If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on alcohol - or stopping altogether - the idea of taking medication might come as a surprise. You’re not alone in that. We speak to so many people who say: “I thought I’d just push through it”, or “I didn’t realise withdrawal could be dangerous”.

Use this important mindfulness tool to help aid your decision making.

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In moments of self-reflection during recovery, we can confront an uncomfortable truth - that the journey is rarely linear. The path towards change — whether breaking free from alcohol or overcoming other substance dependence - demands we embrace an essential paradox; that true healing often emerges from our perceived setbacks.

Dr David McLaughlan is a consultant psychiatrist based in London who specialises in supporting people with addictive behaviours and harmful habits, particularly alcohol use.

Like many of our clients, CEO of Clean Slate Clinic, Pia Clinton Tarestad's journey to recovery began with an uncertain Google search.

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.

This is a withdrawal scale to be used during a medicated detox. It assesses your withdrawal symptoms which will be reported back to the Clean Slate team as part of your detox diary. It can guide whether or not you need to take your valium dose, or indeed whether you need an extra one.

For many of us, the journey to reducing alcohol consumption can feel overwhelming. As we approach the New Year and focus on recalibrating healthy habits, we chatted to Andrew Addie, our Intake and Client Support Coordinator. Andrew brings not just professional expertise but valuable lived experience to his role.

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