metres of the hospital grounds. While you stay with us, we encourage you to focus on quitting with the help of Nicotine Replacement Therapy. To discourage temptation, your cigarettes will be locked away and returned on discharge at your request.
Visitors are not permitted at HADS to ensure that all clients have a safe admission without any access to alcohol or drugs that are not prescribed by the treating team.
Contact us
24 hour Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
For advice on alcohol and other drug treatment or the location of your nearest service call 1800 177 833
Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service
Phone: (07) 3646 8704
Need help outside hours?
24 hour Alcohol and Drug Information Service call 1800 177 833 In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer your patient, complete the Alcohol and drug service referral form