If you are worried about your drinking, or someone else’s, talking to a GP is a good place to start. At Mediclinic in Clayton South, we offer confidential, non-judgemental alcohol addiction help in Clayton and the surrounding suburbs. Our GPs and AOD Nurse Practitioner can help you understand where you are at, make a safe plan, and connect you with the right support.
You don’t need to have hit “rock bottom” to ask for help. Whether you want to cut down, take a break or stop completely, we can support you.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a health condition where it becomes hard to control your drinking, even when it is causing problems. It can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how many signs you have. Unhealthy drinking also includes any drinking that puts your health or safety at risk, including binge drinking.
Signs and symptoms
- being unable to limit how much you drink
- wanting to cut down, or trying to without success
- spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from drinking
- strong cravings or urges to drink
- not keeping up with work, study or home responsibilities because of drinking
- drinking even though it is causing health, family or social problems
- giving up activities, hobbies or time with people you care about
- drinking in unsafe situations, such as before driving or swimming
- needing more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating and shaking, when you don’t drink, or drinking to avoid them
Heavy drinking can also lead to periods of intoxication, with poor judgement, mood changes, slurred speech, poor coordination and blackouts. Very high blood alcohol levels can cause alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
Alcohol withdrawal: talk to us before you stop
Stopping suddenly after heavy or long-term drinking can be dangerous. Withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, a racing heart, anxiety, nausea, poor sleep and, in some cases, hallucinations or seizures. Please talk to a clinician before you stop, so you can plan to withdraw safely. If someone has a seizure, is confused, or is very unwell, call 000.
Withdrawal symptoms can start within hours of your last drink and may last several days. Your GP can check your risk and plan withdrawal at home, as an outpatient, or in a residential unit, depending on what is safest for you. Read more about withdrawal, detox and rehab.
How alcohol affects your health
Drinking too much, on one occasion or over time, can affect almost every part of your body. Possible effects include:
- Liver: fatty liver, inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) and permanent scarring (cirrhosis)
- Gut and pancreas: gastritis, ulcers of the stomach or oesophagus, pancreatitis, and poor absorption of vitamins
- Heart: high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke
- Brain and nerves: memory problems, numbness or pain in the hands and feet, and brain damage linked to low thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Cancer: higher risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast
- Other effects: bone thinning, a weaker immune system, sexual and menstrual problems, and problems with blood sugar for people with diabetes
- Pregnancy: alcohol can cause miscarriage and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe in pregnancy.
- Medicines: alcohol can interact with many medicines and make them less effective or more dangerous
Cutting down or stopping can lower many of these risks. Your GP can check your health and track changes over time.
How we provide alcohol addiction help in Clayton
Assessment
We talk about your drinking, your physical and mental health, and your goals. We may suggest blood tests, including liver tests, which can be collected onsite.
Withdrawal planning
If you drink heavily, we plan a safe way to cut down or stop. This may include medicines for withdrawal, vitamin supplements and regular check-ins.
Treatment and support
Some medicines may help reduce cravings or help you stay alcohol-free. Your GP will explain the options, possible side effects, and whether one may suit you. We can also offer counselling and referral to psychology.
Ongoing care and referral
We review your progress and can refer you to community alcohol and drug services, rehab programs or peer support groups when you need them.
We also look after the bigger picture, including mental health, sleep, relationships and practical needs. Regular patients can also get help from our Patient Support Services team.
The REACH Project at Mediclinic
Mediclinic uses resources from the REACH Project. The project supports GPs and nurses to talk with patients about alcohol. Its practical, evidence-based resources were developed with input from GPs, nurses and community members. Ask your GP about them at your appointment.
Good to know
- You don’t need a referral to see a GP about alcohol.
- Ask for a long appointment so there is time to talk.
- Mediclinic is a mixed-billing practice. Bulk billing is at the practitioner’s discretion for some eligible patients. See our fees.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. These free services are available 24 hours a day:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (crisis support and suicide prevention)
- DirectLine — 1800 888 236 (alcohol and drug counselling, Victoria)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my drinking is a problem?
If drinking is affecting your health, work, relationships or safety, or you find it hard to cut down, it is worth talking to a GP. We can do a confidential check and talk through what it means for you.
Is it safe to just stop drinking?
Not always. After heavy or long-term drinking, stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures. Talk to a clinician first so you can plan to withdraw safely.
Are there medicines that can help?
Yes. Some medicines can help reduce cravings or support you to stay alcohol-free. They don’t suit everyone, and they work best alongside counselling and support. Your GP will talk through the options with you.
Do I have to stop completely?
Not necessarily. Some people aim to cut down, and others choose to stop. Your GP will help you set a goal that is safe for your health.
Can my family be involved?
Yes, if you would like them to be. We are a family-inclusive practice. Family members can also find support on our families and carers page.
To talk to someone about your drinking, call (03) 9544 1555 or book online.