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The Truth About Alcohol and Anxiety: What You Need to Know
Picture this: It’s the end of a long day and you just want to relax - quiet the nerves, calm the mind, and slow the racing thoughts - so you have a drink (or a few). And in that moment, it works. Alcohol can bring a temporary sense of ease as the tension softens, the body relaxes, and everything feels a little more manageable. But then comes the flip side. That wired-but-tired feeling in the middle of the night. The vague sense of dread in the morning.

Clean Slate Clinic


Pia's Story
On the outside, Pia Clinton-Tarestad had it all - a successful career, leadership roles, and a life that sparkled on paper. But behind closed doors, alcohol had crept in as a nightly habit that was hard to shake. By 2019, she was drinking up to two bottles of wine a night, sometimes hiding it in a mug during Zoom calls so no one would notice. Today, Pia leads Clean Slate Clinic with purpose, using her lived experience to support others walking a similar path.

Clean Slate Clinic


Clean Slate Partners with South Western Sydney PHN
Clean Slate Clinic is proud to partner with South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) to make safe, home-based alcohol and other drug (AOD) support more accessible across the region.

Clean Slate Clinic


Andrew's Story
There’s no one-size-fits-all moment when someone decides to change their relationship with alcohol. For Andrew, it wasn’t a dramatic rock bottom – just a slow and steady realisation that what looked “high-functioning” on the outside was taking a huge toll on the inside. Now, five and a half years alcohol-free, Andrew is living a completely different life - swimming in the ocean every day, training lifesavers, and finally receiving the mental health care he needed all along.

Clean Slate Clinic


What Does Diazepam do During Alcohol Withdrawal?
If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on alcohol - or stopping altogether - the idea of taking medication might come as a surprise. You’re not alone in that. We speak to so many people who say: “I thought I’d just push through it”, or “I didn’t realise withdrawal could be dangerous”. And here’s the truth: for some people, stopping alcohol after a period of regular or heavy use can come with risks. It’s not about willpower. It’s about biology.

Clean Slate Clinic


Clean Slate Partners with COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN
South Eastern NSW residents wishing to reduce their dependence on alcohol, stimulants or cannabis may be eligible to access our at-home detox and recovery program through a new partnership between COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN and Clean Slate Clinic.

Clean Slate Clinic


What to Expect When You Take a Break from Alcohol
Whether you're cutting back for clarity, health, or just curiosity, taking a break from alcohol is a powerful step - but it's one that can stir up a lot of questions. How will I feel? What happens to my body and brain? Will I sleep better, or worse?

Clean Slate Clinic


Breaking it Down: Alcohol & the Brain
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?

Clean Slate Clinic


The Pursuit of Progress Over Perfection
The path towards change — whether breaking free from alcohol or overcoming other substance dependence - is rarely linear.
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Spotlight On - Pia Clinton Tarestad
Clean Slate Clinic’s ‘Accidental’ Founder and ‘Reluctant’ CEO.
Like many of our clients, CEO of Clean Slate Clinic, Pia Clinton Tarestad
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The Neuroscience Behind Alcohol Dependence | A Discussion with Dr David McLaughlan
The neuroscience behind alcohol dependence. A discussion with Dr David McLaughlan
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Spotlight On | Dr Chris Davis
Clean Slate Clinic has grown steadily since its inception just four years ago, with Chris as the beating heart of the business.
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Greg's Story
Gregory Stegman shares his story 11 months into recovery. It's a hopeful journey for those considering a path without alcohol in 2025.
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Reducing Alcohol: The Number One New Year's Resolution and 5 Tips on How to Stick to it
As we approach the New Year and focus on recalibrating healthy habits, here are 5 tips on how to stay focused and supported with your goals

Clean Slate Clinic


Spotlight On | Fiona Faulkner
Fiona's career path, starting later in life after raising a family, has given her a wealth of life experience.
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