Addiction Recovery in Johannesburg, South Africa:
Treatments, Costs and How to Start
- First step. Book a confidential assessment.
- Stabilisation. Safe management of withdrawal risks where indicated.
- Core care. Individual therapy, groups, skills training, family work, dual diagnosis support.
- Duration. Typical 21 to 90 days. Longer for complex histories.
- Funding. We help verify medical aid benefits and explain out of pocket costs.
First published: 15 June 2015. Last reviewed: 30 October 2025.
What Addiction Recovery in Johannesburg Involves
Addiction is a chronic health condition. Recovery is a staged process. Good treatment in South Africa is structured and practical. You get a clear plan, daily therapy, and support that extends beyond discharge. Families are included from the start.
The first 72 hours
- Clinical assessment and risk screen.
- Stabilisation plan and monitoring where needed.
- Personalised treatment plan with clear goals.
- Family call to align expectations and support.
- Orientation to routine, groups, and community supports.
Core treatments
- Individual therapy. Cognitive and motivational methods to change thinking and behaviour.
- Group therapy. Process groups and psychoeducation to build skills and accountability.
- Family therapy. Boundaries, communication, and relapse prevention roles.
- Dual diagnosis care. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues addressed alongside substance use.
- Skills training. Craving management, trigger mapping, sleep, nutrition, stress tools.
- Health and routine. Exercise, mindfulness, journalling, and daily structure.
Detox and stabilisation
Detox prepares you for treatment. Where withdrawal risks are present, a safe stabilisation plan is arranged. The goal is comfort, safety, and a smooth handover into daily therapeutic work.
How long recovery takes
- 30 days. Foundation work, risk reduction, basic skills.
- 60 days. Skills consolidation, family work, mental health stabilisation.
- 90+ days. Best for long histories, polysubstance use, or repeated relapse.
Longer engagement improves outcomes because skills are practised under support, not crisis.
Costs and medical aid
- Fees include. Accommodation, daily therapy schedule, clinical reviews, meals, and aftercare planning.
- What varies. Detox needs, length of stay, single or shared rooms, extra assessments.
- Medical aid. We help check benefits, co pays, pre authorisations, and scheme rules.
- Transparency. You receive a written estimate before admission.
Substances we see most in South Africa
- Alcohol. The most common driver of harm and admissions.
- Tik. Methamphetamine use linked to sleep loss, anxiety, and rapid deterioration.
- Nyaope or heroin. High relapse risk without structured care and aftercare.
- Cannabis and prescription drugs. Often co used and minimised.
Treatment plans are tailored to substance patterns, mental health, and family context.
What a typical day looks like
| Time | Focus | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Hygiene, light movement, mindfulness | Anchors routine and focus |
| Morning | Group therapy, psychoeducation | Skills and peer accountability |
| Midday | Individual therapy | Personal goals and barriers |
| Afternoon | Skills sessions, family work, health | Practical tools for home life |
| Evening | Community support meeting, reflection | Connection and daily review |
Family role this week
- One boundary you will keep.
- One support behaviour you will add.
- One trigger you will remove from the home.
- One meeting you will attend or observe.
- One written plan for the first weekend after discharge.
Aftercare that works
- Written relapse prevention plan with names, times, and places.
- Scheduled therapy sessions post discharge.
- Community support meeting plan for four weeks.
- Family check ins at set intervals.
- Return to work or study plan with graded steps.
Take the first step today.
Call us for expert addiction help and treatment solutions for friends, family, loved ones or yourself.
Free and confidential- Available 24/7
- Access to professional treatment
You do not need do this alone. Chat to one of our counsellors today.
Admissions checklist
- ID, medical aid details, list of current scripts.
- Contact for next of kin.
- Work or school letter needs.
- Personal items per facility list.
- Transport plan to and from the centre.
Service areas
We admit patients across Gauteng and wider South Africa. International patients are welcome subject to assessment and travel arrangements.
FAQs
▸What is the first step to start?
Book a confidential assessment. Risks are checked, a plan is agreed, and an admission date is set.
▸How long does rehab take?
Most plans run 30 to 90 days. Longer stays suit complex histories or repeated relapse.
▸Is detox always required?
No. Detox is needed only where withdrawal risks are present. Assessment guides the safest route.
▸Do you treat dual diagnosis?
Yes. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other conditions are treated alongside substance use.
▸What does medical aid cover?
Schemes differ. Assessment, stabilisation, and inpatient treatment are often covered. We verify benefits before admission.
▸What happens after discharge?
You leave with a written aftercare plan, therapy bookings, and a meeting schedule, plus follow up calls in the first month.
▸Can my family be involved?
Yes. Family sessions set boundaries, improve communication, and reduce relapse risk.
▸Do you accept out of province patients?
Yes. We arrange admission plans and link local aftercare where needed.
References
- HelpGuide. Overcoming drug addiction. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/overcoming-drug-addiction
- NIDA. Treatment and recovery. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
- Mayo Clinic. Drug addiction, diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113
- WHO. Substance use resources. https://www.who.int/health-topics/substance-use
- South African DSD. Substance abuse services. https://www.dsd.gov.za/
- SADAG. Support resources. https://www.sadag.org/
- AA South Africa. Meetings. https://www.aasouthafrica.org.za/
Is My Loved One Addicted?
Your responses are private and not stored.