Quick answer: Drug rehab in Gauteng treats dependence on nyaope and heroin, tik, cocaine, cat, cannabis and prescription medication. Treatment starts with an assessment and, where needed, a medically supervised detox, followed by a 21 to 28 day inpatient programme or an outpatient programme, and then aftercare. Medical aid covers up to 21 days a year, and state-funded treatment is free.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Which drugs do Gauteng rehabs treat?
| Drug | What it is | What treatment usually involves |
|---|---|---|
| Nyaope and heroin | Opioids. Nyaope is a heroin-based street drug, usually smoked with cannabis | Medical detox for opioid withdrawal, then counselling. Some programmes offer opioid substitution therapy |
| Tik (crystal meth) | A strong stimulant | Supervised withdrawal with rest and nutrition, treatment for low mood or psychosis if present, then counselling |
| Cocaine and crack | Stimulants | Counselling-based treatment and relapse prevention |
| Cat (methcathinone) | A stimulant | Counselling-based treatment and relapse prevention |
| Prescription medication | Codeine painkillers, sleeping tablets and tranquillisers | A slow, medically supervised reduction, then counselling |
| Cannabis | Dagga | Counselling, often as an outpatient |
Do I need a detox before drug rehab?
It depends on the drug. Opioids such as nyaope, heroin and codeine, and sedatives such as sleeping tablets and tranquillisers, cause physical dependence, so stopping needs medical supervision. Sleeping tablets and tranquillisers should never be stopped suddenly, because that can cause seizures. Stimulants such as tik, cocaine and cat do not need a medicated detox in the same way, but the first days often bring exhaustion, low mood and strong cravings, so supervision still helps.
What is opioid substitution therapy?
Opioid substitution therapy replaces heroin or nyaope with a prescribed medicine, usually methadone or buprenorphine, taken under supervision. It controls withdrawal and cravings so the person can stabilise and take part in counselling. In Tshwane, the COSUP programme provides it free at community sites. Elsewhere in Gauteng it is mostly available through private doctors and some treatment centres. Many rehabs follow an abstinence-based approach and do not offer it, so ask before admission.
What does drug rehab involve after detox?
- individual counselling
- group therapy
- education about addiction, triggers and relapse prevention
- treatment for depression, anxiety or trauma where needed
- family sessions
- an aftercare plan, often including Narcotics Anonymous meetings
How long does drug rehab take?
- Detox: about 7–10 days where needed
- Short-term inpatient programme: 21–28 days
- Extended programme: 60–90 days
- Aftercare: ongoing, often for a year or more
See what happens in a 21-day rehab.
What does drug rehab cost in Gauteng?
Private inpatient rehab typically costs R15,000 to R90,000 per month, and outpatient programmes roughly R1,500 to R6,000 per week. Drug dependence is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, so medical schemes must cover up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation a year. The full price breakdown is in how much rehab costs.
Where can I find drug rehab in Gauteng?
Private and state-funded centres operate across the province. See our guides to rehab in Johannesburg, rehab in Pretoria and rehab in Gauteng.
Frequently asked questions
Is nyaope withdrawal dangerous?
Nyaope withdrawal is very unpleasant, with pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and sleeplessness, but it is rarely life-threatening in itself. The main dangers are dehydration and overdose if the person uses again after a break, because their tolerance has dropped. A supervised detox is safer.
What is the difference between detox and rehab?
Detox clears the drug from the body safely and takes about a week. Rehab is the counselling and therapy that deals with why the person uses and how to stay off the drug. Detox alone is rarely enough.
Does medical aid cover drug rehab?
Yes. Every South African medical scheme must cover up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation a year for drug dependence, usually at a network facility and with pre-authorisation.
Can I force someone into drug rehab?
Only a court can order an adult into treatment. A family member can start the process with a sworn statement at the magistrate’s court. See what to do if someone refuses rehab.
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.