Withdrawal can be life-threatening at worst and uncomfortable at best. Because of the dangers of stopping alcohol it is recommended that alcoholics seek expert medical advice in specialized alcohol detoxification centers (detox centers). This will help to minimize the discomfort and reduce the risks associated with withdrawal. There are many alcohol detox hospitals in South Africa that provide specialized detoxification (detox) services.

Detoxification is the process of removing the toxins left in the body from the chronic alcohol abuse. It is the first step in a comprehensive alcohol rehabilitation treatment program. Alcohol rehabilitation teaches the alcoholic about the nature of the disease and how it can be combatted. They will be taught new life skills that will help them to face stress without using alcohol.

Patients in an alcohol rehabilitation (rehab) program are encouraged to make drastic changes that affect their entire lives. Alcoholism affects many areas of life and alcohol recovery encourages the alcoholic to make improvements in each of these areas. This means that the alcoholic will learn new ways of dealing with people and avoid places that are associated with alcoholism (like bars and pubs).

The behaviours that go with alcoholism are similar to any other habit (although alcholism itself is not just a habit!). Many of these behaviours become deeply entrenched in the alcoholics mind. Alcohol rehabilitation includes an element of "retraining" the brain to mend faulty beliefs and redirect the alcoholic towards a healthy way of living.

Many alcholics have underlying psychological issues that need to be addressed in order to maintain long-term alcohol recovery. Patients may have suffered emotional or physical abuse as children. Alcholics may also often co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety that need to be treated in an inclusive manner in an alcohol rehabilitation treatment program. Alcohol rehabilitation (rehab) centers in South Africa are staffed with experienced counselors who are adept at treating dual disorders in an integrative and complementary way.

Alcholism is a progressive illness which means that if left untreated it gets worse. This implies that the sooner it is treated the better. Alcohol rehabilitation is not a guaranteed process and requires the willingness of the alcoholic to work the program and follow the suggestions of the treatment team. Alcohol rehabilitation centers in South Africa generally make specific recommendations for alcoholics. It has been shown that if the alcoholic is willing to adhere to the suggestions then long-term alcohol recovery is possible.