YELLOWKNIFE (July 22, 2025) - The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is pleased to share that as of May 2025, alcohol withdrawal management services coordinated by the Alcohol Withdrawal Access Program (AWAP) is now available at Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH). This is a major step forward in enhancing in-territory options for mental wellness and addictions recovery.

As part of this enhancement, two dedicated medical detox beds have been established within STH’s Medicine Unit to provide safe, planned alcohol withdrawal management for individuals with complex needs who require medical supervision prior to entering a treatment program. All admissions are coordinated directly through the AWAP and not through STH.  

In its first phase, the program will accept receiving referrals from the Facility-Based Addictions Treatment (FBAT) program for clients from the Dehcho, Sahtu, and Fort Smith regions who are preparing to attend FBAT and may benefit from detoxing closer to home. Expansion to accept referrals from additional regions and on-the-land participants is planned as capacity grows.

The AWAP team supports both inpatient and outpatient withdrawal pathways, supporting clients in receiving the most appropriate level of care. This may include coordinating admissions to the medical detox beds and offering access to community-based withdrawal supports when suitable. This initiative responds to long-standing community calls for more in-territory recovery supports and aligns with NTHSSA’s commitment to equitable, accessible, and culturally-safe care for all NWT residents.

Medical detox involves clinical support to reduce the risks of severe alcohol withdrawal, and is appropriate for a small subset of clients experiencing alcohol addiction. While it may be part of a broader recovery plan, detox alone is not a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The majority of clients can continue to access withdrawal support through their local healthcare providers outside of this hospital-based program.

To access services or refer a client, contact your local Community Counselling Program.

For more information about FBAT, visit the Department of Health and Social Services' Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery webpage.

For any further questions about medical detox services, email the AWAP at: alcohol_detox@gov.nt.ca.

Together, we are building a system of care that keeps people close to their supports, respects their choice, and promotes healing with dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Detoxification

What is medical detoxification?

Medical detox helps people safely manage withdrawal symptoms when they stop using alcohol. Medical staff provide care to prevent serious health problems during withdrawal.

What is the difference between medical detox and rehab (facility-based addiction treatment)?

• Medical detox: Short-term medical care that helps people safely get through severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Detox alone does not fix the root causes of addiction or help someone stay sober long-term. Instead, detox makes sure people are safe and stable enough to start other treatments.
• Rehab, or facility-based addiction treatment (FBAT): Longer-term addictions care. Rehab programs usually last between 5 weeks and 3 months. These programs offer counseling, therapy, and group support. They teach people how to stay sober and live healthier lives.
• The Medical Detox Service at STH only offers medical detox, not a full rehab program. After finishing detox, clients can then go on to rehab for more support and treatment.

Who might need medical detoxification?

People who have severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol that could be unsafe to manage at home without medical help usually need medical detox.

Is medical detoxification alone an effective treatment for alcohol addiction?

No. Detox alone does not treat addiction. It only helps manage withdrawal safely. Detox should be part of a bigger treatment plan to help with long-term recovery.

If I am not in the program, can I still have access to alcohol withdrawal services?

Yes. Even if you have not started thinking about quitting alcohol for the long term, you can still get help if you are going through withdrawal. In emergency medical situations all residents can still access alcohol withdrawal management through their medical provider outside of the program. You can go to your local health centre, Stanton Territorial Hospital, Inuvik Regional Hospital, Hay River Health Centre, or Fort Smith Health Centre. A nurse or doctor can help you feel safe and manage your symptoms.

Can anyone who needs unplanned medical detoxification access the medical detoxification beds at Stanton?

No, the beds are only for planned admissions organized by the Alcohol Withdrawal Access Program (AWAP) team. These services are for patients applying for Facility-Based Addiction Treatment (FBAT). Detox alone is not treatment and must be a part of a recovery plan. In emergency medical situations all residents can still access alcohol withdrawal management through their medical provider outside of the program.

Why are the medical detox beds only available for people going to Facility-Based Addictions Treatment in phase one? 

We have heard feedback from residents, communities, and staff that some people would like to attend facility-based treatment but travelling out of territory to attend medical detox prior to treatment is a barrier. Facility-based treatment is an excellent option for a comprehensive treatment plan, and it has an existing referral process that already includes case management, treatment, and aftercare planning. As lack of access to in-territory medical detox has been identified as a barrier to this treatment option, a practical first step for the program is to open to this priority population first. 

Can withdrawal management services be accessed outside of Stanton?

Yes, other healthcare providers can offer emergency withdrawal management services outside the new program. The treatment facilities offer medical detoxification onsite. Stanton’s program is an extra option, specifically for patients who need planned medical detox before attending treatment elsewhere.

What if a person cannot safely travel to a treatment facility for medical detoxification?

If a patient cannot safely travel to a treatment facility for detox, they may be referred to the AWAP team to receive medical detox services at Stanton by connecting with your community counselling program or community health centre who can reach out to AWAP.

What does the referral process through the AWAP program include?

The referral process includes filling out a readiness assessment and other screening forms provided by the AWAP team. They review referrals and decide who qualifies.

How are patients admitted for medical detoxification at Stanton through the new Alcohol Withdrawal Access Program (AWAP)?

The AWAP is a new outpatient territorial team that was created to support the admission of patients to Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH). Once a referral is made to AWAP, this team will be responsible for coordinating the intake process, managing the waitlist, ensuring clients have all pre-assessments and treatment plans completed in advance, and referring clients to the Medical Detox Service at STH. This service will not be accessible via the ER and STH will not be accepting referrals directly from providers; all planned admissions must be coordinated through the AWAP team.  

What happens after medical detoxification?

After detox, patients usually continue with other forms of addiction treatment to support their long-term recovery.