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Our Open Letter to the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Health
Fund a National Hospital Avoidance Program for Alcohol Withdrawal and Acute Stabilisation in this Federal Budget.
At a time of national strain, from rising costs, political strain, and disaster recovery, alcohol dependence remains one of the most under-treated mental health conditions in Australia. Yet Australia tells itself that alcohol harm looks like crisis.
We picture rock bottom: ambulances, headlines, someone else’s family. But most alcohol harm does not arrive that way; it builds long before anyone presents to the hospital.
Drinking is embedded in our social fabric, and concern is often minimised or silenced by a blanket of shame. By the time someone reaches hospital for withdrawal, families have often been carrying the weight of the problem for years.
Each year, more than 40,000 Australians present to emergency departments for alcohol withdrawal. They are detoxed and discharged.
What follows is the most vulnerable period of recovery, the first 30 to 90 days, when relapse risk is highest. But there is no funded medical pathway to support people through that window.We fund detox. We do not fund stabilisation.
Without structured follow-up, around 70 per cent of people relapse within three months, and many return to hospital. The same individuals cycle repeatedly through emergency departments, placing avoidable strain on families and an already stretched health system.
This is not about blaming people for drinking. And it’s not about debating lifestyle choices.It is about fixing a clear gap in our health system.
Relapse in the weeks after withdrawal is often a predictable medical outcome: disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety, intense cravings.
The upcoming Federal Budget is an opportunity to change this.
We are calling on the Commonwealth to fund a National Hospital Avoidance Program for Alcohol Withdrawal and Acute Stabilisation, delivered remotely as a substitute for inpatient admission. This would be a time-limited, doctor-led pathway that provides a medically supervised withdrawal, and structured medical support for 90 days after detox, when people are most at risk of returning to hospital.
This reform is capped, accountable and aligned with existing hospital-avoidance models. It will reduce emergency department demand, free up beds and provide safer continuity of care.
Most importantly, it replaces a revolving door model of care with timely intervention - the change required to rewrite the story of alcohol harm in Australia.
We urge the Government to fund early alcohol care in this Budget, and to close a gap that is costing households, hospitals and communities far too much.
Our partners
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
Our program is available privately for just $10–$12 per day, depending on how you prefer to pay.
Private
You can choose:
- $3,900 upfront for the full 12-month program, or
- $380 per month if you prefer to spread the cost across the year.
Private Health Insurance and Government Funding
If you have Private Health Insurance with unrestricted psychiatric hospital cover, most major insurers will fully fund your placement with us - meaning there is no out-of-pocket program cost for you.
We also have Government-funded places available in select Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
For more detail on which insurers cover the program, which PHNs we work with, and available payment methods (including Afterpay and PayPal), visit:
Our pricing.
Please note: the cost of any prescription medications and dispensing fees is not included in the program price. These are paid directly to your local pharmacy. Most medications we prescribe are PBS-subsidised, keeping out-of-pocket costs low.
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
Most people can safely be detoxed at home, but you would need an assessment with a nurse to ensure it is safe for you.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Clean Slate Clinic is a strictly confidential service. Our clients privacy is our highest priority. Your data will not be shared unless a) we have your consent or b) we are legally required to do so*.
*Mandatory reporting to professional bodies may legally apply if your occupation carries the possible risk of harm to the public, if your duties are performed while intoxicated. This will only be done following discussion with you, and where you are unable, or unwilling to complete the report yourself.
Read our Privacy Policy here.
What can I do whilst I'm waiting for my first appointment?
Once you’ve completed the suitability test, you will receive an email directing you to schedule a call with our team.
We don’t advise anyone to change their drinking habits until they've spoken with our team.
Can I still go to work during my detox?
This may be possible, depending on your individual circumstances. You should discuss this with the nurse in your initial assessment.
Do I need to tell anyone I'm going through a detox?
To undergo the Clean Slate Clinic you will need a close friend or family member to support you through your detox and to inform your local GP you are going through the program. Beyond that you are not required to inform your employer or anyone else.
What is the Clean Slate Clinic?
Evidence-based detox support service for Australians looking to detox from home.
How does it work?
Preparation (2-3 weeks)
- One of our nurses will assess your suitability with you
- You’ll have access to our online resources to support you through the detox
- Finding your support person and local GP
- We will do some basic tests, including a blood test
- We will build a vitamin regime with you
- You’ll talk to our Clean Slate GP managing your detox
Detox (1 week)
- You’ll have a daily video call with one of our nurses
- You’ll have a daily medication regime to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Daily breathalyzer and withdrawal screening
Aftercare (12 months)
- Post detox review with the Clean Slate GP and your allocated nurse
- Nurse review weekly for 3-4 weeks then at month 3, 6 and 12.
- You’ll have access to prescribed anti-craving medication if suitable
- Access to multiple peer-supported 'SMART Recovery' meetings each week, facilitated by our trained team
- Signposting and referral to other support services
- You’ll have an individual care plan
Do I have to tell my GP?
You will need a local GP to support you in the delivery of ongoing care and management, depending on your individual circumstances.
Can you prescribe anti-craving medications like naltrexone (revia), acamprosate (campral) or disulfiram (antabuse)?
Yes. These will be considered as part of your personalised care plan.
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