Long-term harmful use of alcohol remains a large problem in the Northern Territory and a model of civil commitment for ‘problem drinkers’ has been proposed. This planned system has been strongly criticised on a number of ethical, moral and legal grounds.
This report explores existing evidence from studies on both civil and forensic mandatory rehabilitation, in order to evaluate if it would be an effective form of treatment for alcohol dependent persons, and appropriate to implement such a system in the Northern Territory.
The report concludes that given the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of civil commitment and the potentially significant impact upon the freedoms of individuals, families and the communities, it could be difficult to justify the
proposal.
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