Review of the evidence about involuntary alcohol and other drug treatment

In NSW, the Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment (IDAT) program allows for people with severe substance dependence to be admitted to treatment involuntarily if they are at risk of serious harm.

Two reviews were conducted to assess the evidence about involuntary alcohol and other drug treatment for the NSW Ministry of Health:

1. A rapid review of the international literature about the effectiveness of involuntary treatment programs. The included studies covered outcomes including AOD use, mortality, and health service utilisation. This work was brokered by the Sax Institute and is available on their website.
2. A rapid review and synthesis of the international literature about people with lived/living experience’s perspectives and experiences of involuntary treatment. This qualitative review included perspectives from clients/patients of involuntary treatment, potential clients/patients, family members, and clinicians and other workforce.