Van Gogh painted his famous Bedroom painting just after moving into the beloved “Yellow House”—the first place that he said truly felt like home - in Arles, France, in 1888.
It’s said that the composition was intended as “a restorative after a period of his depression”.
When you look closely at his ‘Bedroom’ artwork, it feels like a safe haven—particularly poignant for someone like Van Gogh. The artist battled alcohol dependence for much of his life, drinking wine and also heavier spirits such as absinthe—a drink reflected in his work, Café Table With Absinthe. And throughout his short and nomadic life, he had a relentless quest for the safety of home.
So, with Van Gogh’s work as a visual touchpoint, we want to crack open the question "How does the concept of 'home' contribute to effective health recovery and addiction treatment?".
The familiar setting of the home can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with the early stages of detoxification. Contrary to popular belief that recovery must be done in inpatient rehab, home withdrawal and recovery is recognised as an evidence-based treatment, and incorporated within national clinical guidelines.
Clean Slate’s home detox program offers a revolutionary approach to recovery, through delivery of complete home detox via virtual care, which allows individuals to begin their sobriety journey in a comfortable, familiar environment.
The program has been independently evaluated by the University of Sydney as feasible, acceptable and highly adoptable.
The Clean Slate approach addresses not only the physical aspects of withdrawal but also considers the psychological and social factors contributing to substance dependence, and what needs to be in place for long-term success.
Below are seven ‘key benefits’ of our home detox program:
Personalised Accessibility:
The Clean Slate program is designed to integrate seamlessly into your life, allowing you to initiate your recovery journey at a time that aligns with your personal circumstances and readiness for change.
Unlike public rehabilitation programs that often have waiting lists of 3-6 months, or private programs that put you out of pocket by $20,000 or more, our home detox program allows you to start when you're motivated and ready without losing momentum.
2. Continuity of Care:
Throughout your 12-month journey at home, you are supported by the same dedicated nurse and doctor. This consistent, one-to-one relationship provides a strong level of trust and personalised care, and ensures that your progress is closely monitored and supported throughout the entire recovery process.
As previous clients have testified, working with the same nurses and doctors through the entirety of the program from home was what made it so worthwhile. One recovery patient wrote at the end of their 12 month program;“I want to thank Clean Slate for the exceptional, professional, and incredible care I have received! My detox was very well done, and I had enormous comfort & security knowing my nurse Lauren, who was AMAZING, was by my side the entire time! Dr Ian was brilliant, he valued, and cared, and validated me and my experience immediately! Thank you for empowering me to transform my life and health! I am eternally grateful!”
3. Enhanced Privacy and Discretion:
Being in a rehabilitation treatment centre can be an environment that is a vast complex of fear for many. Fear of being in the public eye, fear of the unknown, and fear that the distance from your real home comforts like pets, and familiar furnishings.
For those concerned about stigma or maintaining confidentiality, the Clean Slate home-detox program offers a discreet alternative to traditional rehabilitation centres.
4. Bridging the Gap for Remote Communities:
Small Australian country towns often have limited access to resources and many of Australia’s First Nation’s communities have to travel long distances to even see specialist doctors or nurses.
Having a science backed telehealth-based program is particularly beneficial for individuals in these regional and remote areas.
Whether you’re in the Goldfields or the bush, frequently travelling for work commitments, or simply in a region that doesn’t have support for patients wishing to undergo recovery, the at-home model brings professional care directly to you.
5. Cost-Effective Treatment Solution:
An at-home, telehealth model, allows a reduction of costs that might include travel and time off work as well as the price for treatment.
The Clean Slate comprehensive home detox program is priced under $3,800 for a full 12 months of support, putting it in the realm of affordability for most, as it is usually less than what people would otherwise spend on alcohol or other substances annually.
6. Access to a Supportive Online Community:
In addition to personalised care, we offer online group conversations up to five times a week that you can opt in or out of (but we encourage you to opt-in). These 'SMART Recovery' support sessions, facilitated by our trained team, cover various topics relevant to recovery and provide a peer group community throughout the 12-month journey, with the option to join these sessions fully anonymously.
This allows those in the program to have a blend of individual care and group support, which can help to create a solid framework for making positive change.
7. Comfort and Psychological Safety:
CEO of SMART Recovery Australia, April Long, said of home-detox; “One of the most significant advantages is the comfort and emotional support it provides. Detoxification is a monumental step for most people, and being able to go through it in a familiar environment surrounded by their own comforts and support systems can make a world of difference.”
One of the main reasons clients will choose the home detox option, is because they feel most secure in their own surroundings. The Clean Slate program leverages this comfort, allowing you to begin your recovery journey in an environment where you feel safe and at ease.
It's crucial to note that attempting to go "cold turkey" without proper medical oversight can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, increased tremors, poor concentration, low mood, nausea, and intense cravings for alcohol, which can potentially lead to relapse.
Approximately 85% of individuals with alcohol dependence will be suitable for home detox, but for some individuals with severe alcohol dependence, inpatient withdrawal may be necessary.
Our team of medical professionals will assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate level of care to ensure your safety and maximise your chances of successful recovery.
Clean Slate Clinic is accredited by ASES, and regulated by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
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