Addiction treatments | Which one is right for you?

2 Jan 2025 | 6 min read

Have you ever considered seeking help for addiction but not known where to begin? Perhaps you are wondering what addiction treatments are available or which treatment option is best suited to your situation. We understand that finding the right option can be difficult, so here we clearly explain the available forms of help and treatment, what you can expect and how long programmes generally last. No fuss, just clear answers to your questions.

Peggy-Sue helps you clarify your support needs and find a suitable form of addiction care. Below, we outline the options and explain what you can expect.

Do you have many questions about addiction? Perhaps you are unsure whether you really have an addiction. Or perhaps you do not know how to seek help for yourself or a loved one. In that case, addiction care mediation may be right for you. You will receive guidance with all the questions and doubts on your mind, and we will help you find the right treatment without informing anyone else.

What does it involve?
You receive personal guidance and help in making the right choices, both for yourself and for your loved ones.

You are supported from beginning to end, including after treatment, and everything is completely confidential.

It is therefore a private programme with costs agreed in advance. These cannot be reclaimed from your health insurer.

If you are a family member seeking information about help when the person concerned does not want it, we recommend an intervention programme.

How long does it take?
The mediation process is flexible and may vary depending on your situation and needs.

Read more here Addiction Care Mediation.

Before you can begin treatment, some addictions require you to detox and stabilise first. This process, also known as detoxification, helps clear your body of harmful and psychoactive substances. It is used for alcohol, GHB, heroin, crack cocaine and certain medications.

What does it involve?
During this process, your body detoxifies under the supervision of specialists so that you can manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

This can take place either in the Netherlands or, in some cases, at our international clinic in South Africa.

How long does it take?
A detox takes an average of 2 weeks, depending on the type and quantity of substances you have used.

Read more here Detoxification.

With outpatient treatment you work on your addiction while continuing to live at home. This means that you are not admitted to a clinic, but have weekly one-to-one sessions with a practitioner and attend group meetings.

What does it involve?
During outpatient treatment, you continue to live and sleep at home and receive guidance at agreed times. Peggy-Sue discusses which form of care and provider best suit your situation.

You receive a combination of individual care and group sessions focused on understanding the causes of your addiction, sharing and learning from experiences, and developing new, healthy habits.

A holistic approach considers not only your addiction, but also your lifestyle, sources of stress and other challenges.

How long does it take?
Outpatient treatment usually lasts 24 weeks, with three points of contact per week: one group session and two individual sessions.

Read more here Outpatient Treatment.

If outpatient treatment is not enough, day treatment may provide a solution. This programme offers more intensive care with several therapy sessions each week, without residential admission. This allows you to continue meeting your daily commitments. It is an intermediate step between outpatient care and residential admission.

What does it involve?
A structured programme with several therapy sessions each week, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and training in lifestyle management and emotional regulation.

A tailored combination of individual and group sessions.

Day treatment is less common with us; treatment is usually either outpatient or residential, followed by outpatient aftercare.

How long does it take?
The duration of day treatment may vary, but the programme often runs for several months, with treatment on several days each week.

Read more here Day Treatment.

Sometimes intensive residential treatment is the best choice. You stay for several weeks to several months in a safe, trigger-free environment where you can focus fully on recovery, supported by a team of professionals. Our clinic in South Africa offers a unique setting for recovery, far removed from the triggers you experience at home. Being surrounded by beautiful nature and tranquillity in an environment completely different from the one you are used to helps your brain form new pathways and establish new habits.

What does it involve?
You stay for several weeks to several months at our clinic in South Africa, where a holistic approach combining intensive therapy, sports activities and peaceful natural surroundings helps you focus not only on stopping use, but also on fostering personal growth and spiritual connection.

Guidance from international experts who combine different cultural approaches to support a profound recovery process.

How long does it take?
Residential treatment lasts from 6 to a maximum of 9 weeks. Upon returning to the Netherlands, you will receive 24 weeks of aftercare consisting of 3 points of contact: 1 group session and 2 individual sessions.

Read more here Residential Treatment.

Or read more here about Addiction treatment in South Africa.

Before a residential programme in South Africa begins, Peggy-Sue discusses which options and conditions suit your personal situation.

For those seeking maximum discretion and a fully tailored approach, there is the VIP private treatment. Here, you receive a completely bespoke treatment programme tailored to your personal preferences.

What does it involve?
Treatment at a luxury facility in South Africa, where you can recover in tranquil surroundings with your own room or apartment.

Intensive guidance focused on the underlying causes of your addiction to build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

How long does it take?
Shorter waiting times allow you to begin your programme sooner.

The duration of this treatment depends on your personal situation, but may range from several weeks to several months.

It is bespoke, so together we determine what is needed and for how long.

This VIP programme is not eligible for reimbursement through health insurance.

Read more here VIP Private Treatment.