Drug and Alcohol Services

ABOUT

Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital is pleased to offer an in-patient Drug and Alcohol Detox and Rehabilitation Treatment Service.  Our programs are led and delivered by experienced consultant psychiatrist Dr Rajinarayan Mahasuar. Our multidisciplinary team focus on intensive assessment and treatment through a variety of evidence based interventions whilst providing individualised, holistic care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.  We aim to integrate education, peer support and cutting edge treatments to help patients and their families reclaim their lives from the hold of addiction.

We understand that each patient’s relationship with drugs and alcohol is different. We work closely with those already involved in our patients care including general practitioners, physicians and families.

Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital is located just 20 kms from the Melbourne CBD. It is a purpose built, state of the art facility. All rooms are single occupancy with ensuite, television and other amenities.

We deliver a 28 day in-patient, abstinence-focused Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program and a 7-10 Day Detox Program.  Patients are admitted under the care of consultant psychiatrists working collaboratively with a specialist multidisciplinary team consisting of nursing, allied health staff, psychologists and medical doctors.

We also offer a 10 week (half day per week) out-patient program delivered by experienced therapists. The day program is based in effective relapse prevention strategies taken from approaches including CBT, ACT, and DBT.  The outpatient program is recommended for all motivated patients following discharge from the intensive in-patient program.

Intensive 28 Days Drug & Alcohol Program - Wyndham Clinic

 

Key features of our service include

  • An intensive 28 day, in-patient, abstinence focused treatment program for patients with a diagnosable substance use disorder
  • Highly skilled, medically led multidisciplinary team. Our psychiatrist has over 20 years experience within Australia.
  • Extensive 1:1 time with consultant psychiatrists and/or the multidisciplinary team.
  • An evidence based, integrative treatment model incorporating continuous assessment, psychiatric evaluation and bespoke treatment planning based on individual needs and psychological profile
  • Options for a 7-10 day detox and substitution treatment program
  • Supported by most private insurers (often with minimal out of pocket expenses)
  • Exceptional comfort and quality of care during inpatient stay
  • Easy access for country, regional and interstate patients with freeway, airport and public transport options all within a short distance
  • A maximum of 12 patients within the drug and alcohol program at any time (to ensure more effective and individualised care)
  • Extensive group therapy program using a range of therapies to improve self-understanding, develop a skill-set to enhance resilience and to manage or ideally avoid relapse
  • Individual discharge planning and optional family meetings are offered to all patients
  • Weekly Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous meetings held onsite

The Approach

We offer a secure, comfortable and non-judgemental environment and strive to provide a positive experience for patients from pre-admission to discharge. Staff are trained in motivational interviewing to assist in exploring and strengthening our patients motivation and commitment to change.

The inpatient unit insists on abstinence throughout the program. We make the assumption that our patients are always trying their best to change their behaviour.

What to expect at Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital

A Private Hospital environment

The benefits of a Private Hospital include individual and tailored care for your specialised needs in the context of your recovery from addiction a day at a time. As a Private Hospital, Private Health Insurance will cover the majority of our patients fees. Excess and gap costs may be applicable and will vary depending on the level of cover. Our staff will provide information on any applicable fees prior to admission. We have contracts with most funds and claim directly from them.

The admission process is simple either by your GP or consultant referral.

For more information or to book an assessment time please call 03 9731 6646

Assessment

Before any person is admitted to the Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program, they will undergo a pre-admission assessment by a member of our team. Our assessment staff will discuss your history, and brief you on all aspects of the program so you can make an informed decision as to whether the program is suitable for your needs.

After admission, a member of our team will get an understanding of the following five questions:

(a) Why has this patients’ substance use disorder developed in the first place?
(b) Does the patient suffer from other psychological conditions as well as a substance use disorder?
(c) Why it has taken this particular course over the lifetime?
(d) What are possible reasons for why the patient has not recovered thus far?
(e) Why has the patient has presented to us now?

We take a holistic approach to assessment process exploring developmental history, trauma and co-occuring psychological and physical conditions.

Once we have established a blueprint (or “formulation”) based on the questions above, the multidisciplinary team can set about providing treatment tailored to the individual patient.

The blueprint and treatment is constantly updated throughout the program in collaboration with the patient at weekly planning meetings. Not only do we aim to provide appropriate medication, psychological and skills based therapies but also to provide the patient with a robust ongoing management plan and self understanding for the tenuous period following discharge.

Treating addictions is complicated and we therefore use an integrative therapeutic approach incorporating a variety of evidence based models including:

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Contingency management
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Schema focused therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

We seek to achieve prompt and timely admission because we realise that you and your families often share a great sense of urgency when the opportunity for treatment presents itself.

For more information or to book an assessment time please call 03 9731 6646

While in Hospital

The Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program attempts to replicate a normal living environment within the hospital.  There are communal lounge areas, dining areas, therapy rooms and outdoor areas.

  • A varied menu is provided, and we are able to accommodate any special dietary requirements – please advise the staff on admission.
  • Televisions are provided in the patient bedrooms as well as in the lounge areas of the hospital.
  • There is a laundry for patients use in the hospital.

What to bring during your stay?

  • Private health fund details, Medicare and any pension cards
  • Any current medication and prescriptions (in the original packaging)
  • Everyday comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes
  • Night attire, dressing gown and slippers
  • Alarm clock
  • Toiletries
  • Please bring pens and writing material
  • Photos of friends & family

What not to bring:

  • Drugs, Alcohol or paraphernalia
  • Gambling material
  • Portable DVD/VCR players
  • Revealing/Inappropriate clothing

The 28 Day Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program

Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital offers a brand new facility and modern features during your stay. Patients are admitted into the intensive 28 day inpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation Recovery Treatment Program.

The inpatient program encompasses elements of assessment, detoxification and pharmacotherapy, rehabilitation and preparation for discharge. Participants need to be a minimum age of 18 years of age to be accepted into the program.

The Withdrawal and pharmacotherapy phase (detox)

Detox is different for each patient depending upon their medical and psychological needs as well as the types of substances used. The process can last for up to 7 days (occasionally longer).

Withdrawal symptoms can be intolerable when patients attempt “cold turkey at home”. At Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital we operate evidence based protocols for intensive monitoring and treatment to ensure that these symptoms are effectively treated with both medication and alternative methods. Our approach minimises the possibility of serious medical complications, suffering and the early relapse that is so common when people attempt withdrawal without professional support.

Pharmacotherapy involves the use of longer term prescribed medication to assist many of the symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Many treatments have good evidence for assisting motivated patients to maintain abstinence from alcohol, nicotine and opioids (both illicit and prescription). Pharmacotherapy can be safely initiated in appropriate patients under the supervision of our specialist psychiatrists.

The Rehabilitation phase

Our therapeutic program has been carefully designed by our dedicated multidisciplinary team. The rehabilitation phase runs for three consecutive weeks and is structured around regular consultant psychiatrist and multidisciplinary reviews.

Groups are designed to be skills focused/structured, discussion based, creative and educational. 100% attendance at the group program and 1:1 reviews is essential for all patients.

Patients will collaboratively establish goals for the three week program and utilise the skills, self understanding and peer support from group therapies. This process will be consolidated in 1:1 time with specially trained nursing staff and psychiatrists.

Our psychiatrists will continue to provide assessment and treatment based on the five fundamental questions described in the assessment section.

Weekly meetings with the multidisciplinary team will explore barriers to achieving goals and to facilitate problem solving.

Family involvement and discharge planning are facilitated to help smooth the  transition to life outside the hospital environment.

Psychological interventions include Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) ACT and DBT.

  • Individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Art.
  • Exercise: walks, yoga or relaxation sessions.
  • Healthy ways to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
  • Real time practice in attending AA
  • Formal discharge planning to increase the likelihood of success after discharge.

Our Team

Our team is carefully selected for their skills, knowledge, attitude and experience.

A stringent credentialing process is undertaken for each member of clinical staff and registration is checked annually.

Admitting doctors are on call twenty four hours and can be contacted by the nursing staff if required. The Medical Directors are available at all times for guidance and support. Arrangements are in place with the nearby Werribee Mercy Public hospital who will accept our patients in the event of an emergency or clinical deterioration requiring transfer.

Discharge planning, Day Program and Aftercare Program

The treating team will collaborate with the person during their stay to prepare a plan for discharge and beyond. This discharge plan may include:

  • Attendance at the Day Program.
  • Prescribing for those taking pharmacotherapy.
  • Attend AA/NA/GA meetings on a regular, ongoing basis.
  • Develop a relationship with support persons such as a sponsor, counsellor or therapist.
  • Develop a crisis management plan and relapse signature.

Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program

The Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program is designed for people who require support in maintaining abstinence from substances. The program is grounded in evidence-based therapies and involves group attendance for half a day, once a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Participants must be committed to abstinence and post withdrawal to be accepted. The program is aimed at clients who have completed withdrawal during their inpatient stay and are now entering the high risk of relapse in the first 16 week period of abstinence. It aims to introduce and develop skills and knowledge to assist participants to build a rich, full and meaningful life free of substances.

If you wish to make inquiries regarding any programs or referrals please contact us on 03 9731 6646.

FAQs

Yes, unless your psychiatrist thinks otherwise.

Visitors are welcome during certain hours. These can vary so just  check in with the team at the hospital. Connection with your friends and family is an important part of recovery.

Yes – you can bring books.

Please do not bring:

  • Drugs, alcohol or paraphernalia 
  • Gambling material
  • Portable DVD/VCR players
  • Revealing/inappropriate clothing

Our program consists of a 28 day in-patient, abstinence-focused drug and alcohol treatment program and a 7-10 day detox program.

We are a private hospital, so some level of health insurance is ideal. Your stay can be partially or completely covered depending on your level of insurance. People do have the option to self fund.

People’s level of discomfort depends on their own personal circumstances. It is recommended to withdraw in a medical environment, as it is the safest option.

Yes leave is available at certain times of the day. There are circumstances where it won’t be appropriate and that will be assessed on a patient by patient basis. Generally in the early stages if detox it isn’t recommended. There are also exercise groups.

As a Private Hospital, Private Health Insurance will cover the majority of our patients fees. Excess and gap costs may be applicable and will vary depending on the level of cover. Our staff will provide information on any applicable fees prior to admission. We have contracts with most funds and claim directly from them.

No. This program has no association with organised religion.

We have a high level of success for addiction. Results vary depending on each patient’s situation, we tailor the program for each individual patient’s needs to ensure the highest success rate we can possibly achieve.

Being a new hospital we have the advantage of short wait times in comparison to other hospitals. This can range from the same day to a week.

No, we are a voluntary service. Patients need to be self motivated to participate in our programs. This gives patients the best chance of a good outcome.

Yes, though smoking is only permitted in designated areas and at certain times.

The hospital was purpose built to the highest standard for patient safety and comfort. The staff monitor the hospital at all times and any behaviour by patients which could harm or make other patients and staff feel unsafe is not tolerated.

Yes, every room in our facility is single occupancy with an ensuite bathroom, television and other amenities.

A maximum of 12 patients will be present in the drug and alcohol program at any time. The number of patients is limited to such a small amount to ensure effective and individualised care.