There is not much therapy accomplished during this first phase of drug and alcohol abuse treatment. The patient is under medical supervision to make sure that the withdrawal from the substance is not dangerous and is as comfortable as reasonably possible. This phase of the program usually lasts for about 7-14 days but can be longer or shorter depending on the substance being abused and how chronic the problem is.

Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation ("Rehab") programs are the next step in the journey through treatment. These programs typically offer a blend of activities that make up an intense program. The stay in this level of care in the drug rehab chain will ususally last about a month in most treatment models. Clients are normally always residential at the rehab clinic during this time. Because clients are inpatient they are fully immersed in a culture of recovery and their denial is slowly chipped away. Most substance abuse treatment clinics in South Africa will offer ongoing "aftercare" sessions for graduates of their programs.

In an outpatient program the client comes to the alcohol addiction rehab for either a few hours a day or a full day but sleeps at home. While they are at the rehab clinic they engage in a program that includes psychotherapeutic, recreational, occupational, and "alternative healing" elements. These programs can be used to help patients leave rehab and transition to assuming full responsibility for their sobriety.

Residential Centers And Halfway Houses
This level of care is usually the last stop in the patients trek through the chain of alcohol rehab centers. These "step-down" facilities are used to provide a structured and supportive environment to addicts as they leave residential treatment and start returning to everyday life. They are especially useful for clients who either have nowhere else to go or whose home environment is risky to their addiction recovery. Most centers require ongoing abstinence in order to be eligible for residence in the house.