Rehabilitation from substance abuse in Johannesburg

Substance abuse problems may be considered as a ‘pandemic’ amongst certain areas within South Africa. In Johannesburg, there is a large problem related to drug and alcohol abuse. As a result of political and social transformations in the country there has been a large increase in drug trafficking, consumption, and associated issues such as crime and abuse in relation to drug and alcohol addiction. Poverty and a lack of education can also be a huge factor contributing towards the substance abuse in and around Johannesburg. This has been a rising problem since the 1900’s. How do we tackle the challenge of rehabilitation from substance abuse ?

Various research studies have shown that there is not much written about the perceptions toward drug and alcohol abuse in communities. There is generally seen to be a stigma attached to those who abuse drugs and alcohol as this may lead to an increased crime rate as well as people living on the streets. The Parliamentary Monitoring group held a meeting on the 7^{th of} November 2011 that was led by the Department of Social Development. The chairperson was Ms. Y. Botha from the ANC. The meeting stated “the aim of this study was to survey community members’ knowledge of substance use and abuse, identify the types of drugs used in communities, and establish awareness of substance abuse prevention and treatment services in their communities. One of the key findings of the study was that only 40% of those surveyed knew that there were services available to help with rehabilitation from substance abuse, meaning that 60% were unaware that there was help available. The Central Drug Authority provided a three-pronged solution to drug and alcohol use: demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction. This showed that South Africa was well above the average usage worldwide. It was stated the percentage of services that were offered were very small. South Africa had a variety of holidays, which people would use to overindulge. With Christmas coming up, these were particularly important issues to address. South African culture viewed drinking as a rite of passage to adulthood. What role was the CDA playing in changing these perceptions”. (Substance Abuse research & 2011 Summit Resolutions: briefing by Central Drug Authority

Another study conducted by a student at The University of Witwatersrand showed that “substance abuse ruins relationships not only within the family but also relationships beyond the family, such as neighbours’ and community members. Extended family members may experience feelings of abandonment, anxiety, fear, anger, concern, embarrassment, or guilt; they may wish to ignore or cut ties with the person abusing substances. The study has revealed that substance users, often tarnish their family’s image in the community through their antisocial activities.

I believe that there is still more scope to research substance abuse, as previous studies have been somewhat limited in terms of demographics. I also believe that there is a need for further education and awareness on this subject, as many people do not believe that addiction is a medical disease. There is also quite a stigma attached to those who abuse drugs and alcohol. Very often, community members perceive addicts as bad people, thinking that they have a choice to simply stop using. However, this is not the case. I have noticed that there is most definitely a gap in terms of education and awareness around substance abuse. I have seen many families bring their loved ones into treatment, while being filled with anger over the fact that their loved one could be capable of such things, as they lack an understanding of the nature of the disease. Many families also blame themselves, questioning where they went wrong to lead to the fact that their family member or child could be addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

Rehabilitation from substance abuse is defined as the action of restoring someone to health or a normal life through training and therapy after addiction. When searching for rehabilitation in Johannesburg, there are many options to choose from. There are many options including inpatient facilities where the abuser will spend an amount of time within a facility working on their addiction. Outpatient facilities and secondary care facilities are also readily available. These facilities can be government or private. Private facilities will also usually take medical aids. If rehabilitation is not affordable, one can look at support group meetings such as 12 step meetings like Alcoholics or Narcotics anonymous which are freely available. There are also support groups available for the families such as Alanon, Nar-anon, and tough love. The issue with attending an outpatient programme or a freely available support group is that it might not be exactly what the addict needs, and they will need to be admitted so as not to have any distractions from the outside world. Most rehab facilities will focus on cognitive behavioural therapy and work on getting to the cause of the problem while keeping the substance abuser contained and in a safe space.

Usually, a drug rehabilitation programme will only work if the person wants to get the help. Although, in some rare cases it has been known to work for some involuntary admissions. A drug rehabilitation programme usually consists of an inpatient programme where the substance abuser is admitted for a minimum period of 28 days. Once admitted, the person will undergo a medical assessment and be given a medical detox. Most programmes cater for personalised treatment programmes that may include welcome groups, didactic groups, powerlessness and recovery coaching, occupational therapy, AA meetings, NA meetings, topic groups, spirituality, resident house meetings, goal setting and farewell groups. Individual counselling is also available depending on the clients’ needs and this may include one-on-one therapy, addiction counselling, spiritual counselling, step work counselling, trauma therapy, family counselling and co-dependence counselling. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is relevant for addiction treatment because it is behaviourally based, and most substances abusers need a practical approach to dealing with their addiction by starting with changing their behaviour. Once the person has completed their programme, it may be extended, or they may then be referred to an outpatient programme or secondary care facility.

When choosing a centre for yourself or your loved one, always do your research. Ensure that they are a licenced facility. Ask if you can come for an assessment to view the facility and meet with the staff. Most facilities will allow this free of charge and may even offer to send you information brochures. If they have reviews or if you know anyone that has been there, that may also ease your decision into choosing the correct facility.

If you or a loved one are battling substance abuse and are in search of rehabilitation from substance abuse in Johannesburg, know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

Dominique Le Claire Rossouw

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

Read more

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Alcohol Rehab Centres in Johannesburg: The Process of Entering Recovery

According to the World Health Organisation, South Africa has the fifth highest alcohol consumption rate in the world. Statistics show that although a large segment of the population abstains from alcohol, those who do drink, drink heavily. The numbers speak volumes, and with a high alcohol consumption rate, comes a high incidence of alcoholism amongst South Africans of all ages. If you or a loved one is in need of help, we provide the following valuable advice on how to find alcohol rehab centres in Johannesburg.

Intervention

In many cases, individuals struggling with alcoholism do not enter recovery on their own. Most are prompted by family members or friends, often by means of an intervention. Such an intervention can take the form of a meeting where the loved ones of an alcoholic stages a setting in which they can let the alcoholic know how their behaviour is affecting both themselves and those around them. A counsellor may or may not be present during the intervention. Their presence often helps to alleviate tension and create a space that is conducive to open discussion and sharing. If you would like to stage an intervention but need advice on how to go about this, contact us at Crossroads Recovery Centres – our counselling team is readily willing and able to point you in the right direction or help directly where possible.

Free Consultation

One of the ways in which an alcoholic can be convinced to enter the recovery process, is to let them know that a consultation with a counsellor for an assessment is cost- and obligation-free. Meeting with a professional and talking through some of the issues that may be affecting them, may help an alcoholic to agree to get help for their problem. At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we provide this service free of charge. As some of the leading alcohol rehab centres in South Africa, we have a team of professionals who are experts in their fields and are trained to provide alcoholics with a non-judgemental, open-minded space in which to express their feelings and perhaps, begin the process of recovery.

Admission

At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we do everything we can to make recovering alcoholics feel safe, understood and at home within the treatment setting. Admission occurs on a case by case basis. Sometimes it becomes necessary to admit the alcoholic, with their consent, immediately after the assessment. In other cases, alcoholics may volunteer to be admitted a few days after the assessment. In each case, our trained team of professionals will provide sound advice for the alcoholic but also for their loved ones. South Africa has in fact become a popular recovery destination for alcoholics from all over the world including the United States and the Netherlands. At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we have the expertise to help addicts and alcoholics enter recovery and begin their journey towards finding a new way to live.

If you or a loved one are battling alcoholism and are in search of an alcohol rehab centre in Johannesburg, know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

Sources:

South Africa has some of the heaviest drinkers in the world

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

Read more

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Substance Abuse in Johannesburg.

For many years now people have been made aware of the dangers that are present when substance abuse occurs. Unfortunately, misinformation and ignorance contribute to the continued abuse of drugs both legal and illegal. This article will go on to discuss the physical implications associated with some of the commonly abused substances within the drug culture of Johannesburg.

Alcohol

Alcohol is arguably the most widely abused substance across the world, though many people partake of it without serious consequences, those who drink to excess can experience a host of negative health consequences. These include liver damage and failure, damage to the kidneys and other internal organs. The brain can also experience severe damage with prolonged alcohol abuse, possibly even resulting in Korsakoff’s syndrome, (sometimes referred to as “wet brain”). This form of dementia is not unlike Alzheimer’s, and the effects are not reversible once present. When heavy drinkers suddenly stop the body can enter a state of withdrawal, though most of the symptoms cause temporary discomfort, some people may experience seizures which can lead to long-term damage. Indulging in large quantities of alcohol in one go, common among binge drinkers, can result in alcohol poisoning, Alcohol poising may cause severe vomiting,incontinence, difficulty breathing, irregular heart rate, coma and possibly even death.

Benzodiazepines

“Benzo’s” are a class of pharmaceutical drugs that are used to cause sedation and are prescribed to treat sleeplessness and anxiety. The greatest risk in benzodiazepine abuse is death as a result of overdose. The central nervous system shuts down and vital functions such as breathing and heart rate are compromised. Like alcohol, benzodiazepines can also cause physical dependency, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when suddenly stopped. In some cases, persons experiencing withdrawal can go into a coma, or even die as a result of the severe physical toll the benzodiazepine withdrawal has on the body. It should also be noted that long-term substance abuse can lead to reduced cognitive functioning, with reduced memory capabilities. This may be alarming but most cognitive functions do return to normal some time after abstinence is achieved.

Methamphetamines

Crystal meth is about as infamous as a drug can get. Its abuse has become widespread in the last few years and psychosis as a result of this stimulant has become more common place. Heart disease is a frequent complication among crystal meth users, accounting for the second most frequent cause of death, with the first being overdose. Methamphetamines have a negative effect on the immune system, making users more likely to contract other diseases and infections, as well as doing serious damage to the kidneys. Meth users also frequently experience tooth decay and skin sores – these are the most stereotypical signs of crystal meth abuse.

Amphetamines

The most commonly used amphetamine in Johannesburg is Cat (Methcathinone, also known as mephedrone). Like many toxins Cat has the potential to damage the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys. It can also have negative effects on mental health, resulting in paranoia, depression and anxiety. It may also cause psychosis in users. Cat also has a potential for overdose, when excessive amounts of the drug are used it can result in seizures, coma, and death.

Marijuana

As far as drugs go, marijuana is considered “safer” than many other substances. However “safe” does not mean safer (please see our article on the use and legalisation of marijuana). As far as physical side-effects go, the bodies of marijuana users aren’t heavily impacted, the physical consequences of marijuana use are similar to that of cigarette smoking. However, the consequences on mental health should not be underestimated. Long-term and excessive use can have serious impacts on mental health, resulting in paranoia, psychosis, depression and anxiety. These consequences require medical treatment long after the substance abuse has stopped.

Opiates

In Johannesburg opiates are most commonly used in 3 forms, prescription medication (containing codeine), heroin, and Nyope. Though these drugs vary wildly, opiates have the same impact on the brain and body regardless of where they come from. The central nervous system of a user is severely impacted, the liver and kidney’s also work overtime trying to process the toxins, with excessive use possibly resulting in their damage. Opiates also have a high overdose potential. An overdose causes the respiratory and circulatory system to slow down, possibly resulting in respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and death. Opiates also cause physical dependence in users, withdrawal from opiates can be painful and traumatic. Withdrawal that presents with any sort of illness or discomfort should always be referred to a medical doctor. Detoxing with the assistance of a physician is imperative.

There are many dangers associated with substance abuse within Johannesburg’s drug culture, this article has only scraped the surface of the possibly consequences. The physical symptoms may be frightening and severe but the mental and social consequences should not be discounted.

The road to recovery from substance abuse is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre in Johannesburg, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

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

Read more

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