Providing vital withdrawal services to overcome drug and alcohol dependence

1 Dec 2020

Clinical nurse specialist Jupp Groenveld has been part of the Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network for 18 years - providing at-home care to help people overcome dependence on alcohol and other drugs. 

She has seen the Network and its clients go from strength to strength over the years; initially operating in Perth’s northern suburbs and then expanding to support clients in the broader Perth metropolitan area.  

“I’m always in awe of what our clients have lived through, what they’re surviving and how they have managed to live productive and successful lives with histories of trauma,” Jupp said. 

The Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network is staffed by registered nurses who provide home visits to people undergoing drug or alcohol withdrawal. The nurses work in shared care with GPs and the client’s nominated support person, to assist them in safely withdrawing from alcohol and other drugs in their home environment. 

“We provide guidance and support, including helping clients with planning their day and discussing with them ways to deal with cravings and potentially risky situations," Jupp said.

"With this approach our clients are able to manage their own withdrawal and work towards a reduction or completely stop their substance use.”  

Over the past year, the Network has helped 550 clients reduce or stop alcohol and drug use. More recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service delivered 429 tele-health sessions over three months to ensure continuity of care to clients during periods of isolation. 

Jupp said it was essential for people working with clients with drug or alcohol dependencies to have a high level of empathy and to respect the dignity of each person. 

“It’s important to come from a non-judgemental place and to be empathetic and responsive to people’s needs, while maintaining healthy boundaries,” she said. 

“We can’t fully comprehend what people are going through or have been through, so it is important to be compassionate and open-minded and to take an interest in people for who they are, rather than the problems facing them.

"We aim to help people move closer towards their values, and live a healthier and more rewarding life that they are proud of.”