Information for referrers

Detox@Home is a community based, medically assisted, alcohol withdrawal program supported by a team of specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) clinical staff and qualified peer workers with lived experience.

Who might Detox@Home benefit?

Detox@Home might benefit a person who has:

• Milder dependence on alcohol and is less likely to experience severe withdrawal.
• An appropriate and safe place to complete a detox.
• Someone they can nominate as a support person to support them for the duration of the five-day detoxification process (or have an appropriate support plan in place where a support person is not identified)
• No complex medical or mental ill health issues (in this instance, clients may be better suited to an inpatient withdrawal process.

Please note that clients are encouraged to be engaged in some AOD counselling (for example through Holyoake or Anglicare) or have a Mental Health Care Plan in place to be suitable for the Detox@Home program. 

Who might not be suitable for a home detox? 

Detox@home might not benefit a person who has:

• Severe dependence on alcohol
• No safe place to detox
• No support person or support plan in place
• Complex medical or mental health needs
• Previously experienced fits or seizures.

In this instance, clients maybe better suited to an inpatient withdrawal process.

If you are unsure if this type of detox is right for you/your client, contact us and we can talk through the best options available.

How to refer if you are a Health Professional?

Referrals for the Detox@Home Program can be made directly by Service Providers, e.g. General Practitioners, Clinicians and/or other Support Workers. 

To refer a client for Detox@Home please download the Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) Intake and Referral Form and fax or email the completed form to us (contact details are found at the top of form). Please refer to the link below to find the appropriate Intake and Referral Form. 

View more information on accessing alcohol and drug services

Does client consent need to be obtained for referral?

Yes. The person who is being referred must give their consent for the referral to occur, and the client consent section must be completed on the ADS Intake and Referral Form. Once the referral has been received, the ADS Intake Team will contact the person being referred to discuss treatment options.

What to expect from the D@H team while a client is in the program.

Detox@Home is a five-day program, operating Monday to Friday. During the five-day detox period the client will be supported by a team of alcohol and drug specialists (clinicians and peer workers) who will provide regular care. 

If the client has signed the consent to share information form, the referrer may contact the Detox@Home Team for an update on the health of the client and progress of the detoxification. This can be done either by phone or email.

The client must remain abstinent from alcohol for the duration of their treatment. Non-compliance will initiate immediate cessation of the treatment and the Detox@Home Team will reassess if further engagement is suitable. The referrer will be notified if this occurs.

What happens after the week of Detox?

Follow up support after completing the Detox@Home Program is required for recovery journey success. Clients who have reached the end of their treatment can be discharged back to the service identified in the aftercare plan or to the ADS Community Care Team. The client will also receive a follow up phone call from a Detox@Home clinician within seven days of discharge.

Intake Details

Phone:  1300 139 641

Email: [email protected] (South) / [email protected] (North)

ADS Intake operating hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm