Summary

  • In Victoria in 2004-05, 136 government-funded alcohol and other drug treatment agencies and outlets provided 46,369 'closed treatment episodes'.
  • One-third (33%) of closed treatment episodes were for clients aged 20-29 years, and more than one-quarter (28%) were for clients aged 30-39 years.
  • Male clients accounted for close to two-thirds (64%) of all closed treatment episodes.
  • Alcohol (37%) and opioids (24%, with heroin accounting for 22%) were the most common principal drugs of concern in closed treatment episodes, followed by cannabis (23%) and amphetamines (6%).
  • Of all closed treatment episodes, counselling was the most common main treatment provided (47%), followed by withdrawal management (detoxification) (23%) and support and case management only (13%).