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Four Corners: Sept 12

ABC reports on rogue operators and desperate parents in the growing industry of ice rehabilitation.

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On Four Corners Ben Knight reports on “Rehab Inc,” the high price parents pay to get their kids off ice.

But there is also a severe lack of regulation in this growing industry.

“What parent is not going to say ‘yes, I’ll sell my house’? ‘I’ll give you my kidney to save my child’s life.’ They’ll do anything.” – Addiction counsellor

Across Australia, there are parents risking everything to rescue their children from ice addiction.

“I’ve knocked on every door, I’ve been everywhere. I’ve chased my daughter for 6 months from house to house to house… I turned their water off, I turned their gas off, I pinched their power fuse. I smashed their windows, I’ve had enough.” – Father

To end this living nightmare, they’ll seize on any chance to get help for their child.

“Why now? Five bullets through the front window and I’ve sh*t myself and that was when I straight away rang mum to say I’m coming home.” – Addict

But that chance of rehabilitation can come at an enormous cost.

“Most families don’t have $30,000 sitting in the bank account just to put their child into a rehab centre. It’s just not feasible.” – Mother

Publicly funded rehabilitation beds are in short supply and have waiting lists running into months. So instead, these families turn to private clinics. And they charge a fortune.

“Most of the people I see who have come through private rehabs have had their superannuation emptied. It’s sort of a soft target.” – Financial counsellor

Parents are risking bankruptcy to get their child a place. They’re encouraged to access their superannuation or to re-mortgage their homes in order to pay out tens of thousands of dollars to ensure their child gets in quickly. And the price is driven by demand, rather than the service provided.

“I think that often people would get the success that they require by simply attending these 12-step fellowships, free of charge, and get the same success rate.” – Addiction specialist

And the lack of regulation is shocking.

“I could start a rehab up tomorrow and hire staff who aren’t suitably qualified and call it a rehab, and charge top dollar. With no questions asked.” – Addiction specialist

Even some private operators concede families risk being ripped off.

“There are way too many rogue operators in this field that can and will take advantage of people paying the money.” – Clinic operator

Monday 12th September at 8.30pm on ABC.

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