Sunrise Way CEO says rehab centre vital for district
The severity of the drug epidemic has been highlighted by the continued demand for a rehab centre, even through the pandemic when other businesses were suffering.
Toowoomba
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A dire need for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in Toowoomba was made evident during the Covid pandemic, with the city’s centre maintaining full capacity.
Sunrise Way CEO Louise Sanderson said despite residential rehab facilities experiencing a decrease in occupancy levels, the Toowoomba clinic perpetuated a three to four month waiting list.
“(Covid has) impacted all services and all walks of life, but for us we’ve been able to maintain the business and to now be back at that full capacity and waitlist, just highlights the needs for the services we provide,” she said.
“You have an international pandemic and people are still identifying that they need to seek out drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, and they’re willing to go through hotel quarantine to help facilitate that.”
The acclaimed facility is looking at expanding its services into the future, including a detox facility that is currently serviced in Brisbane.
However, Ms Sanderson said Sunrise Way is waiting to acquire additional funding.
The rehabilitation service’s annual resilience breakfast will take place this Friday, March 11, when guests will be able to hear from a recovering addict.
“It's a great opportunity to talk about drug and alcohol addiction and mental health which has been so prominent, particularly during the Covid,” Mrs Sanderson said.
“It’s about educating and promoting to the community the benefits of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, but also highlighting how prevalent it is within the community – a dependency on alcohol and other drugs.
Ms Sanderson said it was important for community members to gain a better understanding on how to support someone battling an addiction, and recognise behaviours that may lead to an addiction.
Visit the Sunrise Way website for more information on the Resilience breakfast.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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