In its 2025 annual report, it said that data suggested that there were no newcomers to injecting locally, but rather an ageing population.
The next two-to-three years will determine whether this reduction becomes a community norm, it said.
Overall Independence received 148 referrals last year, of which 103 attended assessment and 76 went into treatment.
There were 109 people in treatment over the course of the year, with 33 in treatment at the end of the year.
Seventy-five referrals were for alcohol, fewer than five for cannabis and fewer than five for opioids, with six for other drugs. 10 were for gambling.
The target time between assessment and offer of first treatment session is one month, defined as 21 working days. 54% of clients start treatment within 10 days of their assessment.
‘Independence is fortunate to have an experienced and highly committed team of professionals. However, our current resources limit our ability to provide this level of support to everyone who may benefit from our services,’ said Independence chairman Andre Wilsenach.
‘As a result, we continue to work closely with partner services to deliver a coordinated response across the wider system and to ensure that individuals receive the most appropriate support as efficiently as possible.’
The criminal justice substance service provides treatment and interventions to people with problematic substance use, including alcohol, who come to the attention of the criminal justice system.
There were 46 new referrals into the service in 2025.
Twelve clients were considered not suitable for the service, usually those who have no intention of making changes to their drug or alcohol use.
Seven were not granted by the court or Parole Review Committee.
Those in police custody with problematic substance use can be referred into Independence by custody staff in a process called arrest referral.
There were 17 arrest referrals in 2025, nine of which related to alcohol, fewer than five for gambling, fewer than five for drugs and fewer than five for a combination of drug and alcohol use.
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