Wide Bay withdrawal and residential service

The program supports people aged 18 and over.

Prioritised care is given to people in the Wide Bay region, with referrals from surrounding HHS regions and other areas based on client readiness and bed availability.

We aim to provide accessible and affordable residential treatment. You will need to pay some money towards your stay, usually a portion of your Centrelink payment. The amount depends on the type of benefit or payment you receive.

For self-funded clients, contributions are based on an equivalent cost to those receiving Centrelink.

There are no additional fees or charges—what is sometimes referred to as an ‘upfront fee’ simply refers to the first two weeks of client contributions.

We understand financial situations differ, so we offer fee relief to ensure no one is denied support due to an inability to pay. If you have any questions or concerns about costs, please call our friendly Contact Team on 1300 727 957.

Finances should never be a barrier to getting help.

Our withdrawal unit offers medium to low intense, medically supervised withdrawal support for individuals reducing or ceasing their substance use. This includes short-term stays for those requiring assistance managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe and supportive setting.

We can support a limited number of clients prescribed Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT) at any given time. We accept individuals engaged in stabilised ORT, including those on long-acting ORT medications, and work closely with the client, their prescriber, and dispensing pharmacy to ensure their treatment is effectively managed.

Our staff follow strict protocols for the safe storage, accurate recording, and administration of ORT doses. Clinical risk management processes are in place to address potential issues such as missed doses or overdoses. In the event of an emergency, we will administer first aid or contact emergency services and notify the approved prescriber and dispensing pharmacist as soon as possible.

We know entering residential treatment is a big step. From day one, we’ll aim to make you feel welcome and understood, as we get to know you and your needs. Shortly after you arrive, you’ll be introduced to a treatment facilitator who will work with you to tailor a range of supports to match your needs. You’ll also meet our registered nurses who will ask you questions about your medical background so we can best support you during your stay with us.

We see it as our role to create a safe, supportive and structured environment that inspires genuine and lasting change. Our residential treatment program aims to capture best practices and delivers quality care with professional facilitators.

You’ll receive one-to-one counselling in which you can set goals, ask questions and guide your treatment. We bring empathy and collaboration to our approach, believing you are the ultimate decision-maker in your future.

You will also engage in group therapy and be encouraged to participate in community living and take on daily tasks and responsibilities. Here, you can learn life skills, build confidence and gain insight into how you relate to others, always in a supportive environment. We also work closely with other services in the areas of mental, oral, sexual and general health, Centrelink and legal support.

As you move through the program, you’ll meet regularly with your treatment facilitator to review and adapt your treatment over time.

Our care is holistic, tailored to individual needs and education-based. The program takes a harm-minimisation approach and applies a community environment of learning and support as well as individual counselling. Residents are required to remain alcohol and drug-free throughout and will be provided with support to quit smoking. Research shows that people who give up smoking do better overall in their recovery.

The program is delivered over six-weeks, though if you need to stay longer this can be reviewed.

Completing a drug and alcohol residential program is an achievement but only one step on a longer journey. We can help connect you with additional services that you may need, such as education, childcare, employment pathways, and ongoing counselling to ensure a smooth transition back into the community.

Our Wide Bay service is located in Thabeban, Bundaberg, in a spacious, purpose-built facility developed by Queensland Health. Set on 1.5 hectares, the site offers plenty of open space, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for recovery.

For privacy reasons this address is not available. Please contact Lives Lived Well for the address.

Yes. Information collected by Lives Lived Well is confidential. Learn more about how we use this information and how we collect it here.

For further questions about our Lives Lived Well programs, view our FAQs page here or you can contact us on 1300 727 957.