Drinking more than you want to? You can change that without going away.

Signs your drinking has become a problem

• You plan to have one or two and end up having many more
• You’ve tried to cut down or take a break and couldn’t keep it up
• You drink to cope with stress, sleep, anxiety or feeling low
• You hide how much you drink, or get defensive when someone mentions it
• You need more to get the same effect
• Hangovers, missed commitments, arguments or money problems keep coming back
• Weekends have turned into binges, even if you’re fine during the week (read more)

You don’t need to hit rock bottom first. If a few of these sound familiar, take the free Alcohol Dependence Audit. It takes about 5 minutes and nothing is saved or sent.

How Urban Recovery helps

Most treatment focuses on getting you to stop. We focus on what comes after: rebuilding your health, relationships, purpose and habits, so you build a life you don’t need to escape from. You stay at home and keep working while you do it.

• Assessment (R750, 45 minutes): a confidential conversation with Steven that looks at the whole picture and gives you a clear plan.
• REBUILD programme (8 months, one afternoon a week, R3 850 a month): 12 practical modules in a small group, in Centurion or on Zoom.
• Recovery coaching (R850 a session): one-on-one support with goals and accountability.
• Monday support groups (free): every Monday from 19:00 in Centurion or on Zoom, for you and the people who love you.

Do I need detox first?

If you drink heavily every day, don’t stop suddenly on your own. Alcohol withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, anxiety and, in severe cases, seizures or confusion.

We’re an outpatient service and don’t do detox. If you need medical withdrawal management, we’ll help you arrange it through a doctor or medical facility first, then support your recovery afterwards.

Common questions

Can I get help for alcohol without going to rehab?

Often, yes. Many people recover while living at home and working, with structured outpatient support and a recovery community. Rehab is the right call if you need medical detox or a safe place to stabilise. The assessment will tell you honestly which you need. Read Do I need rehab, or can I get better at home?.

Will my employer or medical aid find out?

Yes. What you share stays with us and isn’t shared with your employer, family or anyone else without your consent, except where the law requires it, such as an immediate risk to life. We also don’t claim from medical aid, so your treatment stays off your medical record.

Can my partner or family get support too?

Yes. Our Monday groups are free and open to partners, parents and family members, and Nanette offers recovery coaching for families. Read Helping or enabling? A guide for families.

What does it cost?

Assessment: R750 once-off. REBUILD programme: R3 850 a month for 8 months, or R25 500 once-off. Recovery coaching: R850 a session. Monday groups: free. See all treatment options.

Related reading

• “I only drink on weekends.” Can that still be a problem?
• Do I need rehab, or can I get better at home?
• “I’ve been to rehab and I relapsed.” Now what?
• Getting better without putting your job on the line