Addictive Disorders

Inpatient treatment

Our clinic offers inpatient services for the treatment of addiction, which involves complete detoxification, whilst ensuring any side effects and risks associated with withdrawal are treated within a controlled and supervised environment. Medically supervised detoxification may be suitable for those who require a more intensive detoxification within a safe environment with added support to minimise temptations and potential risks.

Currumbin Clinic is at the forefront of research, novel and new treatments for substance use disorders. Such treatment trials do not breach the abstinence-based approach according to the AA and NA charters. Ideologically speaking, both antagonist and agonist treatments are allowed if safe, verified and based on a thorough process of informed consent. We don't simply replace one addiction for another.

Sponsors, family and partners of current inpatients are welcome to visit during visiting hours, especially on Saturdays for the Family and Carer's Program.

Following an assessment, patients undertake a three week drug and alcohol inpatient program which includes relapse prevention and lifestyle management strategies. This group-based program provides patients with the skills, techniques and strategies needed to understand and manage substance use disorders. Underlying issues and mental illness are just as important to treat as the substance use disorder itself, and the program incorporates anxiety and depression management principles. Smoking is not allowed, and assistance is offered to quit which is also demonstrated to dramatically improve recovery from alcohol and other drugs, as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Throughout admission at Currumbin Clinic, patients attend regular appointments with one of our onsite Consultant Psychiatrists, who oversee treatment for the duration of their stay.

The inpatient program is reputed to be the most balanced in the world in terms of the confluence of structure and freedom. Regular drug and alcohol testing is done, reasonable (but not punitive or extreme) boundaries and rules are well explained, and there is a high expectation of responsible behaviour from all inpatients.

The programs themselves primarily adopt an abstinence-based approach to treatment. All admitted to our addictions program have the option to undertake the 12 step support group program, either Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which offers an addiction recovery framework. External meetings are also held, with transport provided.

Depending on the addiction and the individual patient, different or additional treatment approaches are considered. Harm minimisation and anti-craving medication assisted treatment can also reduce the negative impacts of some addictions. Some examples include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medication for smoking cessation.
• Gambling disorder can sometimes be treated by limit setting or reducing cravings/ reward with non-addictive medications.
• Insomnia and PTSD symptoms are worsened by some medications, and often improve with reduction or replacement with proper treatments.
• Chronic pain is often made worse by long term prescribed opioid analgesia but improves with dose reduction, cessation or treatment with safer/ longer acting alternatives.
• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for associated depressive symptoms.

Currumbin Clinic's inpatient program is often a segue to longer term rehabilitation ("rehab") or day programs.

Call 1800 119 118 to speak to one of our qualified and compassionate staff members about treatment options today.

Private Appointments

Private appointments with our Consultant Psychiatrists are also offered separate or in addition to these programs, if more information is needed or further follow up is required after completion of the programs.