Mental Health Commission
Community bed-based treatment services for alcohol and other drugs provide specialist treatment and support for people who are, or have recently been, dependent on alcohol and other drugs. They include residential treatment services, also known as residential rehabilitation services or therapeutic communities, and withdrawal management services, also known as ‘detox’ or 'detoxification’ services.
All community bed-based treatment services for alcohol and other drugs are voluntary and confidential.
To find alcohol and other drug services near you, visit the My Services online directory.
Residential treatment services provide a safe and supportive environment for people to address their alcohol and other drug use. These services usually include psychoeducation, structured psychological therapy, group therapy, individual counselling, development of skills, recreational activities and support from other residents. Some services may also offer transitional accommodation in the community for a period post discharge.
The average length of stay is 12 to 16 weeks, although some people stay for more than 12 months.
The services are confidential, and most are free. You can self-refer to these services, however you will need to be assessed for suitability for the service.
For information about services available near you, contact your nearest Community Alcohol and Drug Service, Alcohol and Drug Support Line, Parent Family Drug Support Line or Here for You Support Line.
Before entering Residential Treatment, people who are dependent on alcohol and other drugs need to undergo withdrawal. Withdrawal management is the medical, psychological and supportive care of people who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms as a result of stopping or reducing their alcohol or other drug use. Withdrawal management assists people by reducing the risks, physical discomfort and psychological distress associated with withdrawal, increasing the likelihood of completing withdrawal and engaging with further treatment (such as residential treatment services).
The services are confidential, and most are free. Many also offer a range of other supports to help promote recovery after withdrawal.
There are a range of withdrawal management services across Western Australia. Most of the services accept self-referrals. Withdrawal management services for people with complex withdrawal requiring medical care may require a referral from a doctor, or other health professional. You will need to be assessed for suitability for the service.
For information about referrals to the Next Step Inpatient Withdrawal Unit, please visit this website.
If you are seeking to withdraw from alcohol or other drugs, you can also contact your local Community Alcohol and Drug Service or your GP for advice. You can also speak to the Alcohol and Drug Support Line, Parent Family Drug Support Line or Here for You Support Line.
Page last updated22 October 2026
