Happy festive season from Clean Slate Clinic!

‍

Clean Slate Nurse Maz (Marion Jarvis) is serving up quite a treat of recipes for all our lovely clients who want to raise their spirits without raising a glass. They look great and taste even better. Thanks Maz!

‍

And see below for a list of her tasty non-alcoholic bevs you can start to test out.

‍

‍

Non Alcoholic Christmas Punch

‍

Ingredients:

‍

• 2 cups low sugar Cranberry juice
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1 cup Pineapple juice
• 2 cups Sparkling Apple juice or cider *see notes for low sugar option
• 1 cup Ginger Ale
• Orange slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and/or cherries for garnish

‍

Instructions:

‍

1. Mix cranberry, orange and pineapple juice in a punch bowl or large jug.
2. Add sparkling apple juice/cider and ginger ale and mix gently.
3. When you're ready to serve, add ice and fruit of your choice to garnish.

‍

‍

Other Popular Mocktails from ‘The Mindful Mocktail’

‍

• Sunrise Mocktail
• Piña Colada Mocktail Recipe With Only 3 Ingredients
• Virgin Cosmopolitan Mocktail
• The Best Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
• Ginger Mojito Mocktail Nonalcoholic
• Watermelon Agua Fresca

‍

Maz has also suggested experimenting with some of the ingredients below:

‍

• Cranberry juice - I like using low sugar juice but this really is personal preference.

‍

• Orange juice - Freshly squeezed juice works well and adds to the nutritional content of the punch. If you're making a larger batch, bottled juice will be more economical.

‍

• Pineapple juice - choose any brand you wish! Golden Circle is always a nostalgic Australian hit.

‍

• Sparkling Apple cider or juice - Again this is a personal preference. I use a sparkling Apple juice called Appletiser and it's divine.

‍

• Ginger Ale - The ginger adds a lovely kick and some extra bubbles to the punch. I'm a huge fan of bubbles! I always use low or reduced sugar. Club soda is a great replacement if you don't have Ginger Ale or are looking for a low-sugar alternative.

‍

• Fresh fruit - The sky is the limit! I personally love cherries, pomegranate seeds and orange slices. Cranberries also work well and add a little festivity. I found some frozen cherries which worked two-fold - they looked delicious and acted as little ice blocks to keep the drink cool.

‍

• Ice - I find larger ice cubes work really well and keep the punch nice and cold. If you don't have a large ice cube tray, regular-size ice is fine too.

‍

• Club soda - Traditional club soda gives the punch recipe a lovely fizz without the additional calories. It's a win-win!

‍

• Pomegranate juice - I do a non-alcoholic mulled wine and am a huge fan of organic pomegranate juice. The deep red colour also adds gorgeous festivity to this holiday drink.

‍

• Lemonade - A super obvious way to sweeten the punch. I try to avoid lots of sugar, but there are some fantastic sugar free lemonades out there now.

‍

• Apple juice - If you're not a fan of the sparkling version, regular apple juice works well too. I always suggest organic where possible.

‍

• Alcohol-free sparkling wine - Another perfect way to add bubbles to your punch! The wine also adds a lovely 'adult' feel to this recipe.

‍

• Alcohol-free red wine - A sparkling or still non-alcoholic red can add a beautiful flavour and colour to your punch. Get creative!

‍

‍

Tips:

‍

If you make this in advance leave the sparkling ingredients out and add at the last minute so you don't lose any of that lovely fizz. Leave the ice out until you are almost ready to serve so it doesn't melt and dilute your delicious punch.

‍

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and enjoy!

Nurse Maz

‍

Dr Chris Davis - GP, AOD Specialist, and Co-Founder of Clean Slate Clinic – reflects on the power of celebrities sharing their experiences with substance use to educate others about the pervasive ubiquity of dependence in our society.

‍

‍

As a doctor specialising in addiction treatment, I've witnessed countless cases of people seeking support for alcohol and substance use across the UK and Australia. But Jackie O Henderson’s recent journey caught my attention because of the important lessons we can learn about recovery from those in influential positions.

‍

I started work as a GP in London and emigrated to Sydney in 2014. When the covid pandemic hit, I realised two things. One – that there was a dramatic increase in the use of alcohol over lockdowns. Loneliness and boredom played out, there were increased environmental pressures, and it was generally just a dizzying time when it was difficult for people to find balance. For many, their relationship with alcohol or other substances became challenging - and those were the people coming to me to seek treatment at that time.

‍

Two - just as the need increased, inpatient treatment facilities and face-to-face GP services were dramatically scaled back because of covid, creating huge gaps in access. I recognised that these two issues needed addressing and initiated a telehealth program to assist patients with at-home treatment, including medical withdrawal. The approach combined online support from clinicians with personalised treatment programs, including medication for withdrawal, and online group support, tailored to each patient's specific needs.

‍

The program proved remarkably effective, with significantly lower relapse rates from patients who might have tried other treatment methods, and patients feeling safe from stigma by having the confidentiality of a home-based program. When covid restrictions eased and most things went back to normal, I really saw the power in what had happened over this time - we had opened up another option for treatment, accessible no matter where you lived in Australia. We wanted to continue on this trajectory in a focused and deliberate way - because I could see first-hand the positive results at-home treatment was having on patients.

‍

Reflecting on Jackie O’s Story

‍

Seeing Jackie's story recently - along with other media personalities like Ash Grunwald, Tom Holland and Elle McPherson sharing similar experiences - has resonated with me more than just 'celebrity news'. It's highlighted that unhealthy relationships with substances affect many people across society, and these experiences are far from uncommon.

‍

In light of Jackie’s story, I wanted to share some important aspects of addiction and recovery that I've observed:

‍

Stigma:

‍

Celebrities do have a certain power to remove the stigma and shame associated with alcohol or other drug dependence. High-profile people in the media are regular human beings, but to many, they are icons and role models, and they can impact the general public in meaningful ways. They have the platform to tell a vulnerable and transparent story that can have a greater impact on broader audiences.

‍

Jackie's openness about her journey is invaluable and has the power to break down the stigma of substance dependence and encourage others to seek help.

‍

‍

Jackie O Henderson's Instagram post acknowleding that the profits of her book will be donated to Odyssey House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre.

‍

As a doctor, and as an individual, I've seen how shame and stigma can affect people. I myself grew up as a gay man in Northern England, and there was a lot of shame attached to that. This personal experience has made me acutely aware of how stigma can create barriers to seeking help. In the context of addiction treatment, I've observed how stigma often prevents patients from reaching out, especially when they believe they will have to leave their community or family network to attend treatment, and be surrounded by others who are struggling, which can also feel exposing for some people - particularly in regional or rural areas.

‍

Addressing stigma is a major step towards changing societal views on alcohol and other drug dependence. As healthcare professionals, I believe we need to normalise conversations about substance use, addressing these issues early and creating an environment where patients feel encouraged to ask questions and seek support.

‍

Early Intervention:

‍

Early intervention is something that we try to encourage as GPs when addressing substance dependence. In Jackie's case, a friend had intervened and suggested she seek support. Close friends and family often recognise the impact of stress and alcohol consumption on their loved one’s well-being and it’s great to be able to have candid discussions like this. Recognising that there is a problem early on, can significantly improve outcomes.

‍

Alarmingly, we know it takes on average 18 years for individuals to seek help for alcohol issues, which is a pretty hefty statistic. In my practice, I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable seeking help at the earliest signs of concern. I encourage patients to be aware of changes in their drinking patterns, especially in response to stress or life changes.

‍

Many people use alcohol or other drugs as a means to stave off feelings of pain. They can serve as coping mechanisms to bury trauma, or in the case of Jackie O - high stress and possibly burnout from a demanding public career. Whatever these original pain points are - in the moment we rarely stop to look at what the cause might be. What I tell my patients is that if you have repetitive behaviours in your life that aren’t healthy - you might think it’s just ‘you’. You may have accepted it as a part of your identity. But an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or other substances can be addressed with the right support, including safe withdrawal if you have become physically dependent, and finding better coping mechanisms that enable you to live a life where you are thriving, not just surviving.

‍

‍

Financial Barriers:

‍

Jackie was in a more privileged position, where going to an inpatient facility overseas was an option for her. It gave her the comfort to withdraw, but also the ability to remain discreet during the process.

‍

Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for so many other Australians. CEO of the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, Chris Christoforou was recently sharing a study that showed a 93% increase in wait times for clients seeking treatment since the first survey was undertaken in 2020. And this is just in Victoria.

‍

The Clean Slate home-based model we’ve created, is another way to offer greater anonymity and confidentiality, which also allows people to stay in the context of their existing lives and withdraw around comfortable surroundings – whether that be staying with their pets, support people, or just being able to continue with their other daily routines.

‍

According to KPMG’s independent report for Rethink Addiction, there is a shortfall in treatment placements in Australia of about 500,000. We’ve been working with private health insurers to enable access to free placements in the Clean Slate program, as well as created a model that is about 25% of the cost of traditional private programs. We also have government-funded placements in Western QLD, Western NSW and Central & Eastern Sydney, for individuals who are struggling with affordability.

‍

We really need to shift the needle and address how we can help more financially vulnerable people - this is something we are actively campaigning for the Government to address.

‍

Key Takeaways:

‍

Jackie’s journey reminds us that behind every case of substance dependence is a human deserving of compassion and support. To me, her tender honesty, as well as other celebrities who have come forward, will likely allow people who are similarly struggling to reach out - even if they have been living in a state of heightened anxiety.

We’re doing what we can to make effective services available to more people. Further government support would be a great start, and whilst there is still much to do in this area, we are making progress and moving towards growth and cultural change, and I’m optimistic about the future.

‍

I’m also thankful to all those in the public sphere who come forward bravely and acknowledge their own stories. Their courage not only helps destigmatise substance dependence but it can set others on a path of positive change too.

Clean Slate is pleased to announce its new partnership with leading insurance provider, nib.

‍

This partnership represents a significant step towards ensuring quality addiction recovery services are accessible to Australians, regardless of their location or circumstances by being delivered entirely via Telehealth.

‍

‍

Under this partnership, eligible nib members can be granted funded placements in Clean Slate’s 12 month at-home alcohol detox and recovery program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to quality care, particularly for those in regional communities who often face barriers to essential support services.

‍

Pia Clinton-Tarestad, CEO of Clean Slate, says more than a million Australians suffer from alcohol dependence and partnering with nib will significantly enhance access to recovery services for people struggling with alcohol dependence.

"We are incredibly excited to join forces with nib to benefit their members. Through nib’s extensive reach, and with Clean Slate's expertise and leading outcomes in alcohol management, we're making an important step towards addressing a critical health issue that affects millions of Australians.

‍

‍“We're grateful for nib’s vision and passion for improving health outcomes for its members, and look forward to delivering high-quality, accessible and judgement-free care to people who need our support, as we continue to strengthen and expand our services across the nation."

Nib has grown to become a trusted name in health and medical insurance, providing cover to more than 1.5 million Australian and New Zealand residents, as well as more than 180,000 international students and workers in Australia.

‍

Ed Close, Chief Executive of Australian Residents Health Insurance at nib, says the partnership with Clean Slate will deliver more support to eligible nib members.

‍

“Through our Healthcare At Home program we’re able to provide a suite of options for Australians to receive care from the comfort of their homes. With such a large number of Australians managing alcohol dependence, we’re pleased to partner with Clean Slate to deliver quality addiction recovery services”.

To find out more about the program, visit https://www.nib.com.au/health-management-programs/health-care-at-home

‍

Journalist, photographer and filmmaker, Tom de Souza (@storiesfromthescenicroute) reflects on his recovery from ice and gives an honest voice for Men's Health Month.

‍

*Please note that this content discusses substances other than alcohol and comes with a trigger warning.

‍

‍

I injected ice for the first time at age fourteen. I came from a good home and a good family. The eldest of four kids, we spent the first eight years of my life in an affluent area of London, where I also attended a private school.

‍

Our family began to fall apart when my dad lost his high-paying finance job in late 2002. It set in motion the great catastrophe of migration. My Australian parents decided now was time to return home, and back in Perth, Western Australia, Dad struggled to find work and Mum became the breadwinner. Money problems mounted, eroding the harmony and stability of our family unit.

‍

Meanwhile, I struggled to find my feet in a new school, a new culture, a new world. I moved schools three times, eventually winning an academic scholarship to an elite private boy’s senior school. The scholarship helped to solve some of our parent’s financial problems, but I crumbled under the pressure of expectation and the school’s ruthless culture of conformity.

Uncomfortable in my own skin, I was determined to destroy myself.

‍

‍

You may be reading this and thinking, yeah, right. Spoiled, rich white kid rebels because he lost all the privilege he had grown entitled to. But the issues that afflicted me were the same that afflict all of us across Australia. Most men end up in prison or addicted to drugs because they are ill-equipped to deal with those issues.

‍

I, like all young men, had to struggle to learn to love and accept who I was. To find a place in the world and discover joy and purpose and meaning in my life. To deal with pain and hardship in an insightful and constructive way.  And as my family fell apart, I lacked the guidance and insight to find my way through these things, and slipped through the cracks.  

‍

Ironically, it was when I first became involved with the youth justice system that I discovered drugs. In 2008, I was busted by the police with a huge stash of white powder. It was only caffeine pills that my mum had found hidden in my bedroom, but when she asked me what they were I said nothing. I was angry and did not have the self-awareness to communicate how I felt. I punished the people around me to try to show them those feelings.

In reality, punished myself.

‍

‍

The police convinced my parents that a night in the cells of a juvenile remand centre would shock me into change. Despairing of options, they broken-heartedly agreed. In fact, juvenile detention had the complete opposite effect. It instilled in me a hatred of authority, told me that society rejected me, and forced me to adapt to a criminal world.

‍

I found myself in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. I returned to juvie three times in the next three months, before I was bailed into a youth drug rehab. Here, I lived with a group of older boys and girls, most of them experienced drug users. They taught me more about ice and criminal behaviour than I ever could have learned otherwise. Drugs and crime were glamorised and I became enamoured with them. I went looking for them soon after getting out of drug rehab.

‍

Not long after, my parents divorced.

‍

My behaviour was both a symptom and a cause of the family breakdown but in my adolescence, I was at the centre of my own universe and I assumed responsibility. All at once I felt the guilt and anger and pain of my entire world being ripped apart, the sadistic pleasure of greater freedoms, and a longing for respite from the chaos the divorce might bring.

‍

I understood none of these feelings at the time, and I sought to block out all of the feelings the only way I knew how.

‍

Ice.

‍

I found it through a veteran junkie named Mado. At 35-years-old, he was over 20 years my senior. Mado groomed me to inject drugs and schooled in me in ways to fund a prescient habit: drug dealing, stealing.

I looked up to Mado. He was the only kind of male role model I was permeable to. I was riddled with anger towards my father, and Mado curated a false sense of belonging and guidance. I was vulnerable to his influence. Especially while high on ice.

‍

My descent into total addiction was rapid and all consuming. A few months after my first shot, I had a $400 per day habit. Ice vanished any sense of empathy and compassion in me, and I did anything I could to fund my habit. I stole from people I loved, I hurt people who tried to help me. I didn’t care for their pain or their hurt. All I cared about was that moment, that second, and what I could get into my lungs or up my arm.

‍

‍

All drug users arrive at a point where their drug use is no longer fun; it is a matter of compulsion and habit. Mine came as a rapid succession of catastrophic events, which also helped me to realise the need for change.  The first was a psychotic episode: after ten days awake on ice, I flipped out and went chasing a non-existent figure about the streets with a meat cleaver.  Fortunately, I was arrested before I could realise any harm. The second was a failed suicide attempt. The last, a murder committed by two of my closest friends.

‍

Shortly after they were arrested and charged with murder, I was in the courtyard at school, awaiting an upcoming careers counselling session. It was a literal fork-in-the-road moment.  The outcomes of each lay clearly ahead of me. Down one road was a life-sentence in prison. Down the other, the possibility of a future: an apprenticeship in cooking, or a career as a teacher, journalist, or writer. A multitude of choices and freedom.

‍

Perhaps the most difficult part of giving up drugs is relearning how to live. Remaining sober is a question of willpower but starting all over again is a lonely and disconcerting business. You need new everything: new friends, new habits, new hobbies. For years, I found negotiating an overgrown, winding path between the two worlds: unwilling to turn back to the world of drugs but institutionalised and isolated from regular society.

‍

‍

After such an intoxicating emotional rollercoaster, it is also difficult to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Studies show it can take the brain almost two years to recover and begin producing normal levels of dopamine after prolonged methamphetamine use. Surfing helped me immensely with this. It made me feel good and clean, and gave me a natural healthy substitute to ice.

‍

I discovered a sense of purpose with some help from my grandfather, Ian, a renowned artist. I sought his counsel as I struggled to find my way. We cooked and played music together, and I saw the passion he derived from his art. For him, art was a way of life. He applied a creative way of thinking in everything in his life, from how he designed his house to how he cooked and worked and went about his daily schedule. He motivated in me a desire to discover my own sense of passion through work. I began to travel overseas on surf trips and discovered writing, photography, storytelling.

‍

It has been almost nine years since I’ve touched ice now. I work as an independent journalist and writer, travelling and telling stories for various publications: The Australian, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald.  It has taken an enormous amount of work, failed relationships, tears, isolation, and hard-earned wisdom to arrive at this point today.

Drugs compound a problem but they are not the problem itself. Drugs are a response to a problem we do not know how to resolve.  And to truly resolve a drug addiction, we must address it at its deepest and most painful roots.  Many go through life and never do.  Anyone who has the strength a willpower to walk away from drugs does so only some kind of higher purpose: be it God, work, a family, a passion. Or just life itself.

‍

‍

Words: Tom de Souza

This document helps you to be clear on what your drinking goals are. It helps you set the  boundaries you need to help you get to your goals. It works best if you can share them with a trusted person and have a self-imposed consequence should you break your own boundaries.

‍

Download the PDF:

Clean Slate Clinic - Goal setting.pdf

‍

Download the Word document:

Clean Slate Clinic - Goal setting.docx

‍

Preview:

‍

In the broad landscape of Australian culture, there's a thread we often pretend isn't there - through our suburban streets, cities, and country towns. It's the story of alcohol and substance dependence.

‍

This series of stories; 'Past Lives', aims to pull at that thread. We're not here to sugarcoat or sensationalise. These are raw, unflinching accounts that lay bare the reality of a culture where getting 'pissed' is a rite of passage, where 'she'll be right' masks a multitude of behaviours.

‍

But these stories serve as a reminder that while the road to recovery might be long and winding, it's far from impassable.

‍

*Please note that this content discusses substances other than alcohol and comes with a trigger warning.

‍

‍

Portrait one: Dave

‍

Google ‘World's most isolated city’ and Perth, Western Australia will inevitably pop up. From space, satellites will witness Perth's lights - a lonely beacon surrounded by darkness, with Jakarta as its closest capital neighbour, not Sydney - far across the Nullarbor plain.

‍

For those vaguely familiar with Perth, you might picture the tree-lined streets of Cottesloe bumping up against the Indian Ocean where families eat salty fish and chips under the Norfolk Pines. Or the port city of Fremantle with its eclectic culture, Victorian architecture, and Rottnest Island a short ferry ride away.

‍

But inland Perth lies a different world - the heartland of suburbia, where Dave Russell grew up in the 80s.

‍

‍

Lynwood. It's not a place that makes the tourist brochures. Today’s middle-aged Australians who grew up around here might recall brick veneer homes - with a Toyota Torana in the driveway and a Hills Hoist standing sentinel in backyard.

‍

Dave says of the area; “It was borderline dodgy. We were sort of surrounded by some fairly hectic suburbs. We had Langford, and we had Thornlie, which became pretty rough. We had Gosnells. So growing up when you were a young fella, you had heard about the gangs that were going on, which was the skinheads and the rockers and they used to have some proper, proper barnies.”

‍

In short, the backdrop was a suburb where separated parents, footy rituals and after-school fights, were as much a part of growing up as vegemite sandwiches. Physically, the landscape of these areas in the 80s and early 90s was quintessentially Western Australian (dry, treeless, modest homes). Thornlie and Gosnells did get the occasional crime headline fodder - and Willetton was also a neighbouring area and considered the "better side of the fence." Not that Dave was aware of any hierarchy.

‍

“West Lynwood Primary School used to back onto Lynwood High School and there was only the copper logs that separated them in between. So for entertainment, all of us little tackers.. us nine-year-olds, ten-year-olds to tell you the truth, would sit on the copper logs, and you could pretty much guarantee, at least every second lunch break, there'd be a scrap on the oval, like a proper UFC style boxing match.

‍

“I once saw a guy's ear get bitten off. He was getting belted since he was a little fella, and just when you thought his day was really going to be a mess, well it probably still was a mess because he ended up biting someone's ear off, but, yeah, he jumped up, grabbed these big guys by the side of the face, and just chomped about a third of the top of his ear off, and we were just in hysterics. We were just absolutely blown away, all of us little spectators.

‍

“And I remember going back and telling my mum, and that was one of many stories, like, ‘Mum, Mum, Mum, I've seen an awesome scrap on the oval today. This guy got his ear bitten off.’ And mum would just sit there with this sort of pensive look taking it all in. And she's like, ‘Well, that's not really the right thing to do.’”

‍

‍

When high school loomed, Dave assumed he'd make the short hop to Lynwood High, but his Mum had other ideas. With a bit of address-swapping magic involving his Aunty, Dave found himself at Willetton - the more "academic and sports-focused" public high school.

‍

“Because my Aunty lived in Willetton and we could do the dodgy, you know, fiddle the books and go to that catchment - I went off to Willetton Senior High School, which I enjoyed. It was good fun.”

‍

In essence, it was a lucky escape, and Dave's overall experience was positive.

‍

“We were bogans in the sense that we were absolutely loose, but we always had this undercurrent of sport. Willetton Senior High School had basketball scholarships. They used to get rugby teams together. I'm pretty sure we were the first public school in WA to start up a surfing class. Which to us, you know, we were like, ‘What can you possibly learn in a surfing class?’”

‍

Dave doesn’t remember much of the ‘theory’ involved in the surfing lessons but he does recall being the only inland school that surfed in one of the comps against City Beach and Scarborough. Surprisingly, they came third.

‍

“The fourth team didn't rock up, so we claimed bronze. By default.” Dave says.

‍

‍

Alcohol experimentation was par for the course in his teens. But it wasn't until the 1993 High School Ball that Dave had his first brush with harder drugs. They scored what he calls ‘old school truckies speed’ and Dave drank a bottle of Jim Beam and woke up in a paddock with a cow.

‍

It was that whole ‘rite of passage’ School Ball thing - but it sowed the seeds for the next few years.

‍

Post-school, Dave started a mechanics apprenticeship. It was during this time that drugs became more than just a one-off distraction.

‍

“I was adventurous. I was just up for anything. I wasn't a big fan of needles, but I just went yeah ok. Let's do it. Nervous as shit, but we sat around my Dad's kitchen while he was away and, there was three of us. We were all really good mates and then James, he had to do it because we didn't have a clue what we were doing so he put the needle in, drew the blood back and then injected us with speed, and I can still remember that feeling.

‍

"It felt like my head was a rocket and it was lifting off my shoulders, you know it was just like boom - your heart just took off like a racehorse. Your head lifted off. There was this huge wave of energy that just went straight through you. Your fingers tingled, your toes tingled. You felt like you could just go and run through a brick wall, you know.”

‍

Science tells us that drugs hijack the brain's reward system, flooding it with dopamine and creating a false sense of what's important for survival. For Dave, it was speed that flicked this neurological switch.

‍

“The next chance we got, which was honestly the next weekend or at least within two weeks, we did it again and then that became the norm.

‍

“So Thursday, you got paid and you got on. And then Friday you felt like shit by the afternoon, so then you got on. And then Saturday, you know, the money's starting to get short, but we're all starting to help each other out. There was always a serious amount of IOUs going on and, yeah. It was an accountant's dream - trying to figure out the books of who owed what.”

‍

‍

Looking back now, Dave's reflections are tinged with a strange mix of emotions. There's no denial, no shock at his own story. It's just another tale of circumstance, of time and place. His recollections are coloured with bittersweet humour, a quiet happiness that he's no longer trapped in that life.

‍

The end came abruptly, sparked by an ultimatum from a new girlfriend: her or the gear. It could have ended differently, but Dave found he had no trouble walking away from the habit.

‍

“It was really definitive with that old-school speed. I don't feel like there was a huge physical dependency. It was more habit-breaking.”

‍

Today, you'd never guess at Dave's past. On paper, he's the picture of a successful bloke - a nearly paid-off house in a lovely area a stone's throw from the beach, a wife of over 20 years, a couple of kids. He's travelled, lived abroad, and weathered the storms of grief and loss that life inevitably brings.

‍

These experiences have shaped Dave into something rare these days - a true individual. In a world where our identities are often constructed by external expectations and societal pressures, Dave stands apart.

‍

He's uninhibited, free from his past, neither reserved nor self-contained. He is happy to share his truth, chuckling as he does so, a living testament to the power of resilience and the unpredictable nature of what the cadence of life can bring.

‍

Listen to a snippet of Dave's story here.

Van Gogh painted his famous Bedroom painting just after moving into the beloved “Yellow House”—the first place that he said truly felt like home - in Arles, France, in 1888.

‍

It’s said that the composition was intended as “a restorative after a period of his depression”.

‍

When you look closely at his ‘Bedroom’ artwork, it feels like a safe haven—particularly poignant for someone like Van Gogh. The artist battled alcohol dependence for much of his life, drinking wine and also heavier spirits such as absinthe—a drink reflected in his work, Café Table With Absinthe. And throughout his short and nomadic life, he had a relentless quest for the safety of home.

‍

So, with Van Gogh’s work as a visual touchpoint, we want to crack open the question "How does the concept of 'home' contribute to effective health recovery and addiction treatment?".

‍

‍

‍

The familiar setting of the home can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with the early stages of detoxification. Contrary to popular belief that recovery must be done in inpatient rehab, home withdrawal and recovery is recognised as an evidence-based treatment, and incorporated within national clinical guidelines.

‍

Clean Slate’s home detox program offers a revolutionary approach to recovery, through delivery of  complete home detox via virtual care, which allows individuals to begin their sobriety journey in a comfortable, familiar environment. The program has been independently evaluated by the University of Sydney as feasible, acceptable and highly adoptable.

‍

The Clean Slate approach addresses not only the physical aspects of withdrawal but also considers the psychological and social factors contributing to substance dependence, and what needs to be in place for long-term success.

‍

Below are seven ‘key benefits’ of our home detox program:

‍

‍

1. Personalised Accessibility:

‍

The Clean Slate program is designed to integrate seamlessly into your life, allowing you to initiate your recovery journey at a time that aligns with your personal circumstances and readiness for change.

‍

Unlike public rehabilitation programs that often have waiting lists of 3-6 months, or private programs that put you out of pocket by $20,000 or more, our home detox program allows you to start when you're motivated and ready without losing momentum.

‍

‍

‍

2. Continuity of Care:

‍

Throughout your 12-month journey at home, you are supported by the same dedicated nurse and doctor. This consistent, one-to-one relationship provides a strong level of trust and personalised care, and ensures that your progress is closely monitored and supported throughout the entire recovery process.

‍

As previous clients have testified, working with the same nurses and doctors through the entirety of the program from home was what made it so worthwhile. One recovery patient wrote at the end of their 12 month program;“I want to thank Clean Slate for the exceptional, professional, and incredible care I have received! My detox was very well done, and I had enormous comfort & security knowing my nurse Lauren, who was AMAZING, was by my side the entire time! Dr Ian was brilliant, he valued, and cared, and validated me and my experience immediately! Thank you for empowering me to transform my life and health! I am eternally grateful!”

‍

‍

3. Enhanced Privacy and Discretion:

‍

Being in a rehabilitation treatment centre can be an environment that is a vast complex of fear for many. Fear of being in the public eye, fear of the unknown, and fear that the distance from your real home comforts like pets, and familiar furnishings.

‍

For those concerned about stigma or maintaining confidentiality, the Clean Slate home-detox program offers a discreet alternative to traditional rehabilitation centres.

‍

‍

4. Bridging the Gap for Remote Communities:

‍

Small Australian country towns often have limited access to resources and many of Australia’s First Nation’s communities have to travel long distances to even see specialist doctors or nurses.

‍

Having a science backed telehealth-based program is particularly beneficial for individuals in these regional and remote areas.

‍

Whether you’re in the Goldfields or the bush, frequently travelling for work commitments, or simply in a region that doesn’t have support for patients wishing to undergo recovery, the at-home model brings professional care directly to you.

‍

5. Cost-Effective Treatment Solution:

‍

An at-home, telehealth model, allows a reduction of costs that might include travel and time off work as well as the price for treatment.

‍

The Clean Slate comprehensive home detox program is priced at $4,200 for a full 12 months of support, putting it in the realm of affordability for most, as it is usually less than what people would otherwise spend on alcohol or other substances annually.

‍

‍

‍

6. Access to a Supportive Online Community:

‍

In addition to personalised care, we offer online group conversations up to five times a week that you can opt in or out of (but we encourage you to opt-in). These 'SMART Recovery' support sessions, facilitated by our trained team, cover various topics relevant to recovery and provide a peer group community throughout the 12-month journey, with the option to join these sessions fully anonymously.

‍

This allows those in the program to have a blend of individual care and group support, which can help to create a solid framework for making positive change.

‍

‍

7. Comfort and Psychological Safety:

‍

CEO of SMART Recovery Australia, April Long, said of home-detox; “One of the most significant advantages is the comfort and emotional support it provides. Detoxification is a monumental step for most people, and being able to go through it in a familiar environment surrounded by their own comforts and support systems can make a world of difference.”

‍

One of the main reasons clients will choose the home detox option, is because they feel most secure in their own surroundings. The Clean Slate program leverages this comfort, allowing you to begin your recovery journey in an environment where you feel safe and at ease.

‍

‍

It's crucial to note that attempting to go "cold turkey" without proper medical oversight can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, increased tremors, poor concentration, low mood, nausea, and intense cravings for alcohol, which can potentially lead to relapse.

‍

Approximately 85% of individuals with alcohol dependence will be suitable for home detox, but for some individuals with severe alcohol dependence, inpatient withdrawal may be necessary.

‍

Our team of medical professionals will assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate level of care to ensure your safety and maximise your chances of successful recovery.

‍

Clean Slate Clinic is accredited by ASES, and regulated by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

“Your Voice. Your Choice”

‍

With this year’s Women’s Health Week theme ‘Your Voice, Your Choice’ - we spoke to Corporate Wellness Speaker and podcast host of ‘Not Drinking Today’, Isabella Ferguson and The Alcohol Mindset Coach Kathryn Elliott, to turn our attention to what often evades our awareness - our health, and address women’s relationship with alcohol today.

‍

‍

‍

Two words. ‘Voice’ and ‘Choice’. Sometimes having words to reflect on can help to guide our decisions to forge a healthy path forward.

‍

When it comes to ‘Our Voice’, across Australia and the world, women today are breaking through the cultural reticence and finding their voice. The voice also highlights the significance of listening to stories told. It’s so important sitting with other people’s words, including those with lived experience and allowing those voices to speak their truth without judgement.

‍

‘Our Choice’ can mean facing fears and breaking through cultural barriers. It’s empowering to feel in control of our choices, particularly when it comes to healthy decisions around alcohol.

‍

‍

Facing Fears

‍

Something that often stands in the way of women speaking up, or making healthy choices for themselves - is fear. Fear of being judged or shamed. For those who battle with alcohol and substance dependence, fear can embed itself in our inner voice, running riot in our minds and echoing ceaselessly. A hangover can make the inner voice intolerable with next-day cringes over things we did or said the night before.

‍

Many women hesitate to admit—even privately—that they might have a dependence on alcohol. This reluctance makes it all the more admirable when someone finds the capacity for honesty - to acknowledge their struggle and take those crucial first steps toward seeking help.

‍

‘Not Drinking Today’ podcast co-host and recovered lawyer, Isabella Ferguson, confronted her fears after what she admitted to “being stuck in a stress-drinking-burnout cycle”, and drinking to cope with work, parenting, and a growing dissatisfaction with how she was living.

‍

“I was a litigation lawyer, a step-mum to two girls and mum to two young boys and drinking to get energy, to relax, to get to sleep, and to socialise. I was a functional drinker for years until I went to a treatment centre for support. For the very first time I had the space to objectively view my life and see that it was heading for a train wreck.”

‍

As a lawyer and parent, Isabella straddled the complexities many working mothers face - the limitations of being in tune with your own identity as life accrues more and more responsibility to others, and leaves less time for yourself.

‍

After treatment, Isabella now says that she approaches alcohol mindfully rather than habitually, and sees it as something that overall, only attracts negative impacts. Reflecting on the demands of women, she says; “Most women are time-poor and are spinning 101 plates in the air with competing demands vying for their attention. A glass or two of wine replaces a run or a walk with a mate. At the start, it’s an attractive quick fix. In reality though, drinking perpetuates an unhealthy cycle. As our tolerance grows, the more we drink, the more fatigued, stressed, unhappy and unhealthy we become.”

‍

Today, Isabella uses her voice by acknowledging alcohol, stress and burnout.

‍

‍“For me, my voice has been a crucial component of breaking my alcohol dependence. Starting a podcast about alcohol, sharing my story, and supporting others in my counselling practice have helped me to stop relying on alcohol. It has allowed me to feel purposeful, seen, heard and not alone in my pursuit to drink less.”

‍

‍

Reshaping Culture

‍

Growing up as a teenager in the 80s, Alcohol Mindset Coach Kathryn Elliott, experienced regular binge drinking. In fact, most Australians who grew up in this era will recognise drinking alcohol with their mates on weekends as familiar terrain. It was accepted as a rite of passage, and now—those in their 40s and 50s are seeking to break these deeply ingrained habits.

‍

Kathryn says that shifting these long-formed drinking habits can take up to 12 months for women in their 40s and 50s, and the change involves focusing on neuroplasticity - and rewiring the brain - which requires time and repetition. Kathryn believes that if people can find a meaningful reason to reprogram their neural pathways, that will allow new responses around drinking to form.

‍

Kathryn's last drink was on June 30, 2019, and she admits it took about a year to completely change her perspective on alcohol. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which only made her more determined to stay sober.

‍

Kathryn openly addresses the science linking alcohol to breast cancer and today uses her voice to raise awareness about the indisputable evidence-based research connecting the two. If you’re a woman seeking facts about the carcinogenic impacts of alcohol on the body, Kathryn has a staggering scope of stats that she is more than eager to share.

‍

She says; “Women are affected by alcohol differently to men. We have less of the enzyme alcohol dehydroganese, called alcohol D, that breaks down alcohol, which means we absorb about 30% more alcohol into the bloodstream than a man of around the same weight.”

‍

“We also have more body fat. Men have a higher water percentage, so they're able to dilute the alcohol in their bodies. And then women who go through hormonal changes like perimenopause, will also notice exacerbated symptoms and less alcohol tolerance.”

‍

Kathryn is proud to use her voice on women’s health in her coaching work and as an advocate for those who are living with breast cancer or struggling with alcohol.

‍

“I stopped drinking at the age of 46 and I'm about to turn 52 later this month. What I will say is that choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle for me has been so incredibly freeing. And it was something that I didn't believe was possible for me in my 40’s.”

‍

‍

The Company We Seek

‍

Women seek belonging and connection and their lives are often characterised by conversations with family, friendships, and other relationships, which are all integral parts of our health and wellness.

‍

In the same vein, sometimes the greatest liberation is not having to be in the company of other people dependent on substances. Often, you realise your personalities don't truly align. You're merely there for the social connection that alcohol facilitates.

‍

Kathryn says; “I think my friendships with people since I've stopped drinking have become a lot more connected. With my friends who are drinkers, it took some time to realign and work out where our friendships were at - but I've managed to feel really comfortable now with those relationships. Yes, they've changed, but there's acceptance and no judgement either.”

‍

‍

‍

Embrace Change

‍

Embracing change for both Isabella and Kathryn has proven to alter their lives for the better and using their voices has empowered others. Both women are passionate about the science behind alcohol and are also extremely empathetic, with an insistence that each of us is worth more than the worst thing we’ve done.

‍

Kathryn has just returned from delivering a presentation at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for Women’s Health Week when we speak and I ask her how she is feeling these days.

‍

“Well it’s five years since diagnosis and yeah, I'm doing really well. My health is really good, which is fantastic.”  

‍

Where Kathryn is today has not been an easy journey but a worthwhile one. She says that “..it has come through a lived experience of going through both breast cancer and binge drinking and publicly talking about it.” and admits - that’s hard to do.

For those thinking about change, Isabella suggests; ”Start by taking a bird’s eye view of your weekly routine and ask yourself some questions that bring awareness to your situation for changes to be made.”

‍

She recommends women take a few moments to turn the lens on themselves and ask:

‍

• Does my alcohol consumption have a role in how unhealthy and unhappy I am feeling?
• Am I using alcohol to cope with stress?
• Is drinking harming me more than helping me?
• What do I actually need and want?
• Can I swap drinking with another way of de-stressing, such as exercise?

Knowing that the answers are both common and impermanent may help in your journey forward.

‍

‍

History demonstrates that when we make thoughtful choices, speak up, and raise our voices, change occurs gradually. Women are elected into government, outdated patterns and belief systems change, habits of life can get smaller and shrink - and become a point of history in your own story.

‍

This week, commit to healthier choices, embrace your authentic self, and find the courage to raise your voice. This is where true empowerment begins, where we can transform our lives and inspire others to do the same.

‍

• Follow more info here: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week
• Clean Slate Clinic Podcast with Isabella here: https://www.cleanslateclinic.com/not-drinking-alcohol-today
• Kathryn’s Alcohol Mindset Coaching website here: https://www.thealcoholmindsetcoach.com/

‍

This webinar delves into the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating alcohol-free options into a client's recovery journey, featuring expert insights from Dr. Ian Guinan and personal experiences from Chris Gimpel, offering a comprehensive look at life after detox and the role of zero-alcohol products.

‍

‍

‍

I recorded Louise’s story in a bar. The icebreaker into the conversation started when Louise ordered her mocktail. She couldn’t recall if it was called ‘no sex on the beach’ or just ‘safe on the beach’ (it was the latter).

‍

Louise is a mum first. With two adult children, aged 25 and 20, she is openly proud of their maturity and achievements. Professionally, she has functioned well as a successful accountant and business advisor, a role that requires significant mental acuity. But alongside her indelible nature, love for people and strength in her business, Louise admits to having consumed alcohol in excess.

‍

She’s unfiltered, and didn’t hesitate to admit that she had been addicted to alcohol and that she’d weighed up to 90kg not so long ago. Photos of her former self look like a relative - not the wispy fair-haired, petite-faced woman in active wear sitting before me.

‍

Louise had a couple of rough years where her mother and stepmother passed away in close succession and for a long time, used alcohol as a crutch, justifying the habit by telling herself that she worked hard and deserved it, as she didn’t engage in other vices - had no other substance abuse issues, and was a working professional.

‍

“I would sit in front of the television every night basically and just drink a bottle or a bottle and a half of wine just because I could, and I would justify that to myself by telling myself that I worked hard and I was a good person and I didn't do drugs or any other things so this was my thing that I did and that it was okay.”

Louise took a short trip to Vietnam - mostly with the intention to lose weight and live more healthily. She said if she had to get food or alcohol, she’d have to ride or walk. Her decision to travel was a simple intuition swept along by dogged determination to make change. And around the somewhat impulsive call for action, came corrective serendipities that nudged her, this way and that, along a healthier course of life.

‍

In May, Louise turned 50 and celebrated with a milestone birthday party - which was accompanied by the usual collection of beers, wines and spirits. The celebration inevitably led to further weeks of overindulging in alcohol, and by June - she called a 28-day ‘cold turkey’ challenge, and up until now, she’s gone on to remain booze-free.

‍

“I did it with someone else. We said that we'd do a four-week detox. They didn't, they sort of took a little bit of a different turn partway through, which is where they're at. That's fine. But I realised after about a week and a half in what it was about. It wasn't just about the health benefits. It was more the long term and just taking back control and that I was in control of what I was doing.”

‍

This ‘taking back control’ is something that is so liberating about sobriety. You are forced to live life on life’s terms, without the insulating effects of alcohol or drugs. By being sober, Louise learned her true and complex relationship to the world. She also found, to her surprise, that happiness is possible as life broadens into something intricate and deeply fulfilling.

‍

Louise acknowledges the cultural challenges of sobriety in Australia, where alcohol is well and truly embedded in social activities.

‍

“It's hard in Australia because it doesn't matter what we do, whether we win the game, lose the game, you know, babies, weddings, funerals, everything, we celebrate and mourn with alcohol.”

‍

“It's absolutely everywhere. We go camping with alcohol, we go fishing with alcohol, we go have a dinner. It’s just such a huge part of our culture.”

‍

Despite this, she found that people were supportive and genuinely curious about her journey. Their encouragement, rather than judgment, provided additional motivation.

‍

“Everyone was really good. They were like, ‘Oh, I wish I could do that’. People did ask me (about not drinking). But they genuinely wanted to know why.” ‘Was it for a health thing? Was it for a bet?’ They're just curious. And I think it's genuine curiosity. I don't think it's judgement or calling you out. I think it's like, ‘Oh, I wonder if she might say something that might, inspire me.’ which is important, especially when you're in a community where people do have that, that dependence and that habit of alcohol.”

‍

We all have a story. We all have chapters. They make up our lives and our big biography. What matters is that if some chapters aren’t so great, then we learn from those and make improvements for the next ones. We become wiser - and maybe no-one will notice - but importantly, when you are sober, you will notice.

‍

The chapter that Louise shared evokes a little grief of loss and trauma, but mostly, offers hope. And for those who feel they might have the capacity to change, her words inspire actionable encouragement towards re-evaluation and growth.

‍

Louise is still in recovery. These are early stages. But it’s a really important junction point for many people to be inspired by. Too far along - sometimes it can feel preachy or too far from achievement. Louise is happy with her day-to-day achievements. Sometimes it’s easier to hear from people in recovery not out of it - to motivate you.

‍

She’s been doing art classes, taken singing lessons (but with a laugh admits that was not a strength of hers), and just completed her diving certificate. She advocates for doing what we love with our time and rewarding ourselves with healthy activities rather than harmful ones.

‍

We are all full of worry until we begin the task, but Louise shows that in the end, things tend to find their way if you trust your intuition.

‍

After our chat, Louise is off to deliver flyers for her gym’s circuit instructor - putting them in cafes and hair salons. Places where people might be encouraged to join.

‍

I passed Louise later that evening while walking past the local pub. There she was with her mineral water, sitting with the raucous group of regulars - and to my surprise, another bloke had joined her - also with a mineral water in hand. Unintentionally, it was catching on.

‍

Listen to Louise and her story.

‍

Ever wondered why a glass of wine might help some to unwind, or why it can be hard for others to stop at just one drink?

‍

Understanding alcohol’s impact on mind and body could help you to assess and, if necessary, modify your drinking habits.

‍

Why does it feel that way?

‍

The short answer is that alcohol triggers the brain’s reward system, which can help people feel more relaxed or sociable. That’s why it can be such an effective quick fix for those struggling to achieve either (or both) states.

‍

Unfortunately, alcohol also changes how the brain handles stress and anxiety. Which is why some of us experience that dreaded morning-after nervousness (you might know it as 'hangxiety') - and over time, alcohol actually makes our stress worse.

‍

The more you drink to relax, the more your brain struggles to regulate stress on its own, leading to more serious changes in the brain over time - including reduced sensitivity to GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and increased cortisol production. This means that when you're not drinking, you’re more likely to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even low on energy.

‍

‍

The science bit

‍

When alcohol enters the system, it affects four key brain chemicals (known as DOSE) – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins.

‍

Here’s how they can change the way you feel, and behave:

‍

Dopamine

Dopamine acts like your brain’s cheerleader. Commonly known as the 'reward' neurotransmitter, it appears naturally when we accomplish something meaningful – like winning a race or reaching a goal. It signals pleasure, energy and confidence.

Alcohol hijacks this reward system, delivering those feel-good sensations without any actual achievement. Unsurprisingly, this can leave you wanting more and more alcohol to keep your dopamine levels up.

‍

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is like your inner social butterfly – it makes you feel warm and fuzzy around others. When it’s boosted by alcohol, everyone at the party may feel like your best friend. That’s why someone might find themselves sharing their life story with strangers or sending an ill-advised "I love you" text to an ex – shudder.

‍

Serotonin

Serotonin is the brain’s mood regulator, influencing happiness, appetite, and sleep patterns. While alcohol can temporarily boost serotonin levels, the rebound effects may include low mood and sleep disruption.

‍

Natural ways to boost serotonin (that don’t lead to ‘hangxiety’) include physical movement, spending time in sunlight, a balanced diet and engaging in activities you enjoy.

‍

Endorphins

Endorphins are the natural painkillers and mood elevators produced by the body. The artificial stimulation of endorphins from alcohol can lead some people to develop dependence, as the brain begins to rely on drinking rather than natural sources of endorphins.

‍

‍

Pausing for thought  

‍

Anyone reconsidering their drinking habits should take time to consider why they drink, says Dr Chris Davis - addiction specialist, GP and co-founder of Clean Slate Clinic.

Is it to self-medicate? To relieve stress? To conform to social norms? Or to enhance the experience at events like parties? Whatever it is, this knowledge is the key to identifying and managing triggering situations.

‍

‍

Keen to cut down, or stop entirely?

‍

Rather than just removing alcohol, Dr Chris recommends leaning into existing strengths, such as family support, physical activity or creative hobbies. Something familiar and accessible may be an ideal starting point for positive change.

‍

Next, start exploring new activities – things you genuinely enjoy without drinking. You’re looking for natural sources of those DOSE chemicals! Here’s some more helpful tips:

‍

Build a support network

Surround yourself with people who champion your healthy choices. This may involve gradually distancing yourself from those who promote drinking, while cultivating friendships with non-drinkers in your social circle.

‍

Share your goals

Being open about your intention to cut back or stop drinking alcohol may help you be more accountable, which can provide the motivation needed to stay on track. Consider sharing your goals with trusted friends or family members who can offer encouragement and support. Online communities of people on similar journeys can help with this too.

‍

Set clear limits

Go into social drinking situations with a plan. This may involve counting your drinks carefully, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and/or choosing low-alcohol options or mocktails.

‍

Volunteer your services

Put your hand up to be the designated driver. It’s a practical way to limit drinking and it saves you money (on drinks and taxis). You’ll also help keep everyone else safe.

‍

Be kind to yourself

Understand that it can take 6-12 months to rewire ingrained drinking habits in the brain. During the inevitable highs and lows, try to treat yourself with the same empathy you’d have for a loved one.

‍

‍

Reach out (if you could use some help)

‍

Please know you don’t have to do it alone. If professional help is the way to go, you could check in with your GP, or complete our suitability test in the privacy of your own home.

Whatever you decide, being honest about your struggles and taking actions to address them are crucial, courageous first steps. That alone is something to be proud of.