Acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how acamprosate can help patients maintain abstinence after detox. This guide covers indications, dosing, side effects, and practical prescribing tips for GPs and AOD clinicians.
About the Program, Referral Information, and Resources
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.
📝 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.
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
Patients who are unsuitable are referred back to the referrer or specialist inpatient services for higher-level care.
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.
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.
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.
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:
If referring, please include the following information:
We follow a clear, evidence-based pathway to ensure safety and consistency of care.
📝 Step 1: Pre-assessment
🏠 Step 2: 7-Day Home Detox
📄 Step 3: Discharge and handover
🩺 Step 4: Post-Detox Support
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
Acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how acamprosate can help patients maintain abstinence after detox. This guide covers indications, dosing, side effects, and practical prescribing tips for GPs and AOD clinicians.
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.
SADQ: A Comprehensive Assessment for Alcohol Dependence in Clinical Practice
Learn how the SADQ helps assess alcohol dependence severity in clinical settings. Downloadable tool with guidance for GPs and health professionals.
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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