Clients with substance abuse problems can access treatment from primary mental health clinics.

Outpatient detoxification may be offered at primary level, if necessary. Clients who are dependent on substances may, depending on the substance and other factors, experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop using these substances. Detoxification is a medical intervention which helps in minimising the physical and psychological impact, and managing possible medical risks of withdrawal from the substance, before the client goes for further treatment and rehabilitation

When a client's substance abuse problem requires more intensive services, the following services are available:

Regional Hospitals (secondary level) offer detoxification services for people with alcohol and drug dependency prior to admission to the abuse treatment centres for further treatment and rehabilitation.

De Nova Treatment Centre in Kraaifontein is fully subsidised by the provincial Department of Social Development and provides in-patient treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. The service is for indigent clients and for those who have been referred by the criminal justice system. Psychiatric and psychological services are given on a sessional basis by mental health professionals employed by the Department of Health.