Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know
if I qualify as having an alcohol problem?
If you're drinking regularly quite significant amounts and you've had problems with your health, at work or at home, then you probably are drinking harmfully. How much will it cost? Do I get reimbursed? The programme is free of charge! You will also be reimbursed for your time and travel expenses. Can I withdraw the programme at any point? Yes. Your choice to remain or leave in the programme will be respected under all circumstances. What is the counselling? Do I have to do it? The type of counselling therapy offered will depend upon the trial in which you are enrolled. We strongly encourage that you attend therapy sessions with a qualified counsellor. The clinician will target issues relating to your drinking patterns, motivate you to remain abstinent and to take medications. What is the medication? How will it effect me? Are the medications addictive?
The
type of medication offered (if any) will depend upon the
trial in which you are enrolled. We strongly encourage that you
discuss the medications in depth with the trial doctor before deciding to participate in any trial. Some of the medications include:
Naltrexone (ReviaŽ)
blocks the 'high' or 'euphoria' that alcohol can induce. Acamprosate (CampralŽ)
will decrease the cravings for alcohol and the negative side effects
of withdrawal. None of
these medications are addictive.
Click here to view more information about the
medications.
Are there
any side effects? I want to participate in the programme but am
afraid of side effects of the medications. Side effects
are rare - only occurring in <10% of people and will dissipate within
a couple of weeks. The side effects that have been reported include
fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and/or headache depending on the medication you
receive. The few clients that have reported side effects state that
the advantages associated with abstinence far out-weigh initial side
effects.
I am
breastfeeding, can I still enrol? If you are
pregnant or breastfeeding you will not be able to enrol.
Click here to view the criteria for the programme.
Can I choose which
study I want to participate in?
Yes, as long as you meet the study
criteria. However, one of our doctors may recommend a study that
is better suited to your circumstances.
I have a
job, how flexible will the program be with my work times?
The clinics run
at specific times through the week. It is best
if you can schedule a consistent time but we may allow for a certain
amount of flexibility across these days. Counselling sessions are
more flexible throughout the week and can also be scheduled for the
same day as your doctors appointment to minimize time out of work.
I live out
of Sydney, are there any options for me? At present we
only operate in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Click here to view the locations of our current clinic. Please feel free to contact us to find out more information about services outisde of the Sydney metropolitan area.
I don't
think I have an alcohol problem, my family member just wants me to
participate? It is required
that you possess at least some intention to reduce your alcohol
intake. Obviously, as you are the person who will be attending the
appointments and possibly taking medications, it is important that you
are the one willing to try the program.
What happens
if I forget/cannot make an appointment? |