3Objects of Act

3 Objects of Act

3 Objects of Act

(1) The objects of this Act are—

(a) to provide for the involuntary treatment of persons with a severe substance dependence with the aim of protecting their health and safety, and

(b) to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of those persons in relation to their dependency, and

(c) to facilitate the stabilisation of those persons through medical treatment, including, for example, medically assisted withdrawal, and

(d) to give those persons the opportunity to engage in voluntary treatment and restore their capacity to make decisions about their substance use and personal welfare.

(2) This Act must be interpreted, and every function conferred or imposed by this Act must be performed or exercised, so that, as far as practicable—

(a) involuntary detention and treatment of those persons is a consideration of last resort, and

(b) the interests of those persons is paramount in decisions made under this Act, and

(c) those persons will receive the best possible treatment in the least restrictive environment that will enable treatment to be effectively given, and

(d) any interference with the rights, dignity and self-respect of those persons will be kept to the minimum necessary.