Mobile Withdrawal Management Service

The Mobile Withdrawal Management Service (MWMS) helps people wanting to stop or reduce their use of alcohol or drugs in a safe setting and with the support of trained professionals. Medical supports are provided in a participant’s home, community or other safe accommodation of the participant’s choosing.

Service Overview

The Mobile Withdrawal Management Service (MWMS) is a collaboration between Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC), Interlake-Eastern Health, and the communities served. The service offers holistic approach to support individuals to safely stop or reduce using alcohol or other drugs while staying in their home communities. This planned withdrawal service aims to consider all aspects of a person’s wellbeing while addressing their substance use concerns. The MWMS team works with participants to develop realistic and achievable goals to support individualized recovery plans specifically tailored to each participant.

MWMS is currently available to qualified residents from Dauphin River, Pinaymootang, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin and Lake Manitoba First Nation communities. People from other communities interested in stopping the use of alcohol or drugs should visit a Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic or speak with their primary care provider about the best options for their particular needs.

Individuals can be referred to the service by a health practitioner, or they can self-refer by calling 204-406-8583 or 204-904-7763.

Staff and Service Details

Currently, the MWMS team is made up of community nurses and an addiction nurse practitioner, who collaborate and work closely with partners, participants, and their existing support systems to provide care and advice, and support recovery. The team also supports participants and their families, caregivers or support persons, with access to a 24-hour crisis line for after-hour support. In addition, all participants have access to an Indigenous Elder and culturally appropriate support through Indigenous Health services.

Virtual and in-person support is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The MWMS team provides support over approximately 14 to 30 days, with the frequency of contact slowly reducing over that period. Participants are then connected to other resources so they are supported in their ongoing recovery plans.

Intake Assessment and Process

Participants who meet the program criteria will be asked to attend an initial intake appointment with their support person virtually or in-person. During the intake, nurses will assess the client to determine their individual needs, ask general questions about their health.

The participant will also be medically assessed by the nurse practitioner, who will develop a plan to manage their withdrawal and prescribe any required medications.

For approximately 14 to 30 days, a nurse will follow the participant through in-person and/or virtual visits, providing clinical monitoring and support. Upon completion, the MWMS will connect clients with the appropriate community resources and continue to support their ongoing recovery plans.

For more information including eligibility requirements please contact the MWMS team at 204-904-7763 or 204-406-8583.