This initial treatment phase forms the foundation of our highly effective addiction treatment program. Our primary treatment programme covered by medical aids is 21 days. The recommended treatment term at The Cedars is 90 days for the best possible outcome. True behavioural change takes time and practice, and it is our fervent belief that adhering to the recommended treatment term offers the client the best chance at sustained recovery. However, we have no rules about length of stay and our program is customized per individual. After abusing substances over a period of years, it can take the brain at least a month to return to the best possible cognitive functioning, where treatment efforts can be of maximum benefit.

After a physical health assessment, a customised medication assisted stabilization plan will be drawn up by our medical doctor and nurse to help clients abstain from substances safely and as comfortably as possible. The client begins one-on-one counselling, 12-Step treatment, group therapy and benefits from a healthy diet and regular exercise. Clients will usually complete the first three steps of the 12-Step program in primary care.

Inclusions

Medication assisted stabilization and withdrawal management

Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion
and focus groups

Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor

Introduction to 12-Step program and written Step work

Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist

Educational workshops about addiction related topics

Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)

12-Step Meetings

Community outings involving fun sober recreational activities

Healthy meals prepared by our in-house chef, regular aerobic exercise and yoga classes offered by a personal trainer, excursions

In the secondary phase, clients undergo a deeper exploration into the root cause of the substance abuse and other compulsive, self-defeating behaviour. They work hand-in-hand with our expert team to work through the balance of the 12-Steps, using the steps to process the damage and unmanageability their behaviour and substance abuse have caused in their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. They rely on their counsellors and the therapeutic community to identify their self-defeating behaviour and work towards change.

Clients are gradually given more responsibility in the community and given the opportunity to become role models and help the newer clients in their early process. Focus is put on discipline and routine, growth and responsibility, all to develop connection and self-worth. At the end of this phase, discharge planning and relapse prevention tools are explored, and short and long term goals are determined for when the client leaves treatment.

Inclusions

Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion and focus groups

Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor

Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist

Educational workshops about addiction related topics

Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)

12-Step Meetings

Community outings involving fun, sober recreational activities

During this final phase, our clients learn how to maintain their life in recovery, prevent relapse and reintegrate into society. Counsellors help the client prepare for a return to employment and family life. Important choices may need to be made that are most beneficial to sustaining long-term recovery. It’s also an opportunity for the client to take up a senior role in the therapeutic community, explore employment options and resolve any persisting behavioural addiction issues in the safest possible environment. Clients are given more freedom and responsibility and are able to work during the day and return in the afternoon.

Inclusions

Accommodation and meals

Weekly check-in groups

Check-in sessions with their counsellor, by appointment

Weekly 12 Step meetings

The Cedars Intensive Outpatient Programme provides structured addiction treatment while allowing clients to remain in their home, work, and family environment. This programme is suitable for individuals entering treatment directly from the community, as well as those stepping down from inpatient care who require continued structure, accountability, and clinical support.

The programme runs over 8 to 12 weeks, with three online group sessions per week, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. The Intensive Outpatient Programme is grounded in the Twelve Steps of Recovery and supported by evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and elements of the Matrix Model.

Clients begin active Step work from the start of the programme, with particular focus on Steps 1 to 3, while beginning deeper inventory work through Steps 4 and 5. The programme also places strong emphasis on fellowship involvement, sponsorship, meeting attendance, daily recovery practice, and rebuilding a healthy sober lifestyle in real-world conditions.

Unlike inpatient treatment, outpatient recovery requires clients to practise recovery while still facing the pressures, responsibilities, and triggers of everyday life. For this reason, the programme provides regular clinical contact, group accountability, individual counselling, family support, and clear recovery requirements to help clients build lasting stability.

Inclusions

Three online group therapy sessions per week
Structured 8 to 12 week programme
Early recovery skills groups
Step work focused on Steps 1 to 5
Relapse prevention planning
CBT-based recovery skills and emotional regulation
Process groups and peer accountability
Psychoeducational workshops on addiction and recovery
Bi-weekly individual counselling sessions with an assigned counsellor
Family support and monthly online family workshop
Fellowship guidance and meeting accountability
Minimum three AA / NA meetings per week
Sponsor and home group guidance
Daily Step 11 inventory and recovery practice
Digital worksheets, Step guides, and relapse prevention materials
WhatsApp accountability support between sessions

The Cedars Continuing Care Programme is designed for individuals who have completed inpatient treatment or the Intensive Outpatient Programme and are now focused on maintaining and strengthening their recovery in daily life. This phase supports clients as they continue to rebuild relationships, return to work or family responsibilities, deepen their Step work, and develop a meaningful life in sobriety.

The programme runs over 12 weeks, with one online group session per week. The focus shifts from early stabilisation to long-term recovery integration. Clients are encouraged to move beyond simply staying sober and begin actively building a life of purpose, responsibility, service, connection, and emotional maturity.

The Twelve Steps remain central to this phase, with particular focus on Steps 6 to 12. Clients are expected to continue working with a sponsor, attend fellowship meetings, maintain daily inventory practice, and begin applying the principles of recovery in all areas of life.

Continuing Care provides a safe and structured space for clients to process the challenges that arise after treatment. Topics may include rebuilding trust, family repair, parenting in recovery, managing stress, work responsibilities, emotional triggers, spiritual growth, amends, service, and long-term relapse prevention.

Inclusions

12-week structured aftercare programme
One online group session per week
Recovery life integration support
Step work focused on Steps 6 to 12
Guidance around amends, humility, service, and daily inventory
Long-term relapse prevention planning
Support with rebuilding relationships and family roles
Focus on work, stress, parenting, and real-life recovery challenges
Continued fellowship accountability
Minimum two AA / NA meetings per week
Sponsor contact and home group participation
Support with service commitments in fellowship
Weekly group check-ins and peer support
Ongoing use of recovery tools, worksheets, and reflection exercises
Support in developing purpose, responsibility, and spiritual growth in recovery

The Cedars Relapse Prevention Track is a focused outpatient intervention for individuals who are at risk of relapse, have experienced a lapse, or are becoming emotionally or behaviourally unstable in recovery. The purpose of this programme is to intervene early, restore structure, and prevent a return to active addiction wherever possible.

This track usually runs over 4 to 6 weeks, with one to two online sessions per week, depending on the client’s needs. It is suitable for individuals who recognise that their recovery is becoming vulnerable and need immediate support, accountability, and a clear plan of action.

Relapse does not begin with substance use. It often begins much earlier through isolation, dishonesty, emotional dysregulation, resentment, loss of routine, reduced meeting attendance, disconnection from a sponsor, or neglect of daily recovery practices. This programme helps clients identify these warning signs, understand the relapse process, and rebuild their recovery foundation.

The Twelve Step response to relapse begins with a return to Step 1: powerlessness and unmanageability. Clients are guided through a recovery reset, including relapse chain analysis, renewed fellowship engagement, sponsor contact, daily Step 10 and Step 11 practice, and a practical emergency relapse prevention plan.

Entering the Relapse Prevention Track is not a failure. It is often one of the most honest and courageous decisions a person in recovery can make. As we often say in treatment: relapse thrives in secrecy; recovery begins again in honesty.

Inclusions

Focused 4 to 6 week relapse prevention intervention
One to two online sessions per week
Rapid recovery stabilisation and accountability
Step 1 recovery reset
Review of Steps 4, 10, and 11 where appropriate
Relapse chain analysis with a counsellor
Identification of personal relapse warning signs
Practical craving management tools
Emergency relapse prevention planning
Review of high-risk people, places, situations, and emotions
Weekly individual check-ins with a counsellor
Integration into selected IOP sessions where appropriate
Renewed fellowship and sponsor accountability
Daily Step 10 and Step 11 recovery practice
Support in re-establishing meeting attendance and recovery routine
Minimum two AA / NA meetings per week, with increased attendance where clinically indicated

At Cedars we believe that addiction is a family illness. Despite this, family members and loved ones are often ignored and neglected in the treatment of addiction.

If you are a family member, colleague or friend of someone that abuses drugs/alcohol, you may feel frustrated, hopeless and alone. You are possibly at this point because you have run out of options and nothing you have tried has worked.

We believe that family members and loved ones should also receive treatment for their own benefit and healing. In turn, this healing process helps to better support the addict in their recovery process.

The Cedars Family Team is here to equip you with the tools you need to cope and heal throughout your loved one’s journey to recovery. This support is available not just to family members of Cedars’ clients, but to anyone in need of support through a loved one’s addiction recovery process.

Inclusions

Weekly progress feedback

Family Workshops

Family Counselling

Family Support Groups

Family Intervention

After Treatment Integration Support

Telephonic or Virtual Consultations

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