Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment in South Africa
Dependence on prescription medication such as benzodiazepines (diazepam, sold as Valium; lorazepam, sold as Ativan) and sleeping tablets can develop even with medical use, and stopping suddenly can be dangerous. We offer medically supervised detox and residential treatment in South Africa, costing less than equivalent UK private care.
Your enquiry is confidential and only seen by our admissions team.
About Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment in South Africa
What this looks like
Dependence on prescription medication, most often benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), or sleeping tablets such as zopiclone (Zimovane), can develop even when the medication was taken exactly as prescribed. Signs include needing more for the same effect, withdrawal symptoms between doses (anxiety, shaking, insomnia), and difficulty stopping despite wanting to. This isn’t a matter of misuse; these medications are physically dependence-forming with regular use. It’s a recognised medical condition, and effective, medically supervised treatment is available.
What to expect day to day
A doctor assesses every client on arrival, including exactly what’s been prescribed and for how long, and a nurse oversees detox from that point on. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines and similar medications can be dangerous, including a risk of seizures, so it’s never attempted suddenly or without supervision: our medical team often plans a gradual, monitored taper rather than a short detox. Once withdrawal is complete, treatment moves into the residential programme: group therapy, the 12-step programme, individual counselling, and CBT/DBT.
Talk to us about this in confidence. There's no obligation, and no one else sees your enquiry.
Treatment here
The same residential programme at every centre, with medical detox.
- Group therapy
- The undiluted 12-step programme
- Individual counselling
- The 12-step community
- Access to 12-step meetings, in person and online
- Didactic groups
- Educational documentaries
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Medical detox is available at every centre. After a physical health assessment, a doctor and nurse plan a medically supervised detox, supported by the centre’s dedicated nursing station.
Modern, spacious bedrooms. Choose a shared room, or a private room at additional cost.
Your enquiry is confidential and only seen by our admissions team.
Questions
Which prescription medications cause dependence?
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) and temazepam, sleeping tablets such as zopiclone (Zimovane) and zolpidem (Stilnoct), and some other prescribed medications can cause dependence with regular use, even when taken as prescribed. Our medical team assesses exactly what's been used before planning detox.
Is benzodiazepine withdrawal dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can cause serious symptoms including seizures, particularly after long-term or high-dose use, which is why it should always happen under medical supervision, often with a gradual, monitored taper.
Can I stop taking my medication before I arrive?
No, please don't stop suddenly on your own. Speak to our admissions team first so a safe plan can be made, and continue as prescribed until you're under our medical team's care.
How long does withdrawal from prescription medication take?
It varies by medication and how long it's been used, and can take longer than other substances, sometimes a gradual taper over weeks rather than a short detox. Our doctor and nurse plan this individually for each client.
Related conditions
Sources
Independent, evidence-based guidance this page draws on.
Reviewed by Richard Kelly (Head Counsellor, The Cedars Midlands Facility). Last reviewed .
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