The
Bluefield Clinic
Alcohol Recovery
Service Overview
Our program is designed to complement and support General Practice care, particularly where the prescription of first-line medication for AUD is involved. This is consistent with best-practice standards for AUD treatment (1).
Our treatment is delivered exclusively by telehealth. The primary emphasis is to provide scientifically verified, comprehensive recovery support. This includes relapse prevention and interventions to address underlying psychological motivations for alcohol use, such as emotional overwhelm and trauma.
Prominent in our service is the provision of personalised supportive therapy to individuals following 'The Sinclair Method' (TSM). TSM is a pharmacological regimen which relies on the targeted prescription of naltrexone, a GP-recognised, safe and effective standard of care in treating alcohol use disorder (RACGP) (2).
Accordingly, our program complies with the PBS requirements for the prescription of naltrexone,(3) viz:
‘comprehensive treatment program with the goal of maintaining abstinence/controlled consumption’.
1. Haber, P. S., Riordan, B., Winter, D., & Barrett, L. (2021). New Australian guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems. Medical Journal of Australia, 214(5), 227–229.
2. Naltrexone: A safe and effective standard of care in treating alcohol use disorder. Volume 55, Issue 1–2, January–February 2026. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2026/january-february/naltrexone.
3. O’Malley, S. S., Rounsaville, B. J., Farren, C. K., & McCance‑Katz, E. F. (2006). Targeted versus daily naltrexone: Secondary analysis of effects on average daily drinking. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 30(6), 1032–1037.
Adults experiencing:
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Alcohol use disorder or problematic alcohol use
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Relapse cycles or difficulty maintaining recovery
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Increased alcohol consumption due to unresolved trauma
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Emotional regulation difficulties (e.g., overwhelm, distress intolerance)
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Long-standing behavioural or relational patterns affecting recovery
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Difficulties maintaining motivation for change in drinking behaviour
Clients are suitable whether actively reducing alcohol use or working toward abstinence, depending on treatment goals.
Suitable Referrals
Referral Information
Referrals are accepted for adults seeking support for alcohol-related difficulties and associated psychological factors, via:
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Medicare treatment plans
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Self-referral - required to engage with a GP
What your patients can expect:
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Pre-intake appointment within 7 days.
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No contracts or upfront payments - Fees set below APS recommendations.
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Minimal wait times for first consultation and assessment.
Please contact us via email to discuss whether this service may be appropriate for your patient.
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Exclusion Criteria
This service may not be suitable if individuals are:
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Experiencing psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment or other substance dependence.
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Unable to manage/access digital technology.
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Experiencing social instability.
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Requiring rapid detox.
Referral to specialised addiction or psychiatric services may be more appropriate in cases where the individual requires immediate cessation and acute withdrawal management.