Character Defects and Addiction

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Character Defects and Addiction

15 May, 2020Articles, News

What are character defects?

Character defects are generally known as flaws, shortcomings or deficiencies that are found within a person who suffers from addiction. Although there is much debate around the fact that addicts and alcoholics choose to use drugs or alcohol, the main issue here is, the defects of character are what makes an addict or alcoholic continue to abuse their preferred substance. Character defects are usually the source of a person acting irresponsibly and in that process, creating suffering for themselves and others. A list of defects can include dishonesty, selfishness, self-centeredness, inconsideration and many more. Character defects can apply to any person, not just to addicts and alcoholics. No human is perfect.

What is the reasoning behind an addict acting out on defects of character?

There are many reasons that an addict or alcoholic may act out on their defects of character. Someone who is drunk may get emotionally or physically aggressive while drinking or an addict may lie or manipulate in order to enable their addiction. Many addicts and alcoholics act out on defects because of their own fears and insecurities and this leads to an endless trail of destruction and chaos. Most defects are acted on, in order to meet the persons needs. This can be explained by Carl Rogers’ 19 propositions where the needs of an individual shape their behaviour in order to satisfy those needs. This is true of addicts and alcoholics in active addiction.

What happens if the behaviour continues?

When an addict or alcoholic continues acting out on their defects of character, it usually leaves a trail of consequences and results in them feeling isolated, alone, and afraid. These consequences may include- financial, strained relationships, lost friendships, jails, institutions etc., etc.. Character defects are usually developed through experiences with others, which also forms part of Carl Rogers’ theory of the 19 propositions. We develop our character through experiences with others and the world around us. Our character is usually based on our goals and values. In active addiction we frequently lose sight of those goals and values. How do we change all of this?

Removing our shortcomings

Once the addict or alcoholic has asked for help, they then enter into a treatment programme or programme of recovery. It is stated in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, that we first need to complete a moral inventory of ourselves in order to identify our defects of character. Only then are we able to honestly look at ourselves and identify our part in a situation. When we take responsibility for this, we are able to see where we have been wrong. This happens in step 4 and 5 of the 12 steps of AA. In step 6, we become willing for our higher power to remove our defects of character. In creating the awareness around our defects of character in the previous steps, we try now to look at how to replace them with spiritual principles instead so that when we act out on our defects, we chose to do more good than harm and work on improving ourselves on a daily basis.

Dominique Le Claire Rossouw

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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What is Tik and is it Addictive?

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Home / Posts tagged "#12 Step Programme" (Page 9)

What is Tik and is it Addictive?

14 May, 2020Articles, News

“Tik” is the South African street name for crystal methamphetamine or crystal meth, for short. Other names for “tik” include “ice” or “glass.” It is a drug that is sold in small pieces of drinking straws, and comes in the form of fine powder or larger crystals which can be broken down into usable pieces. Typically, tik is smoked, but it can also be taken orally, ingested or injected.

Tik is highly addictive and falls into the class of drugs known as stimulants or “uppers”. It has a profound effect on the central nervous system and on how the brain processes information. The effects of using tik include an intense “high,” that feels like hyper-alertness, hyperactivity and an overwhelming feeling of confidence. The effect of the drug generally lasts for six to eight hours, but what many users attest to, is that over time, the effects seem to last for shorter periods of time. Subsequently, the user needs to use increasing amounts of tik in order to achieve a feeling of normality.  

Tik is a man-made drug. The formula has evolved over time but the effects of using it have remained fundamentally the same. In World War Two, tik or crystal meth was given to soldiers in order to help them stay awake. Later, in the 1950s, crystal meth was prescribed as a dieting aid and to treat depression. Today, it is a highly addictive, highly illegal drug that is available throughout the world.

The long-term effects of tik are known to be particularly devastating. Tik causes a severe loss of appetite resulting in noticeable loss of weight. Tik users are also known to pick obsessively at their skin and hair, which can and often does, lead to infection. Other effects include jerky, erratic movements such as involuntary facial and muscular movements.

Tik addicts who are admitted to a treatment facility, will likely undergo a detox process where they will be monitored by a medical doctor or nurse to ensure that they remain physically and mentally stable. After detox, the rehabilitation process includes group and individual therapy, life-skills workshops, exercise programs and a number of other therapeutic methods.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

Sources:

Drugfreeworld.org

Webmd.com

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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Burn-out and our responsibility to ourselves and our clients.

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Home / Posts tagged "#12 Step Programme" (Page 9)

Burn-out and our responsibility to ourselves and our clients.

28 February, 2020Articles, News

Every time I share my working situation with friends or family, I get the same set of questions:
“How do you manage with those people? Don’t you take your work home with you? You must hear some really hairy stories, how do you detach from them?” and so on and so on. Its all relevant and worth taking note of.
Counsellor burn-out is a huge dilemma in this field and we need to be acutely aware of our own “mental and emotional health care” so that we can provide the best, most focused and most productive experience for our clients. Substance abuse is one of the most difficult problems to treat, and addiction counsellors are not immune to the negative attitudes and feelings that come from working with difficult clients. Reducing counsellors’ entanglement with their own negative thoughts may be particularly important because there is evidence that these processes contribute to provider burn-out, staff turn-over, and to decreased effectiveness in working with people in need.

Burn-out is a term commonly referred to by those in many fields of the so-called caring professions or human service fields and is often broken-up into three core areas:
(1) emotional exhaustion (the sudden or “creeping” inability to feel compassion for clients),
(2) depersonalization (detachment from the emotional needs of their client),
(3) lack of perceived outcome accomplishment leading to over critical evaluation of our capabilities.
-( Shoptaw, Stein & Rawson 2000 ).

Do some counsellors burn out more frequently than others?
There is no reliable research to suggest that some personality types or even behavioural aspects of counsellors will predetermine whether they are more prone or susceptible to burn-out than others, however certain situational factors may be relevant.
Some are personal : age, educational level, recovery status – while others are organizational characteristics: the number of clients per counsellor, the availability of supervision, the level of team support from colleagues, the level of decisionmaking , the working hours and time off allocated to staff members and the role expectations that the counsellor carries.

How can we manage possible burn-out effectively?
The National Institute of Health (NIH) in the USA published a study that reviewed the scientific literature on preventing and dealing with burn-out in the mental health and substance abuse field. The study highlighted some critical areas:

  • Heading off the psychological factors that lead to burn-out is a crucial intervention strategy.
    This requires mindfulness on the part of the individual addiction counsellor.
  • Organizational aspects to “protect” addiction counsellors are crucial.
    These included:
    • Managing workloads
    • Providing support activities to improve worker morale,
    • Involving staff in decision and policy-making in order to create an environment that values their input.

While not often addressed in classic 12 rehabilitation centres with regard to staff burn out the aspects of transference and counter transference are fundamental.

Regardless of the structure that step work provides and the minimisation of the transference possibilities, we are in relationship with our clients and the transference cannot be avoided.  As much so, neither can the counter transference and hence the need for case discussions, team meeting and supervision if possible.

  • Take time for physical activity every day.
  • Do not be afraid to express your limits and say, “No.”
  • Stay organized and on top of paperwork.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Celebrate even the smallest victory.
  • Get creative and more interesting with group sessions.
  • Get out of the office whenever possible.
  • Take up a hobby you love.
  • Schedule a weekend trips away on your off weekends
  • Take breaks between clients.
  • Set boundaries.

How do we care for each other at Crossroads Recovery Centre? At Crossroads we (the staff) are continually looking out for each other. Working together in such an emotionally charged environment results in continual feed-back to each in respect of our moods, attitudes and behaviours towards our clients. Daily staff meetings and regular staff support discussions ensures that if one of us is experiencing the effects of burn-out or if we are “out of sorts” due to work stress or even personal issues the professional team is there for us to share discuss talk about what may be concerning us.

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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What are the Rehabilitation Options for Substance Abuse in South Africa?

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Home / Posts tagged "#12 Step Programme" (Page 9)

What are the Rehabilitation Options for Substance Abuse in South Africa?

19 February, 2020Articles, News

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Substance Abuse in South Africa: Your Path to Recovery

Rehabilitation is a process that begins with abstinence and requires deep mental, emotional and spiritual change. For addicts struggling with substance abuse, entering rehab may be a daunting proposition but for thousands of people who go on to lead successful lives after active addiction, it is the beginning of a long-term solution. There are a number of rehabilitation options for substance abuse in South Africa. Some addicts turn to religion for the answer while others turn to psychiatry and alternative medicine for help. At Crossroads Recovery Centre, we believe that the most effective option is a combination of a number of therapeutic techniques and the integration of 12-step recovery.

What happens in a group therapy session? Many addicts want to know the answer to this question before entering rehab, because the prospect can be intimidating. Speaking about your feelings in front of a group of strangers? Many people would rather not even entertain the idea. But group therapy has proved effective in the treatment of substance abuse. And the solution lies in the effectiveness of one addict helping another. When addicts are able to relate to each other, share their stories and be open about their feelings in an environment that is safe and respectful, real and lasting change can start to occur. For this reason, we recommend that when looking for rehabilitation options for substance abuse in South Africa, you look for a programme that includes professionally facilitated group therapy sessions. You may be surprised at just how effective this method can be.

12-step recovery is one method of arresting the disease of addiction and finding a new way to live. It is the programme used by 12-step fellowships like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholic Anonymous. At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we ensure that addicts are introduced to the 12 steps while they are in treatment so that they can become accustomed to incorporating 12-step meetings into their everyday lives, as well as other aspects of the programme including getting a sponsor, doing stepwork and being of service to others. In our experience, integration with the 12 steps is a vital part of effective rehabilitation options for substance abuse in South Africa. The addict is introduced to a fellowship of men and women who want nothing more than to help each other recover. And for many, being surrounded by this loving and caring community is indispensable.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for substance abuse, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

FAQs and Answers

1. What are the main rehabilitation options for substance abuse in South Africa?
Rehabilitation options in South Africa include inpatient rehab centres, outpatient programmes, group therapy, 12-step recovery, psychiatric care, faith-based support and holistic treatment approaches.

2. How effective is group therapy for substance abuse treatment?
Group therapy is highly effective because it allows addicts to share experiences, relate to each other and build support in a safe and respectful environment.

3. What is the 12-step programme in substance abuse rehabilitation?
The 12-step programme, used by groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, provides structured recovery through meetings, sponsorship and spiritual growth.

4. How long does rehabilitation for substance abuse take?
Rehabilitation length varies depending on the individual and the programme. Most inpatient treatments last from 30 to 90 days, while long-term recovery support may continue for years.

5. Can family members be involved in substance abuse rehabilitation?
Yes, many centres encourage family participation through counselling sessions and support programmes to strengthen recovery and improve relationships.

6. What happens after completing a rehabilitation programme?
Aftercare often includes ongoing therapy, support group meetings, relapse prevention strategies and lifestyle adjustments to maintain sobriety.

7. Is rehab for substance abuse available in both private and public centres in South Africa?
Yes, South Africa offers both private and government-funded rehab facilities, making treatment accessible for different financial situations.

8. How can someone find the right rehabilitation centre in South Africa?
The right centre can be found by researching available programmes, checking accreditation, assessing treatment methods, and consulting professionals for guidance.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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