If alcohol or other drugs are causing problems for you or someone you love, you don’t have to work it out alone. At Mediclinic in Clayton South, GPs with a special interest in addiction medicine and our Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Nurse Practitioner offer confidential, non-judgemental care. If you are looking for an addiction GP in Melbourne’s south east, we offer this care inside a regular family practice. That means your drug and alcohol care, mental health and everyday health needs can be looked after in one place.
Noticing a problem with alcohol or drugs, in yourself or in someone close to you, can feel daunting. Whenever you are ready, we are here.
Signs that alcohol or drug use may be a problem
Addiction looks different for everyone. Some common signs include:
- finding it hard to control how much or how often you use, or to stop
- strong cravings or urges to use
- needing more of a substance to get the same effect (tolerance)
- withdrawal symptoms when you cut down or stop
- pulling away from friends and family, or dropping commitments at work, study or home
- taking risks you normally wouldn’t, such as sharing injecting equipment or driving after using
- changes in mood or behaviour, like irritability, restlessness or losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- noticeable changes in weight, sleep or appearance
It is common for people to play down or explain away their use, especially early on. That isn’t a personal failing. It is part of how addiction works. Talking with a clinician is a safe first step, even if you are not sure there is a problem.
How an addiction GP in Melbourne’s south east can help
Our team can support you with:
- Assessment: a private conversation about your use, your health and your goals.
- Alcohol: help to cut down or stop, safe withdrawal planning and support to stay on track. See alcohol use disorder.
- Opioids: methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone), and long-acting injectable buprenorphine.
- Withdrawal and rehab: planning home, outpatient or residential withdrawal, and referral to rehab and community programs.
- Mental health: many people live with both mental health and substance use concerns. We can look after both together, with psychology onsite.
- Physical health: general health checks and blood tests, with pathology collection onsite.
- Practical support: our Patient Support Services team can help regular patients with housing, NDIS and DSP applications, family violence support and advocacy.
- Families and carers: we are a family-inclusive practice. See support for families and carers.
Every treatment has benefits and risks. Your clinician will talk these through with you, and what suits you is decided individually.
Our drug and alcohol team
- Dr Ernesto Andrada, Principal GP, provides pharmacotherapy care.
- Dr Guy Churchman is a GP with special interests in drug and alcohol, counselling and 12-step recovery.
- Dr Vivian is a GP with a special interest in addiction medicine.
- Dr Robina Hanafi is a GP with a special interest in addiction medicine.
- Buddika (Bas) is our AOD Nurse Practitioner. He has worked in alcohol and other drugs in both the private and public sectors, including opioid pharmacotherapy and care for people who inject drugs.
Some of our prescribers are involved in the MATOD (Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence) mentorship program.
Your first appointment
Call or book
Call reception on (03) 9544 1555 or book online. Let us know it’s about alcohol or other drugs, and ask for a long appointment so there is time to talk.
Tell us your story
Your clinician will ask about your use, your physical and mental health, any medicines, and what you would like to change. There are no wrong answers.
Check your health
We may suggest a physical check, blood tests or a urine drug screen to help with planning. Australian Clinical Labs collects pathology onsite.
Make a plan together
You and your clinician agree on next steps. This might be medicine, withdrawal planning, counselling, referral or regular reviews. Your goals lead the plan.
Good to know
- We see patients by appointment only, with no walk-ins. Urgent appointments are triaged.
- New patients must attend face to face. Please arrive 10 minutes early to register. See new patients.
- Mediclinic is a mixed-billing practice. Bulk billing is at the practitioner’s discretion for some eligible patients. See our fees.
- We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and closed on weekends and public holidays. For other times, see after-hours care.
Explore our drug and alcohol services
REACH Project alcohol resources
Mediclinic uses resources from the REACH Project, which supports GPs and nurses to talk with patients about alcohol. Ask your GP about them at your next visit.
If you need help now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or someone may have overdosed, call 000. For free, confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral in Victoria at any time, call DirectLine.
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
Is drug and alcohol care at Mediclinic confidential?
Yes. Your health information is kept private and is only shared with your consent, or where the law requires it, such as when there is a serious risk to someone’s safety. Your clinician can explain how this works at your first visit.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with a GP or our AOD Nurse Practitioner. Call reception on (03) 9544 1555 so we can match you with the right clinician.
Are you taking new pharmacotherapy patients?
Availability for methadone and buprenorphine changes over time. Please call reception to check current availability for new pharmacotherapy patients. If we can’t take you on, DirectLine can help you find a prescriber.
What if I’m not ready to stop?
That’s okay. You can still see us. We can talk about cutting down, safer use, your physical and mental health, and options for later. You decide the pace.
Can I bring a family member or support person?
Yes. We are a family-inclusive practice and welcome support people at appointments if you would like them there.
Will I be judged?
No. Asking for help takes courage. Our team aims to treat everyone with respect, kindness and without judgement, whatever your situation.
Ready to talk? Call (03) 9544 1555 or book online and ask for a drug and alcohol appointment.