HOME-BASED DETOX TRIAL GETTING RESULTS

Program In Tri-City, Burnaby & New West Works With Families

A pilot project that helps people kick addictions at home is showing
positive results but it won't be called a success until after a follow-up.

Maple Cottage Detox ran a trial in Tri-City, Burnaby and New Westminster
that provided daily nursing support at home for 30 people withdrawing from
addictions to alcohol, cocaine, prescription or other drugs.

"I'm very pleased, so far, with the results. " said Susan McKela, manager
of health services at the detox centre. "So far, it's at least 60 per cent
successful, which is better than I anticipated."

People with family members prepared and available to help were eligible for
the home withdrawal project. They spent one or two days at Maple Cottage,
then completed the withdrawal at home with the help of daily visits from
one of two nurses.

Their work with clients and family members during the four-to seven-day
withdrawal period is the reason for the pilot's success, McKela said.

Depending on what substances were abused, physical symptoms could include
increased blood pressure and pulse, anxiety, nausea and cramps. Nurses
helped clients deal with their body's reaction with advice on nutrition and
ways to relieve the discomfort through hot baths, relaxation and other
coping techniques.

"It's cost-effective and the clients do like it because they're more
comfortable in their home environment, and the family members are directly
involved," McKela said. "I think the other value added is that the family
members are directly involved and they get an education as to what is
happening within their own family dynamics and it helps them move forward."

Clients could call nurses during working hours and had 24-hour telephone
access to nurses working at Maple Cottage. Once the physical withdrawal is
complete, clients are connected with recovery services in the community.
The home option won't replace Maple Cottage, she said, because some people
require 24-hour medical supervision during their withdrawal.

The Fraser Health Authority pilot program ran in Burnaby, Port Coquitlam,
Coquitlam and New Westminster and will likely resume once a nurse is hired
to replace one who has taken another position.