Alcohol is legal. It’s everywhere—at family braais, birthday parties, and after-work drinks. Because of this, it’s often not seen as dangerous. But for many South Africans, alcohol can quietly become something far more serious. Something destructive. Something addictive.
Alcohol addiction—also called alcohol use disorder—is one of the most common forms of addiction worldwide. And yet, it’s often the most overlooked. The normalisation of drinking in our culture makes it hard to spot when casual use turns into something much more serious.
Let’s talk openly about alcohol addiction. What it looks like, why it happens, and how Dr Jolandi Meyer, working closely with the team at The Way Recovery Centre in Pretoria, helps people regain control of their lives.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. It goes beyond just “liking a drink.” It’s when someone feels they need alcohol to function, to relax, or to feel okay.
It’s not about how often you drink—it’s about how drinking affects your life. If you’ve tried to cut back and couldn’t, or if alcohol is causing problems in your health, relationships, or work but you keep drinking anyway, that’s a red flag.
The Slippery Slope: From Casual Drinking to Dependence
It usually starts innocently enough. A glass of wine with dinner. A few beers with mates. Maybe some shots on the weekend. But over time, things can shift without you even realising it. You start needing a drink to unwind after a hard day. One turns into three. You tell yourself you’re in control—until you’re not.
Common signs that drinking may be slipping into abuse include:
Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom
Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
Feeling irritated or anxious when you can’t drink
Struggling to stop or cut back, even when you want to
Drinking alone or in secret
Missing work or responsibilities because of drinking
Experiencing blackouts or memory loss
Sound familiar? These are all early warning signs that should never be ignored.
Why Do People Develop Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s not about a lack of willpower. It often stems from a combination of factors that vary from person to person. Some of the most common reasons include:
Genetics: A family history of addiction can increase your risk.
Mental health: People with anxiety, depression or trauma often use alcohol to self-medicate.
Environment: Growing up in a home where heavy drinking was normal can make it easier to fall into the same patterns.
Stress: Work pressure, financial struggles, or relationship problems can drive people to use alcohol as an escape.
What starts as a coping tool slowly becomes a daily habit—and then a dependency.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol doesn’t just affect your behaviour. Long-term abuse takes a serious toll on the body and mind. It can lead to:
Liver damage, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
High blood pressure and increased risk of stroke
Brain damage, affecting memory, learning, and coordination
Heart problems and increased cancer risk
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and psychosis
Weakened immune system, making you more prone to illness
These effects often build slowly over time, making it hard to connect the dots—until the damage is already done.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Why Quitting Alone Can Be Dangerous
When someone is physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly quitting can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Sweating and shaking
Anxiety and panic attacks
Nausea or vomiting
Insomnia and nightmares
Irritability and agitation
Seizures
Delirium tremens (DTs)—a life-threatening condition involving hallucinations, confusion, and severe tremors
This is why it’s so important to seek professional medical support when stopping alcohol. Dr Jolandi Meyer, as a medical doctor specialising in addiction, ensures that detox is done safely and with the right care.
The Link Between Alcohol and Mental Health
There’s a strong connection between alcohol abuse and mental health disorders. In fact, many people turn to alcohol to deal with:
Depression
Generalised anxiety
PTSD
Social anxiety
Grief or unresolved trauma
The problem? Alcohol might seem to numb the pain temporarily, but it ultimately makes mental health worse. It can deepen depression, increase anxiety, and fuel feelings of hopelessness.
At The Way Recovery Centre, Dr Meyer and the team don’t just treat addiction—they look at the whole person. Mental health support is a key part of the recovery journey.
Getting Help: How Treatment Works
Recovery from alcohol addiction isn’t about shame or punishment—it’s about healing. And it starts with reaching out for help.
At The Way Recovery Centre, Dr Jolandi Meyer works side by side with an experienced team to offer a holistic approach to treatment, which includes:
Medical detoxification: Dr Meyer monitors physical health and helps manage withdrawal safely.
One-on-one therapy: Clients work with trained professionals to understand the roots of their addiction.
Group support: Connecting with others on the same path reduces isolation and encourages accountability.
Relapse prevention: Learning how to handle triggers and stress without turning to alcohol.
Ongoing medical support: Because Dr Meyer is a GP, she continues to monitor and support clients’ physical and emotional health even after treatment.
This integrated approach means clients aren’t left on their own after rehab. Recovery is a long-term process, and ongoing care matters.
How to Support a Loved One with Alcohol Addiction
If someone you care about is struggling with alcohol, it can be incredibly tough to know what to do. You might feel helpless, frustrated, or scared. Here’s how you can help:
Avoid blame or judgement: Addiction is an illness, not a character flaw.
Start a gentle conversation: Focus on your concern, not their behaviour. Try, “I’m worried about how much you’ve been drinking lately,” rather than, “You’re ruining your life.”
Encourage professional help: Let them know that places like The Way Recovery Centre and doctors like Dr Jolandi Meyer specialise in helping people recover—without shame or fear.
Set boundaries: Be clear about what you will and won’t tolerate, but remain loving and consistent.
Get support for yourself: Supporting someone through addiction is draining. Counselling or support groups for families can be incredibly helpful.
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling, alcohol and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
Why Early Help Is So Important
The sooner someone seeks help, the better their chances of recovery. Alcohol addiction doesn’t get better on its own. In fact, it usually gets worse over time—leading to more health issues, more relationship breakdowns, and more emotional pain.
But recovery is always possible. Whether you’re just beginning to question your drinking, or you’ve hit rock bottom, there is help—and there is hope.
Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team at The Way Recovery Centre offer a safe, supportive space for individuals to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
Alcohol addiction is one of the most common and dangerous forms of substance abuse, yet it often goes unnoticed until it causes serious harm. It can impact every part of your life—your health, your relationships, your self-esteem. But the good news? You don’t have to go through it alone.
Dr Jolandi Meyer, working closely with the team at The Way Recovery Centre, provides compassionate, expert care tailored to each person’s needs. Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone you love, the first step is simply reaching out. Recovery is real. And it starts today.
Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.