Addiction Detox & In-Patient Rehab in Johannesburg
The most intensive phase of treatment dismantling denial, managing withdrawal and forming of the therapeutic relationships to overcome addiction.
CONTACT NOWInpatient addiction treatment
Medical Aid Pays: Detox, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Lectures, Step-Work and Counselling by a full Multi-Disciplinary Team of Professionals in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
A Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment & Recovery
Changes’ primary facility accommodates 16 patients and is situated in Northcliff Johannesburg. This is the most intensive phase of treatment and focusses on dismantling denial once the patients’ withdrawal has been medically managed and detox is complete. Patients have access to a number of therapeutic modalities on a day-to-day basis and are equipped with an array of tools for coping with life without the use of substances by the time they leave treatment.
Each patients therapy is individualised through a professional teams ongoing assessment in conjunction with the patient and family input. This is crucial to meet each clients’ unique circumstances and needs. The facility is comfortable and secure with 24-hour supervision by a clinical team and registered and experienced nurses’. Nutritious meals are provided and clients’ dietary needs are considered and catered for.
Need Alcohol Detox or Addiction Treatment?
Our Primary Care Alcohol Detox and Addiction Rehab
Inpatient Treatment Programme
Our inpatient alcohol detox and addiction rehabilitation centre provides the full suite of services to help patients live a recovery-focused life, free from active addiction. Primary care treatment lasts 21 to 24 days before patients move to secondary care or outpatient rehab & halfway house.
The detox process removes drugs and alcohol from the body and is aimed at safely managing withdrawal symptoms when an individual stops taking substances. We provide safe and expertly managed therapeutic detox supervised by medical professionals. Every person’s detox will be different and will depend on the drug used and how long it was used.
For individuals who have tried and failed to get sober on their own, inpatient rehabilitation treatment is an advisable option. With round-the-clock residential care, patients are equipped with knowledge about their disease and a multitude of tools that they can use to avoid relapse and stay clean and sober.
Medical and addiction professionals are available throughout the day and capable nursing staff are on the premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is also on call for any medical issues patients may experience.
Research has found that approximately half of people who suffer from addiction also have another mental health condition, for example anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. This is referred to as dual diagnosis. Patients at Changes have the benefit of consulting with a highly experienced addiction psychiatrist who is able to assist with all of the individual’s mental health needs.
Drugs and alcohol are not only physically addictive, individuals also become psychologically dependent on their substance of choice. This makes access to psychologists, and psychology-based counselling, an important part of the recovery process. Patients at Changes have access to psychologists who are experienced in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction and recovery. Many of our clients have also experienced trauma in their past and are able to work through this trauma during sessions with our psychologists.
One-on-one weekly sessions with experienced and certified addiction counsellors who help clients deal with the consequences of their addiction as well as identifying and overcoming triggers that could lead them back to using drugs or drinking.
Occupational therapy can help individuals rebuild the skills and abilities that were harmed or lost during active addiction and can therefor assist patients with coping with life and its challenges. The aim of occupational therapy is to help clients by providing them with tools to cope and function optimally in and out of treatment.
BWRT is a new and innovative type of psychotherapy that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of negative emotions. It is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, fears and phobias. BWRT is advantageous as it is rapid in terms of achieving results, aiming to address an individual’s specific problem in only a few sessions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a therapeutic technique that is well-established in treating addiction. It aims to improve an individual’s motivation to change, to reinforce abstinence with rewards or incentives and to help prevent relapses through training clients to respond differently to cues that they would ordinarily respond to by using drugs and/or alcohol.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy helps individuals overcome any uncertainty or hesitation in engaging in treatment and stopping their use of drugs or alcohol. It aims to strengthen a person’s internal motivation to change.
12 step programmes not only help people overcome addiction; they also serve as a guide to a new way of life. These fellowships connect clients with a community of people facing the same or similar challenges. 12 step fellowships provide an important post-treatment structure and help individuals maintain long-term recovery.
Patients and their loved-ones often benefit from a greater understanding of the nature of addiction and the process of recovery. At Changes we equip clients and their families with in-depth knowledge about the disease of addiction and how it traps individuals in cycles of destructive behaviour as well as how it impacts everyone who comes into contact with the addict or alcoholic.
Assessment
A private clinical assessment clarifies risks, co-occurring concerns, and immediate next steps. We gather history, current symptoms, medications, and family input to match the right level of care. If admission is appropriate, we help you plan timelines and documentation so things move quickly. Learn how assessments work and what to expect on the day.
Withdrawal is managed under medical oversight to reduce risks and improve comfort. Nursing support is available 24/7, with medication protocols tailored to clinical need. Detox prepares patients for therapeutic work—sleep, nutrition, and stabilisation come first. See what to bring, typical timelines, and how we coordinate pre-authorisation.
The first 21–42 days focus on routine, safety, and daily therapy. Patients engage in individual and group sessions, psycho-education, and family contact where appropriate, supported by a multidisciplinary team. Primary care builds early momentum for change and prepares the plan for the next stage.
Secondary care deepens the work on patterns, triggers, and trauma in a calmer setting. With structured days, therapeutic groups, and coached routines, patients practise skills that hold at home. Families are updated and involved appropriately. Explore typical lengths of stay and why secondary care improves long-term outcomes.
For step-down care or when residential treatment isn’t possible, outpatient combines evening groups, one-to-one therapy, and accountability. The focus is integrating recovery into daily life—work, study, and family responsibilities—while maintaining structure and support.
Sober living provides a structured, supportive home environment with curfews, chores, coached routines, and ongoing therapy. It bridges the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, reinforcing accountability and community while returning to work or study.
Patients learn how to spot risk early and respond fast—managing triggers, cravings, and high-risk situations. We build practical routines, communication plans, and support networks, with clear steps families can take too. See typical tools and how they’re practised before discharge.
Continuing care sustains progress after discharge: scheduled check-ins, group support, individual sessions where needed, and a plan for setbacks. We coordinate with families and community resources to keep recovery anchored in daily life.
Longer-Term Stabilisation
Additional time for therapy and routine often strengthens gains made in the first month.
