Bridging Medical Detox and Peer Support: Clean Slate's Innovative 12-Month Recovery Model
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |
| 12:40 PM - 1:10 PM |
Overview
Chris Gimpel, Clean Slate Clinic & Dan Raffell, SMART Recovery Australia
Speaker
Mr Chris Gimpel
Head Of Client Engagement
Clean Slate Clinic
Bridging Medical Detox and Peer Support: Clean Slate's Innovative 12-Month Recovery Model
Abstract
Clean Slate and SMART Recovery have partnered to create an innovative, comprehensive 12-month care model for medical detox and long-term recovery support. This model combines medically supervised home detox program with ongoing peer support, offering a holistic approach to treatment.
The Clean Slate program begins with a GP-led, nurse-supported home detox, providing a safe and accessible alternative to traditional inpatient services. This telehealth-delivered model has demonstrated high adoptability (82% completion rate) and effectiveness in reducing alcohol intake and psychological distress, as evidenced by an independent University of Sydney review.
Following detox, participants engage in daily virtual Clean Slate Conversations, powered by SMART Recovery. These 90-minute sessions follow a structured format of check-in, discussion, and check-out, aligning with SMART Recovery's principles of self-empowerment and cognitive-behavioural techniques. The long-term approach taken by Clean Slate resonates with SMART Recovery's focus on ongoing support and skill-building for sustainable change.
Analysis of feedback from clients revealed significant positive impacts:
95% would recommend the program
84% reported increased motivation and peer support
78% noted improvements in behaviour management
Qualitative analysis highlighted the value of peer connection in reducing isolation and inspiring change. The structured conversation format and facilitator guidance were praised for maintaining focus on recovery goals.
Key strengths of the program include:
Dedicated nursing support throughout the detox process
Medically supervised, telehealth-delivered home detox
Long-term recovery support through daily SMART Recovery-based conversations
Flexible participation options to improve accessibility
Key Learnings:
Integrating medical supervision with peer support creates a comprehensive, effective recovery model.
Telehealth-delivered detox and recovery support increases accessibility and completion rates.
Long-term, structured peer support significantly enhances motivation and behaviour management in recovery.
This presentation will explore how Clean Slate's innovative approach strengthened by SMART Recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive, long-term care in addiction recovery, offering valuable insights for practitioners and program providers.
The Clean Slate program begins with a GP-led, nurse-supported home detox, providing a safe and accessible alternative to traditional inpatient services. This telehealth-delivered model has demonstrated high adoptability (82% completion rate) and effectiveness in reducing alcohol intake and psychological distress, as evidenced by an independent University of Sydney review.
Following detox, participants engage in daily virtual Clean Slate Conversations, powered by SMART Recovery. These 90-minute sessions follow a structured format of check-in, discussion, and check-out, aligning with SMART Recovery's principles of self-empowerment and cognitive-behavioural techniques. The long-term approach taken by Clean Slate resonates with SMART Recovery's focus on ongoing support and skill-building for sustainable change.
Analysis of feedback from clients revealed significant positive impacts:
95% would recommend the program
84% reported increased motivation and peer support
78% noted improvements in behaviour management
Qualitative analysis highlighted the value of peer connection in reducing isolation and inspiring change. The structured conversation format and facilitator guidance were praised for maintaining focus on recovery goals.
Key strengths of the program include:
Dedicated nursing support throughout the detox process
Medically supervised, telehealth-delivered home detox
Long-term recovery support through daily SMART Recovery-based conversations
Flexible participation options to improve accessibility
Key Learnings:
Integrating medical supervision with peer support creates a comprehensive, effective recovery model.
Telehealth-delivered detox and recovery support increases accessibility and completion rates.
Long-term, structured peer support significantly enhances motivation and behaviour management in recovery.
This presentation will explore how Clean Slate's innovative approach strengthened by SMART Recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive, long-term care in addiction recovery, offering valuable insights for practitioners and program providers.
Biography
Chris Gimpel is an alcohol-free advocate, thought leader, and recovery speaker who transforms narratives around alcohol use. Drawing from personal experience overcoming alcohol dependence, Chris offers authentic insights on personal growth and mental wellbeing. As Head of Client Engagement at Clean Slate Clinic, Chris addresses Alcohol Use Disorder, addiction recovery, and emotional resilience. Key areas of expertise include redefining alcohol use, mental health in recovery, personal transformation, self-compassion, and alcohol's impact on career. Through vulnerable storytelling and practical guidance, Chris empowers individuals to reassess their relationship with alcohol and embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and long-term sobriety.
