Home About us Policy Frameworks Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy

Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy

MP 0062/17 - Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy (pdf 165KB)

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to Health Service Providers, excluding Health Support Services, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, and Quadriplegic Centre.

Description: The Alcohol and Other Drug Withdrawal Management Policy (the policy) sets the minimum requirements for a consistent approach of management of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) withdrawal treatment across the WA health system.

This policy aims to

ensure that those requiring Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) withdrawal treatment received timely clinical care, including activating appropriate referral pathways where required
establish mechanisms for improving access to locally provided planned and unplanned AOD withdrawal services across Western Australia (WA), or referral to suitable services
support continuity of care by facilitating care and discharge planning, including to local rehabilitation services.

This policy further aims to promote care that is

accessible
equitable
safe
person-centred and holistic
continuous
trauma-informed
culturally competent
recovery-oriented; and
involves family and carers.

Ensuring that individuals receive the right care at the right time and place can prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of alcohol and/or other drug dependence.

Access to these services may help support people in their ongoing journey to obtain follow up care and support as required.

This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers under the Mental Health Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(a, c) of the Health Services Act 2016.

Date of effect: 28 June 2021