For as long as he could remember, Dudley Stops (58) had enjoyed a drink in social settings, whether it was camping, at a braai with friends, or on the golf course. However, everything changed after Covid-19 when he was forced to face the reality of his situation – he was an alcoholic.

“When lockdown started, there was a lot of stress because of work, and I started drinking earlier in the day,” recalled the New Germany resident. “After lockdown, beers at the pub turned into shooters. I was battling to sleep and would wake up to have a glass of wine. Before I knew it, I was having a sip of vodka from the boot of my car before work.”

Functioning alcoholic

Although Dudley was a ‘functioning alcoholic’, the cracks were starting to show. He was falling asleep at work, friends were concerned, and his wife confronted him about the problem. After agreeing to see a psychologist he was advised to enter a rehabilitation facility.

“No ways!” was his initial reaction. “As a 56-year-old man, I couldn’t go to rehab – what would people think?”

The stigma

Despite misplaced concerns around the stigma of getting help, Dudley’s wife found Choose Life Beach Specialist Rehabilitation Centre which had  opened in Umkomaas on the KZN South Coast in 2023. This is the third facility of the established ChooseLifeSA group which includes Choose Life Musgrave and their renowned Riverview Manor which is South Africa’s premier specialist clinic in Underberg.

“It all happened in stages, but by November I drank at a work function and couldn’t remember anything - I knew I had a choice to make,” explained Dudley. “Either I went to rehab, or I was going to lose my family and my job, which at 58 years old, I couldn’t do. The fact that Choose Life was closer to home also made it easier.”

Contemporary Facility

He spent three weeks at the state-of-the-art rehab facility where world-class specialists treated him. "It's a stunning facility and their holistic approach to the healing process also encourages you to change old habits. The informative group sessions helped us identify triggers and healthier ways to tackle issues. Individual sessions with therapists focused on my behaviour and we were encouraged to become more physically active and eat healthier."

The facility offers numerous recreational activities, including supervised walks to the nearby beach, two swimming pools, a pool table, a library and a television: "The team were always on hand to offer additional support and, since leaving, have remained in contact with me."

Support received

Dudley said he was overwhelmed by the support from his family, friends, bosses and colleagues throughout his journey: “I have joined the AA programme which is a tremendous help on my journey. I can still socialise and be around alcohol, but I know liquor stores are a trigger. I have implemented many of the skills to deal more effectively with stress and anxiety. It’s been 180 days sober and I’m a happy and changed man.”

Jared Elliott, COO of ChooseLife Beach said Dudley was one of the first to join the programme when the facility opened: “His journey exemplifies the transformative power of our holistic approach to recovery. From his first day, he embraced the therapeutic environment and took full advantage of the comprehensive support system. Our team worked closely with Dudley, guiding him through the challenges of recovery and celebrating his milestones. His dedication and resilience are inspiring, and we are honoured to have been a part of his journey.”

Recognised by Medical Aids

Choose Life Beach, a drug and alcohol rehab centre recognised by all medical aid insurance schemes, offers a five-star resort experience that integrates with the recovery programmes and expands the vision of owner, Vernon Goss. The specialist team includes a doctor, social workers, a life coach, an on-call psychologist, a psychiatrist, an occupational therapist, and an experienced full-time nursing team. The 45-bed facility located on the beachfront is dedicated to helping men and women overcome abuse.

Sharing some words of advice to others in a similar position, Dudley said: “The first step is the hardest but it’s true what they say, you just have to take it one day at a time.”