HOME DETOX PLAN FOR ADDICTS

A PILOT program launched yesterday will enable drug addicts and alcoholics
to go through detoxification at home with the support of family and friends.

Addicts will be referred to the home-based withdrawal service by GPs. If
they pass entry criteria they will be visited at home by nurses who will
administer GP-prescribed treatments.

St John of God Health Care's 12-month pilot program, Release, was launched
by Health Minister John Day.

The Sisters of St John of God established the service through the north
metropolitan region with about $280,000.

St John of God community based withdrawal service manager Adam McLeod said
the pilot program, developed in conjunction with the WA Drug Abuse Strategy
Office, was based on a Victorian model.

Mr McLeod said several hundred addicts would be treated during the 12-month
period. Neither the addicts nor the GPs would be charged.

Drug addicts seeking detoxification in WA had traditionally been treated in
a residential-based service.

The Victorian community-based service had been equally effective as
hospital care, at a quarter of the cost.

Mr Day said if the pilot was successful, the Government would consider
funding the program's extension throughout the State.