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The Karralika Programs Non-Residential Withdrawal Support Service supports people in the comfort of their own home to safely reduce their use of alcohol or other drugs. The successful four-year pilot, funded by the Australian Government’s PHN Program and ACT Health, was delivered by one Registered Nurse which saw 77% of participants significantly reduce or cease substance use prior to their entry to residential rehabilitation, day programs or AOD counselling.
Due to the success of the pilot, in March 2022 Senator Zed Seselja launched an expanded and enhanced program of up to four Registered Nurses for the next four years continuing funding to Karralika Program through the Australian Government’s PHN Program. The program has also supported people through coordinated treatment planning, supported referrals to other service providers including GPs, education sessions and linkages to ongoing treatment or after care. Positive feedback from participants and service providers has shown that this model of care is working.
Over the last year, 54 people participated in the program with 80% completing the program. All clients completing the program ceased or significantly reduced their substance use (some converting to an Opioid Replacement Therapy) and improved their psychosocial functioning.
Client story
Serena* (not their real name) is a 51-year-old female who was referred to the Non-Residential Withdrawal (NRW) program by Directions Health Services prior to commencing a 12-week residential rehabilitation program at Arcadia.
On referral, Serena was about to be discharged from Calvary Hospital following multiple falls from alcohol intoxication which led to bleeding on the brain. She reported her alcohol use at 15 standard drinks daily. After discharge from hospital Serena engaged in the program for seven days. Initially she was experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms which was supported by daily home visits and GP support. Serena experienced strong cravings to resume drinking but used the strategies identified with the NRW program.
On completion of the program, Serena ceased alcohol use. She was successfully discharged from the program to the Arcadia residential program, without further admissions to hospital.
