Next Step Drug and Alcohol Services - Inpatient Withdrawal Unit

Next Step inpatient withdrawal unit is a state government funded service providing medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, amphetamines and other drugs. The facility also includes a four bed Aboriginal withdrawal unit which provides a culturally secure service which meets the needs of Aboriginal people withdrawing from alcohol and other drugs.

Services provided

• The inpatient withdrawal unit provides a specialist service for people requiring inpatient medical and nursing care during alcohol and drug withdrawal.

Target Groups

• People over 18 years of age experiencing alcohol and other drug problems assessed as requiring a medically supervised inpatient withdrawal.
• Priority groups include pregnant women, Aboriginal clients and people who live in rural and remote areas.

Entry Requirements

• Direct referrals are accepted from drug and alcohol services, health care providers, hospitals and Aboriginal services
• Consumers can self-refer to Next Step for an inpatient withdrawal but need to be assessed first at Next Step’s outpatient service at East Perth or at a metropolitan community drug service
• Prior to admission clients need to have a post withdrawal plan in place that has been arranged in consultation with both the client and the referrer
• Admissions are accepted Monday to Thursday. Emergency admissions only occur as transfers from Hospital Emergency Departments
• The inpatient withdrawal unit is smoke free and Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be provided for the duration of client’s admission