Programme Areas

Addictions - drug & alcohol, Detox and rehabilitation

Programme Type

Community (medical detox)

Regions

All of New Zealand

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

Self referral, GP

Referral Process

Video consultations may be available if you are unable to come to the clinic.

Phone Reception on 0274 2222 73. You may be asked to leave a message that will be responded to.

A referral from your usual GP is always helpful. However many patients self-refer and are encouraged to send or bring recent medical reports.

Description

Would you like an experienced doctor to support your effort to end an alcohol or drug problem?
You could be assessed at the clinic or by video consultation.

NALTREXONE tablets may be an option to support controlled drinking or abstinence from alcohol.

CBD or other medicinal cannabis may reduce the emotional distress associated with reducing or stopping alcohol or other problem substances.

Dr Graham Gulbransen is a Specialist GP and Addiction Fellow with 30 years’ experience in medical detoxification.

He has supported families with home detoxes from alcohol and other drugs.

Dr Gulbransen has also provided consultations for Zen, The Turning Point, Capri and Federal St and continue to work with clients attending CADS (Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services).

Read more about Alcohol and Drug detoxification

What is Detoxification?

Here we are talking about using medication prescribed by an experienced Specialist GP with Addiction Medicine training to reduce the distressing symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal.

Such a detox is best supported by family/whānau or a rehabilitation service.

Detoxification - my work

I assess and prescribe medicinal cannabis and sometimes other medication for clients stopping (or reducing) these substances:

MEDICATION PRESCRIBED

• Naltrexone to reduce alcohol craving and limit binges
• Diazepam to reduce withdrawal symptoms - patients MUST be assessed at the clinic
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) to reduce the harm to the nervous system
• Disulfiram (antabuse)
• Metoclopramide for nausea
• Medicinal cannabis for acute anxiety or insomnia
• Vaping is highly recommended to reduce or stop smoking
• CBD (medicinal cannabis) taken as oral drops may ease emotional distress or pain underlying an addiction. CBD and/or THC oral drops or dried flower (herbal) vaped or as a tea may help with sleep and/or pain.