Alcohol Withdrawal Services In Melbourne

Alcohol dependence can develop gradually and may affect people in different ways. Some common signs that may suggest a person is developing dependence include:

• Needing alcohol regularly — feeling unable to get through the day without drinking

• Increasing tolerance — needing more alcohol over time to achieve the same effect

• Withdrawal symptoms — such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, or nausea when not drinking

• Difficulty cutting back — repeated attempts to reduce or stop drinking without success

• Prioritising alcohol — spending significant time drinking, recovering from drinking, or planning to drink

• Impact on daily life — problems with work, relationships, or health as a result of alcohol use

It’s important to remember that these signs don’t look the same for everyone. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these issues, professional advice and support may be helpful.

At Malvern Private Hospital, our alcohol withdrawal services are designed to provide safe, hospital-based care for people who may be experiencing alcohol dependence and need structured support to reduce or stop drinking.

At Malvern Private Hospital, our alcohol addiction program is hospital-based and clinically supervised to provide a safe and structured approach to withdrawal.

The program begins with a comprehensive pre-admission assessment, where our team takes the time to understand your history, explain the process in detail, and confirm that the program is suitable for your needs.

Once admitted, patients enter a 28-day residential program designed to support both detoxification and longer-term recovery:

• Medically supervised withdrawal – symptoms are closely monitored, and medicines may be prescribed where appropriate to manage discomfort or reduce risks.

• Multidisciplinary support team – including doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and counsellors working together to provide care.

• Therapeutic programs – such as one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

• Holistic care – with complementary activities like art therapy, yoga, and relaxation practices.

• Support networks – opportunities to participate in AA, NA, GA, and in-house support groups.

• Discharge planning – with a focus on relapse prevention and ongoing strategies for recovery.

This program not only helps with the physical aspects of alcohol withdrawal, but also provides the psychological and emotional support needed for longer-term wellbeing.

The length of alcohol detox can vary depending on the individual and their level of alcohol use. For some people, withdrawal symptoms may begin within hours of their last drink and can last several days. In more complex cases, symptoms may continue for a longer period and require ongoing medical supervision.

At Malvern Private Hospital, alcohol detox takes place within a structured 28-day residential program. This allows time not only for safe withdrawal but also for therapeutic support, counselling, and planning for ongoing recovery.

Because every person’s situation is different, the exact length and experience of detox can vary. Our clinical team will assess your individual needs and ensure you are supported safely throughout the process.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who has been drinking heavily reduces or stops their alcohol use. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may differ from one person to another.

Common withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sweating or tremors (shaking)

• Increased heart rate or blood pressure

In more severe cases, withdrawal can cause:

• Confusion or disorientation

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

• Seizures

• Delirium tremens (a serious medical emergency with sudden, severe confusion and agitation)

Because some symptoms can be serious or even life-threatening, alcohol withdrawal is safest when carried out under medical supervision in a hospital setting. At Malvern Private Hospital, our programs are designed to provide structured, clinically supported care to help manage withdrawal safely.

A dual diagnosis is when a person experiences both a substance use concern (such as alcohol dependence) and a mental health condition at the same time. For example, someone may be living with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition alongside alcohol addiction.

These conditions can influence each other, making recovery more complex. For instance, alcohol use may be a way of coping with mental health symptoms, while mental health conditions can sometimes be made worse by alcohol use.

At Malvern Private Hospital, our programs are designed to provide integrated care for people with a dual diagnosis. This means our multidisciplinary team—including doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and counsellors and can support both alcohol withdrawal and mental health needs together in a coordinated way.

Your privacy is a priority at Malvern Private Hospital. All aspects of your alcohol detox treatment are managed in line with strict medical and hospital confidentiality standards.

This means that:

• Your personal information and medical records are kept secure and only shared with the healthcare professionals directly involved in your care.

• Details about your treatment are not disclosed to anyone outside your care team without your consent, except where required by law.

• Family involvement in your treatment only occurs if you choose to include them and provide permission.

Confidentiality helps create a safe and respectful environment where you can focus on your recovery knowing your information is protected.

Detox is an important first step, but recovery is more than simply stopping alcohol use. After the initial withdrawal phase, ongoing care is vital to help maintain progress and support long-term wellbeing.

At Malvern Private Hospital, alcohol detox takes place within a 28-day residential program. This means that after detox, patients continue with structured therapies and support designed to address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.

After detox, the program includes:

• Individual counselling and group therapy to build coping skills

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches

• Holistic activities such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation

• Participation in support groups such as AA, NA, GA, and in-house meetings

• Relapse prevention planning and strategies for maintaining recovery

• Family education and involvement where appropriate

The aim is to provide the right balance of medical supervision, therapeutic support, and practical planning so that recovery extends beyond detox and into everyday life.