If someone is in danger or you are worried about their safety right now, call 000. For crisis support any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For alcohol and drug support in Queensland, call Adis on 1800 177 833, 24/7.
Whichever program you choose, you deserve clear answers before you commit. A good provider should be glad to give them, and in writing. Here is what to ask, and how Sapphire Recovery, a private residential home in Reedy Creek, answers.
Start with safety
For people who are physically dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can cause severe withdrawal, including seizures and a dangerous state of confusion called delirium tremens. Healthdirect and Adis both advise getting medical support. Talk to your GP or call Adis on 1800 177 833 before you stop.
Questions to ask any program
1. Do you provide detox, or do I need it first?
Many residential programs need you to be through withdrawal before you arrive. Ask who decides whether you need detox, and how they handle the gap between detox and admission. Our answer: Sapphire does not provide medical detox on site. If you need it, it happens first, somewhere safe and supervised, and we plan your admission date around it. Our guide to detox and rehab explains why.
2. What does it cost, and what is included?
Ask for the full price in writing, whether it includes GST, and what is extra. Our answer: live-in from $25,000 + GST, the outpatient program from $15,000 + GST, and the transition house at $15,000 including GST. Medical detox, prescription medicines and external specialists are not included. Prices are on our programs page before you call.
3. How many people stay at once?
Group size shapes how a stay feels. Our answer: at most six guests, each in a private room.
4. Who is on the clinical team, and what are their registrations?
Psychologists in Australia are registered with AHPRA, and you can check the public register yourself. Ask which accreditation applies to the service. Our answer: our team includes psychologists and counsellors, and we will set out in writing the accreditation that applies and the registrations held, so you can check them before you commit.
5. What therapies do you use?
Our answer: one-on-one and group sessions using approaches such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, schema and family therapy, with trauma-informed care throughout, alongside yoga, equine sessions, massage and meals from our private chef.
6. Do you treat mental health at the same time?
Anxiety, depression and trauma often sit beside heavy drinking. Our answer: yes, in the same plan and by the same team, with your GP and psychiatrist kept involved.
7. How are families involved, and what stays private?
Our answer: families see nothing by default. Your loved one chooses what to share, and what is said in therapy stays private. Our page for families explains more.
8. What happens to the fees if I leave early?
Our answer: we don't offer refunds if you change your mind or leave early. This doesn't affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, and your written quote sets out the terms first.
9. What happens after the stay?
Our answer: your aftercare plan starts on day one. Options include the transition house, outpatient support and staying in touch with the Sapphire community.
10. How soon can I start?
Our answer: with six guests at most, it depends on when a room is free and whether detox comes first. We tell you plainly on the first call.
A few things to be cautious of
- Pressure to commit or pay on the first call.
- Promises of guaranteed results or a "cure".
- Prices that are only given after a long sales conversation.
- Vague answers about who the staff are and what they are qualified to do.
If private rehab isn't right for you
Queensland also has free and low-cost public and community alcohol treatment. Your GP or Adis can tell you what is near you. If Sapphire isn't the right fit, we will tell you honestly and point you somewhere better.
General information only. This post is not medical advice. Please speak to a GP or call Adis on 1800 177 833 before stopping or reducing alcohol or any medication.
Ask us these questions on the first call.
Fifteen minutes, no pressure. We'll answer plainly, in writing if you'd like, and you decide what happens next.
