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Information for Clinicians

About the Program, Referral Information, and Resources

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About AIR Detox

A GP-led in-home detox service providing quick access to care

AIR Detox is a medically supervised, 24 hour in-home withdrawal service for patients with mild to moderate/severe alcohol dependency. We provide rapid access to detox — we will see patients for their initial assessment within 24-48hrs. This helps capitalise on a patient’s motivation to change at the time they are ready, reducing the risk of disengagement while waiting for care. Our service is designed to complement primary and secondary care and reduce the need for hospital admission, while ensuring patients remain fully connected to their usual GP and care team.

Our program includes:

📝 Comprehensive Pre-Assessment
Medical history, risk stratification, home assessment, and baseline investigations (including pathology as indicated).

💊⏰ 7-Day Medicated Detox with 24/7 Care
Daily medical reviews with our doctor (via telehealth Australia-wide or in-person on the Gold Coast), prescription medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, and close monitoring of risk factors.

🛡️ Clinical Governance & Safety Protocols
Evidence-based treatment aligned with national alcohol withdrawal guidelines.

📤 Post-Program Integration
Detailed discharge summaries sent to the patient’s GP and existing healthcare team, with recommendations for ongoing management and relapse prevention.

📅🔄 12 Months of Structured Aftercare
Scheduled clinical reviews at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months to support long term outcomes, with unlimited follow-up appointments if required to address any related post-detox health concerns.

Patient Suitability and Eligibility

AIR Detox is appropriate for patients with alcohol use disorder who can be safely managed at home. Suitability is determined at pre-assessment, but as a guide:

Not suitable for home detox

  • Severe alcohol dependence with high risk of seizures and delirium tremens. 
  • Significant medical or psychiatric comorbidities requiring inpatient monitoring.
  • Unsafe or unstable home environment.
  • Lack of a support person during detox.

Patients who are unsuitable are referred back to the referrer or specialist inpatient services for higher-level care.

Patient Information Brochure

Benefits for Patients and Your Practice

Referring to AIR Detox provides a safe, structured option for patients who do not require hospital admission but still need close medical supervision. Systematic review has shown clinical safety and effectiveness at and above hospital care. 

Patient Benefits

Timely access – assessment and commencement usually within 1–2 weeks, reducing relapse risk and capturing motivation to change.

Safe and evidence-based – daily monitoring and medication protocols aligned with national alcohol withdrawal guidelines.

Familiar environment – patients remain in their own home with the support of a nominated person. We have a non judgemental, caring service. 

Ability to work from home during the detox.

Structured follow-up – 12 months of scheduled clinical reviews to support long-term outcomes.

Practice Benefits

Continuity of care – patients remain under your care for all ongoing management and Medicare billings.

Comprehensive communication – detailed discharge summaries provided after detox, including recommendations for ongoing care.

Reduced hospital burden – provides an alternative to ED presentation for suitable lower-risk patients.

Team-based approach – we work alongside you and other providers, complementing—not replacing—existing care pathways.

How To Refer

Patient self-referral – Patients can contact us directly via our website, email, or phone.

Healthcare professional referral – We accept referrals from GPs and other providers via:

    • Medical Objects (Dr Hok-Yee Siu 480356GY)
    • Direct phone 0415 617 313 or fax 07 3544 7657

If referring, please include the following information:

  • Relevant medical history and current medications
  • Any previous alcohol withdrawal complications (e.g. seizures, delirium tremens)
  • Recent blood test results, if available

How Our Program Works

We follow a clear, evidence-based pathway to ensure safety and consistency of care.

📝 Step 1: Pre-assessment

  • Comprehensive medical and psychosocial assessment.
  • Risk stratification using validated tools (e.g. SADQ, PAWSS) [link to these articles].
  • Baseline investigations, including blood tests where indicated.
  • Confirmation of a suitable home environment and support person.
  • Further education session for patient and support person
  • Coaching through the intervening 1-2 weeks until detox

🏠 Step 2: 7-Day Home Detox 

  • Detox begins on a planned date, usually within 1–2 weeks of assessment.
  • Medicated withdrawal with a weaning regime of benzodiazepine.
  • In-person visits for Gold Coast patients or secure telehealth reviews for patients Australia-wide.
  • Monitoring of withdrawal symptoms, vital signs, and medication adjustments through the day and overnight if required. 
  • 24/7 support including the weekend.

📄 Step 3: Discharge and handover

  • On completion of detox (day 8), a detailed discharge summary is sent to the referring GP and other nominated providers.
  • Includes medication reconciliation, risk factors, and recommendations for ongoing management.

🩺 Step 4: Post-Detox Support

    • Structured clinical follow-up at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months post-detox.
    • Patients remain under the care of their regular GP for ongoing management and health continuity.
    • Coaching on relapse prevention, physical health, and connection to community supports.
    • Integration with ongoing dayhab/rehab services. 
    • Unlimited free appointments with our clinical team. 

Affordable Care

We’ve designed our program to be accessible and affordable. Both options provide the same high level of medical care and follow-up support. To make things easier, we also offer flexible payment plans so the patient can spread the cost over time.

Telehealth Program: $3,000

In-Person Program (Gold Coast): $3,600

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Naltrexone — Information for Clinicians

Download our Naltrexone Clinician Information Sheet and Patient Handout. We can also send you our Naltrexone Medical Alert Card to give to patients.

11 September 2024

Home Detox FAQs for Healthcare Professionals

Have a patient in mind? Contact us today.

Contact us

AIR recognises the traditional owners of the land where we live and work. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.

The images featured on this website are for illustrative purposes only. They do not directly or indirectly represent individuals experiencing issues related to alcohol, drugs, or mental health.

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