Drug Rehabilitation Programmes

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Drug Rehabilitation Programmes

12 May, 2021Articles, News

“Drug rehabilitation programmes” is a term for the processes of medical and/or psychotherapeutic treatment, for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and so-called street drugs such as cocaine, heroin or amphetamines.

The general intent is to enable the patient to cease substance abuse, in order to avoid the:

  • psychological,
  • legal,
  • financial,
  • social,

and physical consequences that can occur. This is dependant on the extent of the drug abuse.

There are many drug rehabilitation programmes. These programmes include:

  1. assessment of drug use and any past treatment

2. the physical and mental status of the person.

This should be done before any treatment programme is commenced in respect of the client.

These drug rehabilitation programmes may include self-management programmes or self-directed behaviour which involves teaching the rehabilitees how to live a self-directed life.

Programmes and processes include:

  • Counselling will help people identify their problems and how to cope with them,
  • an individualized treatment plan,
  • pharmacotherapy and medical care which deals with the physiological effects of drugs
  • detoxification,

as well as relapse prevention techniques to help the rehabilitees remain sober after being discharged from the drug rehabilitation centres.

According to National Standards for treatment and rehabilitation of persons with substance use disorders, client assessment should be done immediately upon a client being accepted or admitted into a drug rehabilitation centre.

According to NACADA, no drug rehabilitation programmes should be administered to any client before assessment which entails a brief history of the client, the substance in use, any past treatment, risk potential for instances of suicidal attempts and mental status examination (MSE). This forms the baseline of developing an appropriate treatment plan to address the actual problems of the rehabilitee.

The rehabilitees should be part of a programme that helps them change their maladaptive behaviours and be able to avoid reverting back to them even after leaving the centres to avoid relapse.

Established specialized substance abuse treatment programmes have three similar generalized goals namely:

  • Reducing substance abuse or achieving a substance-free life (abstinence)
  • Maximizing multiple aspects of life functioning
  • Preventing or reducing the frequency and severity of relapse

Individualized treatment plan

Individualized treatment plans (ITP) are one aspect of the programmes recommended for the treatment of persons with drug and substance use disorders. They may include :

  • behavioural therapy,
  • group counselling,
  • cognitive therapy
  • medication.

An ITP also addresses a patient’s recovery programme by encouraging the participation of family members and the rehabilitee’s immediate community to address external factors that could facilitate the resumption of drug abuse and other illicit activities.

Individual treatment selection depends on the nature of the substance addiction as well as the physical and psychological condition, personal preferences, strengths, characteristics and social needs of the rehabilitee. The individual plan includes the clients’ responsibility and commitment to the rehabilitation process and the type of therapeutic activities the client will be involved in. The client should be involved in the plan, own it and work towards the set goals to eradicate any self-defeating behaviour. Individualized treatment assists in addressing the actual individuals problems.

Freedom of expression is guaranteed for some individual clients who may be shy to share their experiences. Individualized drug counselling helps the counsellor to interact with the patient effectively. During general counselling sessions, patients might find it hard to discuss or disclose some personal information in relation to circumstances that led to the use of the drugs. Through its emphasis on short-term behavioural goals, individualized drug counselling helps the patient to develop coping strategies and tools for abstaining from drug use and then maintaining abstinence. Through individualized treatment is important according to research, most rehabilitation centres prefer group counselling due to a lack of skilled staff. This may hinder many rehabilitees recovery processes as their individual needs are not being addressed.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with substance abuse – 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 possible 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 only 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.

Reference

Sereta BN, Amimo FA, Ouma P, Ondimu TO (2016) An Assessment of Effectiveness of Drug Rehabilitation Programs in Kisii CountyKenya. J Health Edu Res Dev 4: 165

http://africacheck.org/reports/flawed-survey-claims-a-third-of-south Africans-are-drug-users

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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • "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."
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Effects of Alcohol Abuse

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Effects of Alcohol Abuse

07 May, 2021Articles, News

Car accidents. Violent arguments. Blackouts. You may be familiar with these examples of the most common consequences of alcohol abuse. They are the kinds of incidences that are reported in the media and spoken about in social circles. But the effects of alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction go far beyond the physical symptoms. In this article, we provide an overview of the effects of this life-threatening disease.

Physical Effects

The body is affected by alcohol abuse in profound and far-reaching ways. Most commonly, alcoholics suffer liver damage to varying degrees. This may manifest in conditions such as jaundice, general fatigue and digestive problems. High doses of alcohol for prolonged periods of time can adversely affect the heart, putting individuals at risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes. In extreme cases, chronic alcohol users can suffer from thiamine deficiency which results in muscle weakness, blurry vision and long-term loss of appetite.

Mental Effects

Alcohol abuse also affects the brain, particularly the neural centres that control one’s decision-making functions and memory. It is not uncommon for alcoholics who find recovery to be diagnosed with secondary mental illnesses such as neurotic anxiety and depression. In fact, what we know about alcohol abuse today, is that it can exacerbate an already existing, underlying mental condition. Extreme alcohol abusers may experience noticeable cognitive impairment that can cause long-term and irreparable damage.

Emotional Effects

Many alcoholics can relate to the transition from social drinking to drinking in isolation, as their disease progresses. Alcohol abusers may not want to share their liquor, may feel ashamed of their behaviour and may lose interest in social activities, particularly those which do not involve an element of drinking. In addition, it is marked by increasing and persistent levels of irritability. Abusers may become noticeably upset and uneasy when they are prevented from drinking or confronted about their problem. Without the act of satisfying their craving, alcohol abusers cannot function in a healthy way.

Spiritual Effects

The spiritual effect of alcohol abuse is a topic that 12-step programmes cover extensively but one that is not often recognised by those who are not familiar with life in recovery. Many alcoholics describe their disease as feeling like a “hole in the soul,” or like something is fundamentally wrong with them or that they are unworthy of love. When coupled with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, the spiritual effects are extensive and deeply troubling.

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

If you or a loved one needs assistance with alcoholism – 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 possible 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 only 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.

Acknowledgements:

American Addiction Centres
Stories of Recovery

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  • 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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Gambling Rehab -When to Seek it ?

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Home / Posts tagged "jhb rehab" (Page 16)

Gambling Rehab -When to Seek it ?

05 May, 2021Articles, News


Seeking treatment and help for substance addiction is often a lot easier than seeking help for an addiction to gambling. The first step would be to accept that gambling is an addiction no different to other addictions such as alcoholism. Once this has been accepted, it follows that help may be sought out at a gambling rehab.


One of the primary reasons making it difficult to identify that gambling rehab is necessary is that substance addiction affects the body and has serious visible health consequences, whilst gambling addiction does not present itself with obvious effects on the body’s health, which makes admitting to having a gambling addiction even more difficult and entering a treatment facility challenges.

The simple explanation of addiction is:

Addiction disrupts regions of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment and memory. It damages various biological systems as well as families, relationships and careers.

Addiction is characterised by :

  • An inability to abstain from a substance or gambling.
  • Impairment in behavioural control, continual use of a substance or gambling regardless of consequences.
  • Craving or increased need for a substance or gambling.
  • Diminished recognition of significant problems relating to using or gambling behaviours and interpersonal relationships.
  • Dysfunctional emotional responses, relating to using or gambling behaviour.

Gambling addiction occurs when an individual becomes pathologically focused on pursuing rewards from engaging in the behaviour, whilst simultaneously being distressed by the consequences of repeatedly gambling. Often the individual struggles to refrain from gambling, experiences intense craving, has difficulty resisting and has minimal awareness of the problems and or consequences that arise as a result of their addiction, including loss of time and loss of the ability to prioritise other life functions and responsibilities. For someone with a gambling addiction, the feeling of gambling is equivalent to taking a drug or having a drink. At this point gambling rehab is needed.

Gambling behaviour alters the person’s mood and state of mind. It is difficult to seek help or treatment if you are not sure that there is a problem. Identifying your gambling addiction and understanding the consequences of it and deciding to seek help are the first steps to recovery and seeking treatment in a facility.

Similar to other behavioural or substance addictions, it has been found that compulsive gamblers respond positively to treatment which includes psychosocial support. Cognitive behavioural therapy has also been shown to be particularly effective in addressing gambling addictions, as it teaches relapse prevention skills and how to change behaviours and thinking around the addiction. 12 Step based treatment and behavioural modification which aims at addressing the symptoms and causes of the addiction often leads to total abstinence from gambling.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with an addiction to gambling – 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 possible 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 only 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.

Resources:

  • American Psychiatric Association www.mentalhelp.net
  • World Health Organization: ICD 10 classification of behavioral disorders (www.nlm.nih.gov)
  • Goodman A: Addiction definition and implications (www.researchgate.net)
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine policy (www.asam.org)

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  • 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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Which cat is in the street? ….Is it Khat or Cat.

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Home / Posts tagged "jhb rehab" (Page 16)

Which cat is in the street? ….Is it Khat or Cat.

30 April, 2021Articles, News

Many people are confused about the difference between the two substances khat and cat. They may even produce similar effects on the people that are using them but are significantly different in composition or origin.

Let’s first deal with khat.

Khat is a plant and is used as a recreational drug by people in East Africa and the Arabian countries to elevate mood. The leaves and stem are chewed. It is both a recreational drug and sometime medicinal.
As a medicine, the khat leaf is used for  many common ailments such as diabetes, , depression, fatigue, obesity, stomach ulcers, headache, and male infertility. It is also used to lower the need for food,  sleep, decrease sexual desires, improve the ability to study, and increase aggression.

Khat seems to contain characteristics and stimulants similar to amphetamines.

Whether it has any impact on these ailments is still to be scientifically decided however The World Health Organization (WHO) lists khat as a drug that creates “dependence” in people, meaning it produces a continuing desire to keep using it. It is banned in many western countries.

Khat can cause many side effects including mood changes, increased alertness, excessive talkativeness, hyperactivity, excitement, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, manic behaviour, paranoia, and psychosis. It may also lead to insomnia and an inability to concentrate.

And the other Cat?

Methcathinone is stimulant that is structurally a combination of methamphetamine and cathinone. It is clandestinely manufactured from readily available chemicals. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, most commonly snorted, although it can be taken orally by mixing it with a beverage or diluted in water and it can be injected intravenously. Methcathinone produces amphetamine-like characteristics.

The effect of Cat/Kat can be described as being very similar to that of cocaine, however unlike cocaine the effects can last up to nine hours.

What are the Physical/Mental Effects of Cat?

  • Powerful feelings of euphoria
  • Increased energy & confidence
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased sociability & talkativeness
  • Because the drug is a stimulant its usage can go on for days and often results in week long binges.

It has been linked to the party and rave scene however it is used by professionals needing extra energy and work enthusiasm and by students needing to study and concentrate for long hours.

After Cat usage or a Cat binge the dreaded “come down” follows.

What can you expect after a binge or extensive Cat usage?

  • Anxiety
  • Muscle tension and pain
  • Insomnia
  • Delusions from lack of sleep and inability to eat
  • Severe psychological depression
  • Suicide ideation
  • Paranoia
  • Visual Hallucinations

What to do if you feel you need help with your Cat addiction ?

Cat is psychologically highly addictive, individuals lose their ability to feel emotion or empathy, they lose self-esteem and purpose in life often becoming distant and removed.

Cat addiction can be treated through a number of corrective approaches and therapeutic interventions. Crossroads Recovery Centres are situated in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa. Our staff members are all qualified and experienced addiction counsellors backed by a team of other professionals. If necessary, we provide detoxification from a substance together with a holistic treatment plan based on a 12-step treatment programme. We provide the necessary skills needed to maintain a clean and sober life style long after the primary treatment process has been completed.

If you or a loved one needs rehabilitation from cat addiction – 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 possible 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 only 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.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

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