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Outpatient treatment

A powerful alternative to inpatient treatment
Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Addictions

Get the treatment, accountability & structure you need to conquer
your addiction — without checking out of your life.

Inpatient care might not be possible, but your recovery certainly is

Inpatient rehab is the gold standard in addiction treatment. However, when family commitments, work obligations, or financial constraints make inpatient care impossible, our Intensive Outpatient Programme offers a powerful alternative.

Especially effective at earlier stages of addiction, it provides structured support, intensive therapy, and recovery tools while allowing you to maintain your daily responsibilities.

Top-tier addiction treatment, on your terms

Our intensive outpatient programme

Effective in select cases

Ideal for early-stage or moderate addiction — if a person’s home environment supports their recovery

Held every weekday evening

Designed for individuals who need to
maintain everyday work and
family commitments

Evidence-based treatment

Incorporates the same sophisticated
methods used in our inpatient programme

Incorporates the same sophisticated methods used in our inpatient programme

Run by experienced, professional
counsellors and therapists

With our holistic, evidence-based outpatient programme, real recovery can start in real life

Stay connected with your loved ones while you heal

You’ll work on managing cravings and changing old habits while staying connected to family and friends.

Learn real-world skills to handle work, relationships, and everyday life

We’ll help you build confidence in tackling daily challenges

Address the core issues

Uncover the root causes and effects of your addiction head-on and gain insights into your inner world and emotions

Rediscover yourself

Develop a new relationship with yourself as you heal, grow, and build healthy patterns – while staying present for life’s important moments.

Build a support network
for life

Find your recovery family here. Share
struggles and successes with people who truly get it, as you create meaningful
relationships and learn from people walking the same road as you

Is intensive outpatient rehab right for you?

This programme isn’t for everyone. It only works if you have a stable home life, a strong drive to change, and the dedication to show up and put in the effort.
The programme is designed for individuals who fit the following profile:

Nature of addiction

  • Mild to moderate addiction
  • Doesn’t require intense detox or withdrawal management
  • Doesn’t require 24-hour supervision

Lifestyle factors

  • Have a supportive home environment
  • Need to maintain regular family contact & Involvement

Personal commitment

  • Internally motivated to recover
  • Committed to regular therapy sessions and group meetings

The Intensive Outpatient Treatment will not work if:

Your addiction is
debilitating or dangerous to yourself or others

You have a history of relapse and you need full-time support, away from your triggers

Your home environment is addiction-enabling – whether by tolerating substance abuse or by supporting it with monetary hand-outs

Your home is a stressful place to be – emotional, physical or financial stresses can be major triggers for relapse.

Before starting this programme, you will need to consult with:

A medical doctor

They’ll assess if you need medical detox or 24-hour supervision only available in inpatient care.

Your family

Their emotional and practical support is crucial for your success.

STRUCTURED TREATMENT, LASTING RECOVERY

The programme details

When

Monday – Friday
5.00 pm – 7.00 pm

Where

First Step Outpatient Services, Ferndale, Johannesburg

Duration

Typically 4 weeks (can extend if an individual requires)

Comprehensive care, expert team

The IOP requires the individual to participate in:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Recovery support groups
  • Family therapy sessions and support
  • Weekly alcohol and drug monitoring

High-quality treatment, tailored to fit your life

Outpatient treatment isn’t a shortcut. It demands commitment, but we’ll support you at every step.

You’ll be challenged, held accountable, and empowered to recover.
The key ingredients to our programe’s success include:

  • Need flexibility for work, family, and legal circumstances
  • Have a supportive home environment
  • Need to maintain regular family contact & Involvement
  • Recovery support groups
  • Have reliable transport to attend daily sessions

What comes next?

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and we’re here for all of it. Our continuing care model provides the ongoing support and community you need to build a thriving, sober life in the real world.

Aftercare

Recovery maintenance

FAQs

It’s best suited for those with mild to moderate addiction who don’t need 24-hour supervision or intense detox. You should have a stable home environment and be internally motivated to recover. We assess each person’s medical and living situation to ensure this program is the right fit.

Yes, medical aids cover this.

You’ll be held accountable throughout the process. The program’s success relies on your active participation and adherence to the structure provided. If you’re struggling, it’s important to communicate with the treatment team so they can provide appropriate support.