Program Overview
The Windana Drug Withdrawal House
is a 15 bed residential facility located in
St Kilda
The Windana adult withdrawal unit offers
a homelike environment for supported
withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs.
This may include medical and non-
medical withdrawal and pharmaco-
therapy. Length of stay is determined on
the individuals needs.
The program includes:
- Medical and nursing management
- Case management & support services
- Complementary therapies including
naturopathy, yoga & mindfulness groups - Exercise and recreation
- Individual counselling and group work
including art therapy, nutrition, relapse
prevention, harm minimisation and
stress management
Smoking is currently allowed in restricted
outside areas. Clients are required to
bring swimwear for morning swimming
exercise.
Program Eligibility
- Individuals 18 years of age or over
- Willing and able to participate in group
and individual therapies and recreational
and domestic activities - Willing to abide by the House Rules
& sign a client contract prior to admission - Assessment by an addiction medicine
practitioner with consideration of:- High alcohol or other drug intake on
day of admission - History of withdrawal seizures
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Concurrent medical or mental
health issues
- High alcohol or other drug intake on
- On the day of admission the person
will attend the First Step clinic for
assessment and treatment planning
including any required medication - Clients are required to bring current
medications and scripts on the day of
admission - access to external appointments during
the withdrawal period are limited and
are assessed on an individual basis
Assessment Process
Upon receipt of a referral the
information will be reviewed by the
Windana Admissions & Care
Coordination Team.
- A pre-admission appointment will be
facilitated for the person at the First
Step clinic to undertake an
interdisciplinary assessment with an
addiction medicine practitioner and
the Windana nurse - On the day of admission the person
will attend the First Step clinic for
assessment and treatment planning
including any required medication
Admissions to community
residential withdrawal can only
occur if the medical assessment
has taken place
If the person does no attend or is
not suitable for admission on the
day, all efforts will be made to
re-schedule an appointment and
subsequent admission or facilitate
appropriate referrals