Quick answer: Alcohol rehab in Gauteng usually starts with 7 to 10 days of medically supervised detox, followed by a 21 to 28 day inpatient programme or an outpatient programme, and then aftercare. Heavy daily drinkers should not stop suddenly without medical advice, because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. Medical aid covers up to 21 days of inpatient treatment a year.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
When does drinking need rehab?
Drinking has become a dependence that needs professional help when several of these apply:
- drinking more, or for longer, than intended
- trying to cut down and not managing
- needing more alcohol to get the same effect
- shaking, sweating, nausea or anxiety when not drinking
- drinking in the morning or to steady the nerves
- neglecting work, family or other responsibilities
- carrying on despite health, legal or relationship problems
If this sounds familiar, speak to a doctor or an addiction professional. You do not need to wait until things get worse.
Is it dangerous to stop drinking suddenly?
It can be. For someone who drinks heavily every day, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal: tremors, sweating, anxiety and insomnia, and in severe cases seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency. Get medical advice before stopping, and go to a hospital straight away if someone has a seizure, becomes confused or sees things that are not there.
What happens in alcohol detox?
Detox is the supervised process of clearing alcohol from the body safely. Doctors and nurses monitor the person, give medication to ease symptoms and prevent seizures, and look after fluids and nutrition. It usually takes 7 to 10 days. Detox deals with the physical dependence only, so it should lead straight into a treatment programme.
What does alcohol rehab involve after detox?
- individual counselling to understand why the person drinks
- group therapy with others in recovery
- education about addiction and relapse prevention
- treatment for anxiety, depression or trauma where needed
- family sessions
- an aftercare plan, often including Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
Inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab?
Inpatient rehab is usually the safer choice for people who need detox, have relapsed before, or live where alcohol is always at hand. Outpatient programmes can work for milder dependence when home is stable and supportive. A professional assessment should guide the choice. Read more about alcohol addiction rehab in Gauteng.
How long does alcohol rehab take?
- Detox: 7–10 days
- Short-term inpatient programme: 21–28 days
- Extended programme: 60–90 days
- Aftercare and support groups: ongoing, often for a year or more
What does alcohol rehab cost in Gauteng, and does medical aid pay?
Private inpatient rehab typically costs R15,000 to R90,000 per month, and a medical detox R8,000 to R25,000. Alcohol dependence is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, so every medical scheme must cover up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation a year, plus up to three days of hospital care for severe withdrawal. You usually need pre-authorisation and a facility in the scheme’s network. See how much rehab costs and our medical aid cover page.
Where can I get free help for an alcohol problem in Gauteng?
- Gauteng Anti-Substance Abuse helpline: 0800 22 88 27, for assessment and state-funded treatment.
- National substance abuse helpline: 0800 12 13 14.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: free meetings across Gauteng and online.
- SANCA: lower-cost outpatient programmes at its Gauteng offices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I detox from alcohol at home?
Only with a doctor’s guidance. Heavy daily drinkers risk seizures and delirium tremens during withdrawal, so a supervised detox is safer.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Symptoms usually start within 6 to 24 hours of the last drink, are at their worst over the next two to three days and ease within about a week. Sleep and mood problems can last longer.
Does medical aid cover alcohol rehab?
Yes. Every South African medical scheme must cover up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation a year for alcohol dependence, usually at a network facility and with pre-authorisation.
How do I help a family member who drinks too much?
Talk to them when they are sober, give specific examples without blame and have treatment options ready. Al-Anon supports families of people with a drinking problem. See who needs rehab and what to do if someone refuses.
How Rehab Bridge can help
Rehab Bridge is not a rehab centre. We listen to your situation, explain your options and connect you to rehab centres in Gauteng and Cape Town that fit your needs, budget and medical aid. Contact us, send us a WhatsApp or email info@rehabbridge.co.za.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 112 from a cellphone or 10177 for an ambulance.