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Arrow Health - Detox & Rehabilitation Programs Melbourne

Detox & Withdrawal

Safe, medically supervised alcohol and drug withdrawal. Claimable on private health insurance
Download the 'Am I Covered?' PDF 03 9533 7888

Medical Detox Victoria

When someone has developed physical dependence on alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other substances, stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

At Arrow Health, detox and withdrawal are managed at our registered private psychiatric hospital in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria.

The hospital is staffed by a 24/7 nursing team with mental health and withdrawal expertise and all detox treatment is under the guidance of a doctor.

Medical detox provides safety, dignity, and offers the strongest possible start to recovery.

  • 24/7 nursing support and medical monitoring
  • Private rooms with a double bed and ensuite
  • Individualised care
  • Evidence based, robust program
  • A therapeutic, supportive and drug-free environment
  • Detox program up to 30 days
  • After Care included when you complete your treatment
  • Detox that can transition directly into longer-term therapeutic care

FREE 20 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION

Are you concerned about yourself or someone you love? Would you like to chat with someone about addiction?

Register for a free 20 minute phone consultation with one of our friendly clinicians.

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What is medical detox?

Medical detox (medically supervised withdrawal) is the process of safely managing the physical symptoms that occur when someone reduces or stops using alcohol or other drugs.

Withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening depending on:

  • The substance used
  • How long it has been used
  • The amount used
  • Co-occurring medical conditions
  • Mental health history

In some cases (particularly with benzodiazepines and alcohol) withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium, heart complications, or severe psychological distress.

This is why medically supervised detox is often the safest step in recovery.

Is it safe to detox at home?

For some substances, mild withdrawal may be managed in outpatient settings. However, home detox carries significant risks particularly for alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Detoxing at home may be unsafe if:

  • The person drinks daily or heavily
  • There is a history of withdrawal seizures
  • Benzodiazepines are involved
  • Multiple substances are used
  • There are underlying mental health conditions
  • There is history of self-hard or suicidal thoughts

Alcohol withdrawal: What to expect

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6 – 12 hours of the last drink.

Early symptoms within the first 24 hours:

  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia

Peak symptoms within 24 – 72 hours:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Seizures (in severe cases)

Severe complication: Delirium Tremens (DTs)
In some cases alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, a serious medical emergency involving hallucinations, severe confusion, and cardiovascular instability.

This is why alcohol detox should not be attempted alone in high-risk individuals.

Please call 000 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Other drug withdrawal: Different substances, different risks

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance, and each detox plan at Arrow Health is tailored to the substance and the individual.

Take the first safe step

Withdrawal can feel overwhelming.
Doing it alone can be dangerous.

A confident conversation can help you understand your safest options.

Speak to our team today.

📞03 9533 7888

Benzodiazepines

  • Risk of seizures
  • Severe anxiety
  • Panic
  • Insomnia
  • Potentially life-threatening without tapering

Opioids

  • Severe flu-like symptoms
  • Muscle pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Intense cravings

While opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal, the relapse risk is high without support.

Stimulants

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Psychological crash
  • Suicidal thoughts

What happens during medical detox at Arrow Health?

Detox is not just symptom management. It is a structured medical process and part of the stabilisation phase, not the end of treatment.

Comprehensive Assessment

  • Physical health review
  • Mental health assessment
  • Substance use history
  • Risk screening
  • Medication review

Individualised withdrawal plan

  • Evidence-based medication protocols
  • Symptom management strategy
  • Psychiatric input where needed

24/7 Monitoring

  • Regular vital sign checks
  • Ongoing nursing supervision
  • Immediate response if symptoms escalate

Emotional & psychological support

  • Supportive counselling
  • Psychoeducation about addiction
  • Family communication where appropriate

Transition planning

Detox alone doesn’t address the psychological drivers of addiction. We work with each person to plan next steps, which may include:

  • Inpatient treatment (Behaviour Change Program)
  • Psychiatric Day Program
  • Outpatient support
  • Family support services

Program Features

  • Developed and overseen by doctors
  • Based on current research and extensive experience
  • Individualised detox process worked out in collaboration between the patient and a doctor
  • Case Management with an individual case manager
  • Individual treatment plan focussing on physical, psychological and emotional recovery
  • Qualified, professional and experienced staff
  • Introduction to peer support programs
  • Access to family support program/s
  • Wide range of therapeutic activities. e.g. art, yoga, hiking, music and off site swimming
  • iIndividualised Recovery Plan: when you leave, you will receive a Continuing Care Plan to guide you in your recovery

Does private health insurance cover any of the costs?

Yes. Arrow Health is a private health fund endorsed facility. Our programs run within our very own accredited private psychiatric hospital. The private health fund excess and gap payment will vary depending on your level of cover.
Download Our 'Am I Covered?' PDF

Why choose a hospital-based detox

Arrow Health is a registered private psychiatric hospital in Victoria, located 1 hour from Melbourne.

This means:

  • Medical governance
  • Psychiatric oversight
  • Qualified nursing staff
  • Medication management
  • Continuity into further treatment

Many detox services operate in non-hospital settings. For individuals with complex needs, hospital-based care can significantly reduce risk.

When is medical detox necessary?

You may require medically supervised detox if:

  • You cannot get through a day without drinking or using
  • You wake during the night needing alcohol or medication
  • You have experienced shaking, sweating, or panic when stopping substance use
  • You have had a seizure before
  • You mix substances
  • You have anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions

If you are unsure, please call us for an obligation free assessment to clarify your safest option.

What happens after detox?

Detox stabilises the body. Recovery requires addressing the underlying drivers of substance use.

At Arrow Health, detox seamlessly transitions into:

This continuum of care increases the likelihood of long-term recovery.

Are you worried about someone you love?

Families often feel frightened during withdrawal. You may be:

  • Watching symptoms escalate
  • Afraid to leave them alone
  • Unsure what is normal
  • Worried about seizures

You don’t have to manage this alone. Even if your loved one isn’t ready for long-term treatment, medical detox can be a first step toward safety

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a detox or just rehab?

Different drugs require different approaches. What we suggest is that you come in, meet with us, have a chat, do an assessment and we will provide advice on the best way forward for you.

Will I be alone? What happens if I have a panic attack at night?

You won’t be alone. We are there to support you through this. Our 24/7 nursing team, experienced in mental health will be checking in with you, monitoring you, conducting medical observations and most of all making sure you are comfortable and settled.

Is detox like being in hospital?

No. There are no vinyl floors, no gowns or uniforms, it’s quiet and everyone has their own room with a double bed and ensuite.

Are there doctors onsite?

All treatment is administered under the supervision and guidance of consulting doctors and psychiatrists. This, coupled with our close collaboration with community health organisations and emergency hospitals ensures that each patient’s care is comprehensive, consistent, and focused.

Will I be in pain?

Your symptoms will depend on your own unique situation including what you’ve been using, for how long, how much and your personal biology. The nurses will support and monitor you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Is the food like hospital food?

No! We have an onsite chef who prepares fresh meals daily and caters to any dietary requirements.

What should I expect when I first arrive?

You will be welcomed by a nurse who will do a medical check-up. Next, you will see a doctor who will discuss the detox process with you and come up with a detox plan that will be tailored to your personal, unique needs. This will be done in collaboration with you to make sure the process will work for you, where you’re at and what you need.

What happens in the first few days, week and beyond?

It sounds counter-intuitive but the first few days are all about settling in, taking a break and getting comfortable with your surroundings. It is hard work battling through addiction. Sometimes the best place to start is to just have a rest. Detox is a step by step process and a doctor will sign off on each stage of the program.

What should I expect physically and emotionally?

Symptoms experienced during withdrawal can be mild or severe, depending on how long you’ve been using for, what drug(s), your age and health, psychological characteristics and more.
The symptoms you experience during detox can range from mild to severe. Withdrawal often feels like the opposite of the drug you have been using. For example, when you are withdrawing from a depressant (like alcohol or Valium) you may feel restless and agitated or have tremors. The symptoms vary between different people and different drugs. Search here to learn about withdrawal symptoms for specific drugs.

Some people experience Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) which is why we often recommend detox followed by rehab. PAWS refers to ongoing withdrawal symptoms that are largely psychological and mood-related and can continue after acute withdrawal symptoms have gone away.

Symptoms of PAWS are unique to each drug. Common symptoms include:

  • Hostility or aggression
  • Anxiety, panic, or fear
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Depression
  • Exhaustion or fatigue
  • Inability to sleep
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure
  • Trouble with memory
  • Sensitivity to stressful situations

Go to the Australian Drug Foundation article on withdrawal for more information.

How long does detox take?

The length of detox depends on the substance and the individual.
Alcohol detox: typically 5 - 10 days
Benzodiazepine detox: may require longer tapering
Opioid detox: typically 5 - 7 days

Longer stays may be recommended depending on complexity