Detox beds at Stanton Hospital part of new N.W.T. alcohol withdrawal program
Dehcho, Sahtu and Fort Smith clients can be referred to the program, with plans to expand
Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife now has beds for people going through alcohol withdrawal.
In a news release Tuesday, the N.W.T. Health and Social Services Authority announced that the hospital has been operating two medical detox beds since May to help people with complex needs before they enter a treatment program.
Detox involves medical staff who help patients with the risks of severe alcohol withdrawal.
The health authority said admissions are being co-ordinated through the Alcohol Withdrawal Access Program. Referrals are available for clients of the Facility-Based Addictions Treatment program in the Dehcho, Sahtu and Fort Smith areas.
"This is a major step forward in enhancing in-territory options for mental wellness and addictions recovery," the news release states.
It says it has plans to expand the program so people can be referred from other regions in the future, as well as from on-the-land programs.
The news release says it must be part of a broader recovery plan and is not by itself treatment for alcohol addiction.
Last March, the territorial health minister said the department planned to improve addictions treatment including detox.