A look inside Queensland Health’s only statewide drug and alcohol support service
HADS Director of Addictions Dr Thomas O’Gorman
For patients requiring complex drug and alcohol detox support, the Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service (HADS) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) is Queensland Health’s only statewide public inpatient detox unit providing medically supervised withdrawal and stabilisation care.
The service includes a 16-bed inpatient withdrawal unit, a consultation liaison service throughout the hospital, and the Drug and Alcohol Brief Intervention Team in the Emergency and Trauma Centre.
HADS receives referrals from across Queensland and completes approximately 80-90 detox episodes per month, predominantly for alcohol-related admissions (80%) and other substances including opioids, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, and cannabis.
HADS Director of Addictions Dr Thomas O’Gorman said their team-based approach across a range of disciplines ensures patients receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social support during withdrawal and beyond.
“Being co-located within RBWH allows rapid access to specialist medical, surgical and obstetric care if complications arise,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing increasing acuity and medical complexity in our patient cohort driven by rising mental health and substance use issues post-COVID, cost-of-living pressures, emerging synthetic and novel psychoactive substances, and greater polysubstance use.
“HADS in not just about detox – it’s a gateway to recovery. We link our patients with community alcohol and drug services, residential rehabilitation programs, counselling, psychological support, pharmacotherapy, and relapse prevention programs, to ensure they are supported once they leave our facility.”
As substance dependency continues to rise in the community, Dr O’Gorman reiterates that it does not discriminate.
“Substance dependency affects people from all backgrounds, including professionals, parents, young people, and retirees alike, across cultures and socio-economic groups,” he said.
“Once of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction is a moral failing. In reality, it is a complex health condition influenced by biological, psychological and social factors.
“Seeking help is a strong and important first step for patients, and we don’t expect them to have all the answers.
“At HADS, every patient is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. We are proud to be providing a safe, evidence-based service for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”