Written by:

Medically Reviewed by: Morgane

Last Updated:
19 October 2025

People suffering from anxiety are often prescribed medication such as benzodiazepine to treat their symptoms. Commonly referred to as ‘benzos’, this class of medications works by alleviating stress and calming the nervous system. However, due to the potency of this substance, people often fall victim to addiction unintentionally by becoming dependent or by using it inappropriately. An effective treatment programme is necessary to recover from this chronic disorder.

Treatment Options for AUD

While AUD can be difficult to treat because of how freely available alcohol is, there are ways to reduce alcohol consumption and manage alcohol cravings. Some of the types of treatment available include:

We are an upmarket clinic located in Marina De Gama, Cape Town, South Africa. We provide inpatient/residential treatment primary care for individuals who are ready to progress with recovery when their condition is stabilised after a detox programme. We treat most substance use disorders, mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and process addictions like gambling or gaming.

Liberty Home Clinic - South Africa

Liberty Home in Belgium provides secondary care through a sober living programme. The clinic offers a bridge between the institution and returning home and provides reintegration care and a mindfulness programme. Reintegration care provides the tools and opportunities to develop productivity while maintaining sober living habits and making daily choices that steer away from wrongful decisions.

Liberty Home Clinic - Belgium

What to Expect at Our Primary Care Clinic

What to Expect at Our Primary Care Clinic At Liberty Home Clinic, South Africa, we provide residential/inpatient treatment at our clinic. Our primary care treatment consists of a minimum 28-day stay, which can be extended for up to 8 weeks.

Our residential care does not offer detox, although we work closely with other institutions that can intervene and supervise the detox process for those requiring medical supervision. When stabilised, patients can commence their primary care treatment with us.

We use evidence-based and holistic approaches in our treatment programme and use the Minnesota model that incorporates the 12-step programme (originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous). It is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treating addiction and one of the most widely used models for treating substance use disorders.

Our staff are available around the clock for support, and a qualified nurse administers medication management. We offer dual diagnosis treatment to help identify any underlying co-occurring mental health issues and treat both disorders simultaneously.

Addiction Treatment Therapies

We offer a broad spectrum of therapies for our patients recovering from benzodiazepine addiction. Some of the therapies we offer are:

This includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is used to identify negative thoughts and behaviours, challenge them, and convert them into positive ones. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) allows individuals to learn new skills and develop coping mechanisms. In our individual therapy spectrum, we provide narrative therapy, person-centred therapy, and a host of well-being practices.

Group Therapy

We offer psychotherapy group sessions incorporating self-help groups and skill development groups, along with other psychoeducational support. Group therapy allows patients to share experiences and learn new behaviours or strategies by observing and interacting with others who face similar challenges. It also offers different perspectives on addiction.

Inpatient Rehab

All our patients receive 2-3 counselling sessions per week. These may include dynamic group therapy and relapse prevention. Counselling sessions focus on specific goals that a patient wants to achieve. These goals may be coping with stress, making better decisions or improving mental health issues. Counselling helps patients make positive changes in their lives.

Counselling

About Us, Our Clinic and Amenities

Liberty Home Clinic is a primary care residential clinic providing treatment for a maximum intake of 22 guests at any one time. We are an upmarket clinic located in Marina De Gama, Cape Town, South Africa.

Our clinic is located in a safe and secure neighbourhood, only a few minutes walk from the sea and beach. Amenities such as hospitals, doctors, gyms, shopping malls, and more are readily accessible. Our residential accommodation is an ideal retreat for recovering from substance misuse. We offer first-class treatment and exciting and relaxing activities like excursions, hiking, or golf. Maybe yoga or acupuncture is more appealing; we have a wide array of activities to help distract from addiction and move forward to a healthier and happier lifestyle. We pride ourselves on having world-class staff in our team, all professionals in their field of expertise. Most of our team are in recovery themselves after having experienced addiction to some substance or another, so we have an edge in understanding what it’s like to be struggling. Our values are based on helping others to break free from a lifestyle of negativity, and we dedicate ourselves to education, resources and improving our services at every opportunity.

After our primary care, we also have provisions for secondary care for further support through our sober living programme based in Belgium.

Not only do we know the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, we are fully aware of the financial strain.

We provide cost-effective treatment compared to other treatment centres, even when factoring in airfares. We believe treatment should be accessible to everyone and endeavour to make our facility and treatment of exceptional value.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used primarily to treat symptoms of anxiety but are also prescribed to treat insomnia and certain types of seizures. They enhance the effect of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as GAMA and have a calming effect on the nervous system. They are effective in helping with disorders such as panic attacks and muscle relaxation and can sometimes be prescribed during alcohol withdrawal to treat symptoms.

Benzodiazepines are prescribed drugs, yet they are one of the most common for recreational use. It is illegal to use this substance without a medical prescription, but people may obtain it through illicit practices such as street dealers, darknet markets and illegal online pharmacies, friends or family who may have provisions if they also use them, or commonly through doctor shopping; a practice used to obtain multiple prescriptions from various healthcare providers.

Benzos are generally taken orally but can also be taken by injecting or snorting. Recreational use provides a similar effect to alcohol intoxication and can lead to dependency and addiction.

Benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD) refers to the abuse or misuse of the substance in question for recreational purposes without an authorised prescription and where there is a risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, dependence or other long-term effects.

Different Types of Benzodiazepines

There are several types of benzodiazepines; the most common are:

There is an indication that diazepam is related to a greater abuse liability among people who abuse drugs than many of the other types of benzodiazepine. The preference is believed to have two reasons: it is ‘strong’ and produces a good ‘high’.

What are the Common Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction?

We offer a broad spectrum of therapies for our patients recovering from benzodiazepine addiction. Some of the therapies we offer are:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Memory loss
Poor coordination

Specific Symptoms

General Symptoms

Short-Term Effects of Benzodiazepine Misuse

As aforementioned, the short-term effects can have immediate effects, such as high levels of anxiety and coordination problems. Users generally seem calm and relaxed, with a tendency to fall asleep or difficulty staying awake. They may show signs of memory loss, dizziness, and poor reflexes and balance.

Long-Term Effects of Benzodiazepine Misuse

Chronic misuse can increase the risk of dementia as well as other severe consequences. These can be emotional changes such as mood swings or depression, physical changes such as a weakened immune system, gastrointestinal issues, or potential damage to the liver or other organs. There is an increased risk of overdose, especially if combined with other substances such as alcohol or opioids.

The psychological effects may not only lead to mental health issues but can heighten suicidal ideation. In addition, with long-term use of benzodiazepines, there is a negative impact on work performance and relationships, ultimately damaging one’s overall quality of life.

Due to the potential risks involved, it is important to administer benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed by a medical practitioner and seek professional help if dependence or misuse is suspected

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

When a benzodiazepine user decides to suddenly stop using the substance, there is a high possibility of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

People who restrict their use of benzodiazepine to sporadic binges or occasional misuse may not require withdrawal management. That said, individuals with benzodiazepine dependence will require withdrawal treatment due to the symptoms that manifest when stopping consumption of the drug.

Individuals using the substance for a long period may require a taper regimen to gradually wean off the drug. Rapid detoxification, carried out in a month or so, is a normal process for other substances but is not always recommended for benzo addiction as it could result in developing more severe symptoms. However, only a correct diagnosis will determine the best approach.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity. Some are more unpredictable than others, although they all carry their risks and unpleasantness.

The main common withdrawal symptoms are, among others:

Accommodation
Serenity
Nutritionist once/week + meal plan (Additional Fees apply)
Community groups
Breakfast 7/7 & Dinner 5/7
Goals group + topic
Therapeutic duties & cooking
Relapse prevention group

Potentially severe withdrawal symptoms:

Random drug & alcohol testing
Powerless & damages group
Physical activity
12-step program & meetings
Personal trainer (Additional Fees apply)
Volunteer Programme
Compulsory BRAAI followed by indoor life story
Full access to WIFI (FIBRE)

The correct benzodiazepine withdrawal management is fundamental to ensure all risks are minimal and provides a safe environment to achieve successful discontinuation. If you are considering changing your benzo consumption, consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any irrational decision.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Management

Withdrawal management consists of a safe and structured programme to reduce and gradually stop a person from consuming benzodiazepines. The objective is to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications while coming off the substance.

During withdrawal, medical supervision is conducted, and procedures are monitored. After detox, the individual is stabilised and commences a treatment programme structured to their specific requirements.

Contact Us

Please call if you require any information about us, what we do, or what we treat. We will respond to your queries and help you with any concerns you may have. We will gladly provide guidance if you want to learn more about our costs or how to get to us.

We may seem a long way from your location, but after a few hours of flying, you will find it worth the trip.

We offer complete privacy and a non-judgemental policy. Please feel free to call for whatever you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

I use Valium regularly for my nerves - should I be concerned?

If you constantly use Valium, your GP or healthcare provider should monitor you. If you are using the substance as prescribed and visiting your GP regularly, you should have no concerns. If you start to experience symptoms, contact your doctor.z

I take benzodiazepine sporadically and drink alcohol. Is it OK to combine them?

Mixing these substances is not recommended. However, if it happens only very occasionally, you may find it’s not too concerning. That said, your body can react in diverse ways and should you drink a lot of alcohol, you are putting yourself at risk. If you are not sure, it would be better to refrain from drinking and get medical advice.
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My friend has stopped taking benzos but says he can't cope. What should he do?

Alcohol affects the brain by impairing neurotransmitter function, leading to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased motor coordination.