Podcasts

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Not Drinking Today Podcast - The Critical Role Anti-Craving Medications Can Play in Alcohol Recovery: Dr. Chris Davis joins hosts Meg and Bella on the show.

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Learn about the critical role anti-craving medications, such as Naltrexone and Campral can play in alcohol recovery. Dr. Chris Davis provides science backed info on how these medications work to reduce cravings, how long you need to be on them, how often you need to take them, how safe they are to use, how to talk about them to your GP, and which craving medications work better than others depending on your unique circumstances.

￫ Listen to the episode

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The GP Show - Alcohol Recovery and the Clean Slate Clinic with Dr Chris Davis and Flip Prior

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Learn more about Clean Slate Clinic from Founder and GP Chris Davis, alongside Flip Prior who has given up alcohol thanks to the Clean Slate program.

￫ Listen to the episode

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Just a GP - Doing Outpatient Alcohol Detox with Chris Davis

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Join the 'Just a GP' hosts as they explore with Clean Slate Clinic GP, Chris Davis, how to do an outpatient alcohol detox.

￫ Listen to the episode

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Flip Prior - ABC Life - 'A year off Drinking"

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Clean Slate Clinic's own GP, Chris Davis, helped Flip Prior give up alcohol for good. Hear from Flip about her experience and her plans from here.

￫ Listen on ABC

￫ Read the article

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Take a Break from Drinking by Rachel Hart

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"I was taught that everyone should be able to hold their liquor; and if you couldn’t, something was wrong with you. I didn’t feel like a normal drinker, but I also wasn’t an alcoholic. For years, I felt like I was in no man’s land with no idea how to figure this out."

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Listen to Rachel Hart's podcast to start learning how habits work and gain a new perspective on your drinking.

￫ Listen to the podcast

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Sober Awkward by Victoria Vanstone and Hamish Adams-Cairns

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Join Vic and Hamish on this hilarious and relatable podcast about being sober in a world soaked in alcohol. Each week they discuss different boozy topics and open up a shame shed of humiliating stories, bringing humour and honesty to sobriety.

￫ Listen to the podcast

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Blogs

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William Porter - Alcohol explained

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The definitive, ground breaking guides to alcohol, alcoholism and addiction.

￫ Read the blog

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This Naked Mind

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Bestselling Author of 'This Naked Mind' and 'The Alcohol Experiment', Annie Grace, provides great resources alongside her books, with the blog being quite insightful.

￫ Read the blog

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Hello Sunday Morning

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The site includes resources and tips for cutting back on drinking, as well as information on Daybreak, their powerful support app to help you reset your drinking habits with a supportive online community and free health coaching.

￫ Read the blog

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UntoxBlog - Untoxicated

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Untoxicated is an alcohol-free social tribe with regular events in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and peer support online. They also have a blog with contributions from the numerous Untoxicated members.

￫ Read the blog

A simple way to break a bad habit

Judson Brewer

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Can we break bad habits by being more curious about them? Psychiatrist Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction — from smoking to overeating to all those other things we do even though we know they're bad for us. Learn more about the mechanism of habit development and discover a simple but profound tactic that might help you beat your next urge to smoke, snack or check a text while driving.

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Making sober less shameful

Clare Pooley

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Clare Pooley gave up alcohol in March 2015; months later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told everyone about the breast cancer, but, ashamed, kept her decision to stop drinking secret. Now, three years later, she has given up anonymity, and is on a mission to make sobriety less shameful for everyone.  Clare Pooley describes herself a ‘a middle aged, over educated, over privileged, (formerly) overweight Mum of three who had a long love affair with high priced, good quality wine until she realised that the relationship was going nowhere.’

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Gray area drinking

Jolene Park

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In this engaging talk, Jolene Park shares her experience of gray area drinking — the kind of drinking where there’s no rock bottom, but you drink as a way to manage anxiety and then regret how much and how often you drink. Regardless of the cause of anxiety or discomfort in your life, and regardless of whether you’re using alcohol or another substance or behavior as an attempt to manage stress, Jolene uses her expertise as a Functional Nutritionist to explain the importance of replenishing your neurotransmitters in a comprehensive and consistent way, especially if you want to get off the stopping and restarting drinking merry-go-round.

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Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong

Johann Hari

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What really causes addiction — to everything from cocaine to smart-phones? And how can we overcome it? Johann Hari has seen our current methods fail firsthand, as he has watched loved ones struggle to manage their addictions. He started to wonder why we treat addicts the way we do — and if there might be a better way. As he shares in this deeply personal talk, his questions took him around the world, and unearthed some surprising and hopeful ways of thinking about an age-old problem.

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This is some useful information about what constitutes a standard drink for your drink diaries, what is risky drinking and some of the benefits of cutting down.

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Download the PDF:

Clean Slate Clinic - Alcohol information.pdf

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Download the Word document:

Clean Slate Clinic - Alcohol information.docx

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Assessing your alcohol intake

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Typical servings of alcohol tend to be considerably higher than one standard drink - this is important when calculating your daily and weekly alcohol intake - people are often surprised at how many standard drinks they actually consume.

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Lower Risk Drinking

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Lower risk drinking is defined as regularly drinking no more than 10 standard drinks for men and women.

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Lower risk drinking is associated with: increased relaxation; sociability; and reduced risk of heart disease (for men over 40 and post menopausal women)

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Risky Drinking

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Risky drinking is defined as regularly drinking 16-40 standard drinks per week for men and 10 - 28 standard drinks for women.

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Harmful Drinking

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Harmful drinking is defined as regularly drinking 40+ standard drinks per week for men and 28+ standard drinks for women.

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Risky and harmful drinking have progressively increasing risk of:

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• Low energy
• Memory loss
• Relationship problems
• Cancer
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Impotence
• Injury
• Cardio-vascular disease
• Alcohol dependence
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease

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Benefits of Cutting Down

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There are many benefits to cutting down your alcohol intake, particularly if you are drinking at risky or harmful levels.

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Psychological / Social / Financial Benefits

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• Improved mood
• Improved relationships
• Reduced risks of drink driving
• Financial savings

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Physical Benefits

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• Better sleep
• More energy
• Weight loss
• No hangovers
• Reduced risk of injury
• Improved memory
• Better physical shape
• Reduced risk of high blood pressure / cardiovascular disease
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Reduced risk of liver disease
• Reduced risks of brain damage

Use this thought map to give you ideas on how to prevent the return of bad drinking habits.

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Download the PDF:

Clean Slate Clinic - Relapse prevention suggestions.pdf

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Download the Word document:

Clean Slate Clinic - Relapse prevention suggestions.docx

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Preview:

April is the CEO of SMART Recovery, one of our trusted partner organisations. Recently, we sat down with them to hear about their thoughts on addiction support sector.

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Can you tell us a bit about Smart Recovery?

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SMART Recovery is designed to support individuals seeking recovery from addiction and problematic behaviours. It provides a science-based approach to addiction recovery and offers tools and techniques for self-empowerment.

We train organisations and individuals to run their own SMART Meeting with their community online or in person. We currently have over 250 meetings around the Australia.

SMART Recovery Australia proudly stands as a secular champion of recovery, partnering with over 75 Member organisations nationwide to deliver more than 250 local recovery meetings.

We believe in acting locally while thinking globally, as part of a global community of 3000 mutual-support groups led by SMART Recovery International.SMART Recovery Australia reduces the time taken to seek help by addressing the traditional barriers associated with seeking and accessing help for addiction.

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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

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I joined SMART Recovery as CEO just over 12 months ago. Prior, I had been working with children with a parent in prison at SHINE for Kids trying to reduce the impact of intergenerational incarceration and ensure healthy thriving families. I have seen a huge number of parents in custody who had not been given support but criminalised because of addiction, trauma and coping mechanisms that were not working for them.

I have my own lived experience of parental incarceration and addiction, and I am dedicated to supporting others on their healing journeys. I am driven to create a society that fosters support rather than stigmatisation.

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What inspires you to do what you do every day?

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What inspires me every day is my family and the courageous individuals who join SMART meetings to initiate the change they desire. I am motivated by those who, despite experiencing trauma, life challenges, and societal pressures, take that brave first step toward seeking a different path. Whether its attending a SMART Meeting, AA, undergoing home detox, or seeking residential support.

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What do you see as the main benefits of home detox?

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Home detox brings comfort, privacy, cost savings, and the ability to self-manage health with proper medical supervision. One of the most significant advantages is the comfort and emotional support it provides. Detoxification is a monumental step for most people, and being able to go through it in a familiar environment surrounded by their own comforts and support systems can make a world of difference.

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What do you see as the potential of digital interventions and services in addressing addiction service gaps?

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One of the key advantages of digital interventions is the increased accessibility they
provide. Not everyone has equal access to in-person services, and digital platforms can bridge that gap. They reach individuals who may be geographically isolated or have limited mobility, offering them a way to access treatment and support from the comfort of their own homes.

The initial first steps in seeking help through digital platforms can be a powerful catalyst, leading individuals to pursue more intensive face-to-face treatment options if needed.

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What other changes would you like to see in how we think about and treat addiction?

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Addiction is not a moral failing. Some of the greatest people I know and love have been impacted by addiction. They are kind, successful, loving, have good values and morals. They work hard and they care about their family and their community. It is vital to understand that addiction does not define a person’s worth or character.

As individuals, we have personal responsibility for seeking help and making positive
changes. However, as a community, we share a collective responsibility to support and understand our brothers, sisters, aunties, and uncles who are facing addiction.

Instead of judgment and blame, we must offer understanding and support. By walking alongside them, we can foster an environment of empathy and compassion.
To challenge the stigma and shame associated with addiction, we need to change public attitudes and beliefs. This requires open dialogue and the sharing of diverse experiences to help break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive and supportive society.

Policy reform is also necessary to create a more compassionate and supportive
environment for those affected by addiction. We should advocate for policies that reduce stigma, improve access to healthcare services, and prioritise a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment and support. This involves addressing systemic barriers, increasing funding for prevention and treatment, and ensuring that individuals can access the care they need without fear of discrimination or obstacles.

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What do you see as the value or potential of your relationship with Clean Slate Clinic (to you / Smart Recovery)?

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The primary focus of our partnership is to promote understanding, foster compassion, and ensure accessible and effective treatment for all individuals affected by addiction. People who are already falling through the cracks don’t need more gaps and a disconnected service system. By joining forces, Clean Slate Clinic and SMART Recovery enhance the support available, ensuring that no one is left behind.

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What advice would you give someone who is looking to change their relationship with alcohol or another substance?

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I want you to know that you are incredibly brave and capable. You are not alone in this journey. There are tools and support available to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing. I understand that the road ahead may be tough, but always remember that there is a community of people who have gone through similar experiences and are ready to offer their support.

It’s important to find what works best for you. Take the time to discover the strategies and resources that resonate with you personally. Set meaningful goals for yourself and work towards them. Remember, you have the power within you to change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. While urges and cravings may arise, you can learn to manage them with the right support and coping mechanisms.

This is your life, and your story should be written on your own terms. However, please know that you don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to those who understand and care about your well-being.

You are not defined by any addiction. You deserve a life of health, happiness, and fulfilment. Believe in yourself and take those courageous steps forward. You have a whole community standing beside you, ready to support you every step of the way.

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What would you like to see from Clean Slate Clinic next?

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As a priority, through digital innovation and collaboration I would love to see Clean Slate Clinic available in every community in Australia where support is needed.

Addiction is a global public health concern with widespread impacts and I see huge potential for Clean Slate Clinic and SMART Recovery to act locally and think globally.

Collaboration among governments, organisations, healthcare systems, and communities is necessary to tackle the challenges posed by addiction on a global scale and to improve access to support and treatment for individuals affected by addiction. I would like to see Clean Slate Clinic supporting that collaboration and scaling what works nationally to around the world.

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Our national partnership will continue to help consolidate the alcohol addiction help space within Australia.

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For more information on SMART recovery, visit this link.

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Campral is a medication that decreases cravings for alcohol in people who have been dependent on alcohol and are trying to abstain. It is an addition to, not a substitute for, other forms of therapy aimed at helping your commitment and adjustment to life without alcohol. It is important that treatment with Campral includes some form of counselling.

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Learn more about Campral by downloading the document below.

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This information has been prepared to answer some of the common questions you may have about Campral. If you have a concern about any medicine you are taking, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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Download the PDF:

Clean Slate Clinic - What is Campral_.pdf

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Download the Word doc:

Clean Slate Clinic - What is Campral_.docx

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Preview: