A drugs rehabilitation program helping Canberrans safely reduce their use of alcohol or other drugs from the comfort of their own home will be expanded, thanks to $2.9 million from the Federal Government.

Karralika Programs set up its pilot Withdrawal Support Service in 2019, so that drug addicts could safely withdraw at home, instead of in hospital, before they were admitted to a residential rehabilitation, day program or alcohol or other drug (AOD) counselling service.

Capital Health Network (CHN) and ACT Health jointly funded the pilot, delivered by a registered nurse, said CHN CEO Megan Cahill.

Now, three more registered nurses with AOD experience will be employed.

Since the program began, 126 people have stopped taking drugs or reduced their substance use.

“Not only do our wonderful registered nurses provide such valuable care, our program also supports people through co-ordinated treatment planning, supported referrals to other service providers including GPs, education sessions, and linkages to ongoing treatment or after care,” said Sharon Tuffin, CEO of Karralika Programs. 

“We have received positive feedback from participants and service providers that this model of care is working.”

The additional funding comes from the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.

“Our Government is committed to improving alcohol and other drug services across Australia, including right here in the ACT,” said Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja. “To do so, we have invested considerable funding to improve services now and into the future.”