Renewed Life Center Programme: Detox, Psychotherapy, Family Support, Relapse Prevention.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is not simply a «bad habit.» It is a condition that alters brain chemistry and the nervous system. It disrupts sleep, spikes anxiety, and disables the ability to control consumption-even when you genuinely want to stop.
At Renewed Life Center, we offer a comprehensive recovery solution. We have combined medical safety, deep psychotherapy (CBT), systemic family support, and a powerful relapse prevention module. Our goal isn’t just to stop the drinking, but to restore relationships and give you the tools for a sober life in the real world.
Important for loved ones: If you are reading this as a spouse, parent, or friend you don’t have to figure this out alone. We will calmly explain the options, assess the situation, and suggest the next step. This is strictly confidential.
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Who is this programme for?
Full immersion in our therapeutic environment is the best solution if:
Full immersion in our therapeutic environment is the best solution if:
- You cannot stop on your own, even with the desire to do so.
- Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, tremors, illness) occur without alcohol.
- Drinking is already affecting work, family relationships, finances, or health.
- Attempts to «drink in moderation» or «quit on Monday» have failed repeatedly.
- There are co-occurring conditions: you drink to silence anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout (Dual Diagnosis).
- Family members are living in constant tension and trying to control the situation.
Do I (or a loved one) need help?
Even 2–3 signs from this list are a reason to book a consultation:
Loss of control: Drinking more or for longer than originally planned.
Failed attempts: Trying to cut down or quit without success.
Cravings: Thoughts about alcohol become intrusive or obsessive.
Tolerance: Needing to drink more to feel the usual effect.
Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, shaking, insomnia, nausea, or irritability when sober.
Social consequences: Family conflict, lying, cancelled plans, giving up hobbies.
How does addiction develop? (The Stages)
The boundaries between stages are often blurred, but the progression usually looks like this:
1. Early Stage
- Episodes of binge drinking.
- Alcohol is used as the main tool to relieve stress or anxiety.
- Memory blackouts occur after heavy drinking sessions.
2. Middle Stage
- Dependence forms; cravings intensify.
- Drinking to «level out» or feel normal becomes common.
- Secrecy and irritability grow; conflicts become more frequent.
- Life plans begin to revolve around the opportunity to drink.
3. Late Stage
- Health, career, and relationships suffer noticeably.
- Sleep, memory, mood, and motivation deteriorate.
- Consumption continues despite obvious severe consequences.
Why do we treat more than just addiction? (Dual Diagnosis)
Very often, alcohol becomes a way to «treat» another internal condition. People drink while trying to cope with:- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Symptoms of depression.
- Past trauma.
- Chronic stress and burnout.
- Impulsivity and emotional regulation issues.
If we treat only the drinking but ignore the root cause of the pain, the risk of relapse remains high. Therefore, in our programme, Dual Diagnosis is not an optional extra it is a key part of the plan.
How the Programme Works at Renewed Life Center
We have made the process clear and transparent. Here are the 8 steps we will take together.
1. Arrival & Assessment
Our goal is to stabilize the situation quickly and understand the full picture.
What happens:
What happens:
- Confidential interview and history taking.
- Assessment of risks, sleep quality, anxiety levels, and physical health.
- Creation of a personal recovery plan.
- Setting goals: what you want to bring back into your life (family, career, health).
- For the family: We explain how communication will work and why boundaries are crucial in the first few weeks.
2. Medical Stabilisation & Detox
If there is a risk of complications or severe discomfort, a safe detox is our priority. In practice:
- Monitoring by nursing staff and health checks.
- Support for sleep and relief of physical discomfort.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) strictly as prescribed by a doctor.
- Psychiatric consultation if needed to adjust for co-occurring conditions.
- Note: Detox removes alcohol from the body, but it does not cure addiction. It is just the start.
3. Psychotherapy: The Foundation of Change
We use evidence-based approaches so that you gain real tools, not just motivational talks. What is included:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Working with thoughts, automatic reactions, and behavioural scripts.
- Trigger Work: Analysing what pushes you to drink (stress, loneliness, pressure, fatigue).
- Emotional Regulation: Learning to experience anxiety and anger without alcohol.
- Shame & Guilt Work: Breaking the cycle of «I’m bad I’ll go drink.»
- Basic Pillars: Restoring sleep, routine, and nutrition.
- Formats: Individual 1-on-1 sessions and group therapy in a safe
atmosphere
4. Community & 12 Steps
It is vital to feel that you are not alone and to stop living in isolation. What we do:
- Introduce the principles of the 12-Step programme.
- Organise participation in support groups (AA and other suitable formats).
- Create a social foundation so you have somewhere to «land» after the centre, rather than returning to a vacuum
5. Relapse Prevention
This is a concrete action plan for real life. What is included:
- Risk Map: People, places, situations, and scenarios that are dangerous for your sobriety.
- Early Warning Signs: How to recognise a relapse approaching before it happens.
- «If Then» Plans: Clear instructions on what to do if cravings hit.
- Skill Training: How to say «no,» set boundaries, and communicate.
- A plan for the first 30–90 days after discharge.
6. Restorative Practices (Holistic)
We use this not just as relaxation, but as a way to retrain the nervous system to calm down without chemicals. The programme includes:
- Equine-assisted wellness: Working with horses for grounding, rebuilding trust, and emotional work.
- Art & Music: Ways to express what is difficult to say in words.
- Mindfulness practices.
- Nature, sport, and regaining the feeling of being «alive.»
7. Family & Relationships
Addiction impacts the whole family. We help loved ones understand how to support effectively. What we do:
- Family sessions (where appropriate).
- Explaining the difference between support and «rescuing.»
- Teaching how to build boundaries and trust.
- Creating a family plan to reduce risks after returning home.
8. Aftercare: Support Beyond the Centre
Recovery does not end on departure day. This is one of the most critical parts. Aftercare may include:
- Online check-ups and follow-up sessions.
- Recommendations for support groups in your local area.
- Continuation of individual therapy.
- Updating the relapse prevention plan as you adapt.
- If necessary — transitional living options (Sober Living).
Why Choose Renewed Life Center in Cape Town?
- Comprehensive Approach: We combine medicine, psychotherapy, CBT, dual diagnosis, and relapse prevention.
- Personalised Plan: We do not use a «one size fits all» template.
- Privacy & Respect: Everything is confidential and free of judgment.
- Environment for Reset: Cape Town, nature, and distance from habitual triggers.
Take the First Step
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one — start with a conversation. Even if the person is not ready for treatment yet, you can contact us. We will help you understand:
- How urgent the situation is.
- Which format of help is best.
- How to start the difficult conversation.
- How to organise admission.