Medibank Introduces Comprehensive At-Home Alcohol and Drug Detox Program in Partnership with Clean Slate Clinic
Medibank has announced the launch of its new Alcohol and Drug Detox at Home program—an initiative designed to make withdrawal support more accessible, safe, and comfortable for customers dealing with alcohol, drug, or stimulant dependence. This program represents a significant step forward in bringing structured, evidence-based addiction care directly into people’s homes, reducing the need for hospital admission and providing long-term support that extends well beyond the detox phase.
The service is delivered in partnership with the Clean Slate Clinic, a national provider specialising in outpatient and virtual withdrawal care. By using a fully remote model, the program offers customers access to an interdisciplinary team of qualified clinicians, no matter where they live. This includes doctors, nurses, counsellors, and addiction specialists who work collaboratively to guide participants through each stage of withdrawal and recovery.
A Year-Long “Detox to Aftercare” Model
Unlike short-term detox programs that address only the initial withdrawal period, Medibank’s new initiative adopts a comprehensive 12-month care model. This extended framework is built around the understanding that recovery from substance dependence involves more than just ceasing use. It requires ongoing emotional support, relapse prevention strategies, medical guidance, and behavioural change over time.
The program is delivered in structured phases:
- Assessment and Preparation:
Customers begin with an in-depth medical and psychosocial assessment. This ensures that detox at home is clinically appropriate and safe for their individual circumstances. Clinicians then develop a personalised care plan tailored to the customer’s history, withdrawal risks, and support needs. - Medically Supported Withdrawal:
Participants withdraw from alcohol, drugs, or stimulants from the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar environments that many people find more calming than clinical settings. They receive ongoing virtual monitoring from nurses and specialists who provide real-time support, track progress, adjust treatment plans, and intervene when necessary. - Stabilisation and Recovery Planning:
Once the acute withdrawal phase is complete, the customer transitions into the stabilisation stage. This includes regular check-ins, psychological support, and the introduction of aftercare strategies designed to reinforce early recovery. - Long-Term Aftercare and Prevention:
Over the remaining months, customers work with a multidisciplinary support team to build resilience, maintain progress, manage triggers, and reduce the risk of relapse. This includes access to clinicians who specialise in addiction medicine as well as lifestyle coaching and mental health support.
Overall, the year-long structure ensures continuity of care—something often missing in traditional, short-term detox programs.
Expanding Access, Reducing Barriers
Medibank’s Chief Customer Officer, Milosh Milisavljevic, emphasised that the new program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for its members. According to Milisavljevic, addiction recovery can be a challenging journey, and many people face practical, financial, and geographical obstacles when seeking help.
“Recovering from alcohol and drug addiction can be a challenging process and we want to make it easier and more accessible for our customers,” he said. “This program allows customers to withdraw in the comfort of their own home, with familiar surroundings, while also having regular access to a multidisciplinary team of qualified health professionals.”
He highlighted that the virtual structure makes the program especially valuable for customers living in regional and remote areas who may not have access to nearby addiction medicine specialists or detox facilities. In many parts of Australia, such services can be limited, involve long waiting lists, or require costly travel. By contrast, the virtual model removes many of these barriers and allows customers to receive high-quality care without leaving their home.
The Role of Clean Slate Clinic
The Clean Slate Clinic has rapidly become a respected provider of virtual withdrawal care across Australia. Its approach is grounded in evidence-based clinical practice and combines medical oversight with supportive counselling and long-term follow-up. Their clinicians specialise in outpatient detox and are trained to manage the unique challenges of at-home withdrawal.
Dr Chris Davis, Chief Medical Officer at the Clean Slate Clinic, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He stressed that Medibank’s involvement significantly widens access to people who may previously have felt unable to seek help—whether because of stigma, lack of local services, or concerns about hospital admission.
“Our partnership with Medibank means more Australians can now access safe, evidence-based withdrawal care from home,” Dr Davis said. “As one of the country’s leading insurers, Medibank’s support allows us to reach more people who might otherwise miss out on help. It’s a vital step toward removing the barriers that have long limited access to alcohol and other drug care in many communities.”
Dr Davis also noted that many people feel more comfortable engaging with withdrawal and recovery services privately rather than in a clinical setting. For some, the hospital environment can be intimidating or inconvenient. For others—especially parents, caregivers, shift workers, or those with mobility issues—attending inpatient care is simply not practical. The virtual model provides an alternative that is discreet, flexible, and aligned with individual schedules.
A Shift Toward Community-Based Addiction Care
Australia, like many countries, is increasingly recognising the value of decentralised, patient-centred models of addiction treatment. Hospital-based detox services remain essential for individuals with high-risk medical conditions or complex withdrawal needs. However, not everyone requires inpatient care.
For people whose withdrawal can be safely managed in the community, programs like Medibank’s new initiative offer a more personalised, less disruptive option. They also align with broader health-system goals to reduce pressure on hospitals, improve early access to care, and support long-term recovery.
By integrating aftercare directly into the program structure, Medibank and Clean Slate Clinic are emphasising that recovery is a continuous process—not a single event. Long-term support is crucial for preventing relapse, improving mental health outcomes, and helping individuals rebuild healthier routines and relationships.
Supporting a Changing Healthcare Landscape
Medibank’s launch of the Alcohol and Drug Detox at Home program is part of a broader trend of expanding virtual healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth and demonstrated that many forms of care—including mental health support, chronic disease management, and now addiction treatment—can be safely and effectively delivered remotely.
The insurer’s initiative reflects a strategic focus on enhancing customer experience, reducing barriers to care, and supporting innovative models that keep people healthier at home.
As substance-use challenges continue to affect communities across Australia, the need for accessible, flexible, and stigma-reducing treatment options has never been greater. With this program, Medibank is taking a meaningful step toward that goal—bringing medical expertise, compassion, and long-term guidance directly into the homes of customers who need it.
