Your Path to Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
At Malvern Private Hospital, we provide hospital-based programs for people who need support with alcohol withdrawal. Our services are designed to ensure that detoxification is safe, medically supervised, and supported by a multidisciplinary team.
Specialised DRUG & Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs
We Treat A Variety Of Substance Dependencies In Melbourne
Malvern Private is an accredited rehabilitation hospital in Melbourne, working with all major private health funds to make premium drug and alcohol addiction treatment more accessible and affordable.
A Safe Place for Your Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
At Malvern Private, we understand the unique challenges of alcohol addiction. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals at every stage of recovery, offering both medical support and psychological care. As one of the leading alcohol rehab facilities in Melbourne, we provide:
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Medically supervised detox for safe withdrawal
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Structured therapy programs addressing root causes
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Relapse prevention planning for long-term success
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Ongoing support for sustainable recovery
Realising that alcohol is starting to control your life, and accepting that it’s time to seek support, is a powerful first step on the path to recovery.
Start The Journey
Drug & Alcohol Recovery
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How To Join Our Programs With Confidence
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Our Health Professionals
Our Point of Difference:
Trauma-Informed & Medically Supported Alcohol Withdrawal & Care
Malvern Private offers a hospital-based Alcohol Withdrawal Services program in Melbourne that is safe, structured, and delivered with clinical oversight. Our trauma-informed approach supports both the body and mind, helping individuals move through detoxification with dignity and care.
A Structured Program for Safe Withdrawal
Our program includes a 28-day alcohol detoxification program, conducted under expert supervision in a residential setting. Medications are used minimally and only as needed during the detoxification or withdrawal period.
You will begin with a pre-admission assessment, usually face-to-face, where we discuss your history, explain the program in detail, and ensure it’s a suitable fit for your needs. This also covers private health insurance arrangements so you fully understand your out-of-pocket costs.
A Holistic, Person-Centred Approach
At Malvern Private, we understand recovery is about more than just the physical process of detox. That’s why our program looks after the whole person, their mind, body, and soul designed with therapies to nurture long-term wellbeing.
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Care from a specialist team of doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and counsellors
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Individual and group therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Complementary sessions such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation practices
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Opportunities to attend AA, NA, GA, and in-house support groups
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Discharge planning with a focus on relapse prevention and ongoing strategies
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Family education and support, encouraging loved ones to be part of the recovery journey
Helping Someone Detox from Alcohol
If you are helping someone detox from alcohol, it is safest to encourage them to do so in a hospital-based program. Attempting to detox at home without medical support can be dangerous. Our alcohol withdrawal services ensure that support is available at every stage.
Does Alcohol Dependence Happen Slowly or All at Once?
Alcohol dependence doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it develops gradually — what begins as a casual drink to relax at the end of the day or to ease into weekends may slowly become part of a daily routine. For others, the shift can feel more sudden, with drinking quickly becoming the main way to cope with stress or social situations. Over time, alcohol can move from being a choice to feeling like a necessity.
At Malvern Private Hospital, we understand that each person’s experience with alcohol addiction is unique. Our specialised programs are designed to meet you where you are and support you in building a healthier, more sustainable future.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. At Malvern Private, we walk beside you on the journey, recognising the courage it takes to face the impact of alcohol and the influence of social pressures. Together, we help you see when drinking has become harmful and give you the support to take back control of your health and your future.
You Can Break Free from Misconceptions and Social Pressure
Alcohol use is often woven into social routines and cultural traditions, which can make it harder to recognise when drinking becomes harmful. Misunderstandings and peer influence can mask the signs of risky behaviour.
Some of the most common myths people tell themselves include:
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“If I don’t drink every day, it’s not an issue.”
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“Everyone drinks this much when they’re out.”
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“I could stop if I really wanted to.”
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“Alcohol helps me unwind and sleep better.”
Social pressure can also play a big role. When heavy drinking is normalised, it may feel uncomfortable to decline or go against the group. Over time, this can lead to drinking more frequently or consuming larger amounts than intended.
National data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that around 42% of young adults aged 18–24 engaged in risky drinking in both 2019 and 2022–23. This reflects how widespread unhealthy patterns can be—and the influence of social environments on alcohol use.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. At Malvern Private, we walk beside you on the journey, recognising the courage it takes to face the impact of alcohol and the influence of social pressures. Together, we help you see when drinking has become harmful and give you the support to take back control of your health and your future.
Waiting in Silence Can Hurt More Than You Think. Don’t Postpone. Get Help Now.
Alcohol addiction is treatable, but postponing support can cause harm that reaches into every part of life—body, mind, and relationships.
When alcohol misuse continues without help, it can:
- Put strain on the liver, heart, and overall health
- Lead to a higher chance of accidents or injuries
- Worsen anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
- Create tension in relationships, family life, or work
- Result in financial or legal difficulties
Seeking help early makes a real difference. It lowers these risks and gives you a stronger foundation for lasting recovery. You don’t need to wait for things to spiral further support is available right now, and taking that step sooner can bring relief, safety, and hope for the future.
We’ve helped thousands of people overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. Every recovery story is proof that with the right care, healing is possible. You don’t have to face this alone and support is available, lasting change can begin today.
Are These Warning Signs Starting to Feel Normal?
Problematic drinking doesn’t always look the same, but there are patterns that can signal when alcohol use is becoming harmful. Ask yourself if any of these feel familiar:
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Drinking more than you planned, or for longer than intended
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Making promises to cut down or stop, but struggling to follow through
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Feeling withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink
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Neglecting responsibilities because of alcohol use or hangovers
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Continuing to drink despite knowing it harms your health or relationships
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Regretting your actions the next day, or putting yourself in risky situations
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Prioritising alcohol in your budget over other important commitments
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Needing more alcohol over time to feel the same effect
If these experiences resonate with you, you don’t have to face them alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of alcohol addiction and misuse but effective, compassionate support in Melbourne’s Northwest.
When you choose Malvern Private in Melbourne’s East, you won’t need to leave Melbourne to access high quality Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Withdrawal & Recovery
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long period of time suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol use. Because the body has adapted to functioning with alcohol, this change can trigger a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
These symptoms can vary from person to person. For some, withdrawal may be mild, with issues like anxiety, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. For others, it may involve more serious effects such as sweating, shaking, nausea, or confusion. In some cases, withdrawal can become a medical emergency, which is why a hospital-based alcohol withdrawal program provides an important layer of safety and support.
At Malvern Private Hospital, alcohol withdrawal is managed under clinical supervision. This ensures that symptoms are carefully monitored, and that medical treatment, counselling, and therapeutic support are available when needed.
Does Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital work with private health funds?
Yes, we are a health fund endorsed facility and have contracts with all major private health funds in Australia. As a private hospital, your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific level of cover. Our staff will provide a clear and transparent estimate of all fees, including any excess or gap costs, prior to your admission. We strongly recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your coverage details.
To give you an idea of the breadth of our comprehensive coverage, we have agreements with all of Australia’s most popular providers, including but not limited to:
- Medibank
- AHM
- Bupa
- HCF (Hospitals Contribution Fund)
- nib
- HBF
- Australian Unity
- GMHBA
- Defence Health
- CBHS Health Fund
- Teachers Health
- And more
If you don’t see your health fund listed here, don’t worry. This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact our admissions team to verify your eligibility and understand your financial options.
What are the signs of Alcohol dependence?
Alcohol dependence can develop gradually and may affect people in different ways. Some common signs that may suggest a person is developing dependence include:
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Needing alcohol regularly — feeling unable to get through the day without drinking
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Increasing tolerance — needing more alcohol over time to achieve the same effect
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Withdrawal symptoms — such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, or nausea when not drinking
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Difficulty cutting back — repeated attempts to reduce or stop drinking without success
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Prioritising alcohol — spending significant time drinking, recovering from drinking, or planning to drink
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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.
How does your Alcohol addiction program work?
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:
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Medically supervised withdrawal – symptoms are closely monitored, and medicines may be prescribed where appropriate to manage discomfort or reduce risks.
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Multidisciplinary support team – including doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and counsellors working together to provide care.
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Therapeutic programs – such as one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
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Holistic care – with complementary activities like art therapy, yoga, and relaxation practices.
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Support networks – opportunities to participate in AA, NA, GA, and in-house support groups.
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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.
How long does alcohol detox take?
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.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol?
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:
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Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
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Difficulty sleeping
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Headaches
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sweating or tremors (shaking)
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Increased heart rate or blood pressure
In more severe cases, withdrawal can cause:
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Confusion or disorientation
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Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
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Seizures
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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.
What is a dual diagnosis, and could it be a part of my alcohol addiction?
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.
How confidential is my treatment?
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:
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Your personal information and medical records are kept secure and only shared with the healthcare professionals directly involved in your care.
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Details about your treatment are not disclosed to anyone outside your care team without your consent, except where required by law.
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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.
What happens after detox?
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:
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Individual counselling and group therapy to build coping skills
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches
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Holistic activities such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation
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Participation in support groups such as AA, NA, GA, and in-house meetings
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Relapse prevention planning and strategies for maintaining recovery
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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.
See How Lives Are Rebuilt After Alcohol Addiction
Take a Tour of Malvern Private and Meet Our Alcohol Addiction Detox Team.