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There are only four residential rehabilitation treatment centres here in Wales - but some believe their future may be in jeopardy as they struggle to fill their beds.

Rehab providers in Wales warn they're struggling to keep afloat as local authorities and other commissioning agencies pull their belts ever tighter in the difficult economic climate.

This week's programme hears concerns about inconsistent, ad-hoc commissioning practices and reliance by some local authorities on sending clients to rehab facilities in England, at the expense of those in Wales - mostly voluntary sector, not-for-profit organisations.

Figures show that out of 91 people from Wales referred for residential rehab last year using £1 million in ring-fenced public funding, 41 of these were sent to rehab units in England - despite beds being available here in Wales.

Now rehab providers are calling for changes in the way such referrals are made, to create a fairer system for providers and rehab clients alike.

They claim that the current system needs streamlining as it's often too slow and bureaucratic, and that rehab is too often regarded as a "last resort" option for those commissioning alcohol treatment services, when earlier intervention could save lives.

They claim a "postcode lottery" exists across Wales for those needing such intensive treatment, and are campaigning for an all-Wales list of preferred rehab providers to be drawn up by the Welsh Government for commissioners to refer to.

Some of their concerns are echoed in a report from Alcohol Concern Cymru, due out this week, which highlights some of the challenges facing alcohol treatment services in Wales - ranging from community-based drug and alcohol units offering counselling and support, through to the residential rehab sector.

Meanwhile the Welsh Government has confirmed it is reviewing the role of commissioning agencies - while stressing that a range of community and residential services are vital to support those with drug and alcohol problems.

Reporter Sarah Moore visits some of Wales' rehab units and meets those who feel their lives have been turned around by them.