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

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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.

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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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The Effects Of Codeine Addiction

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Home / Posts tagged "rehab" (Page 7)

The Effects Of Codeine Addiction

18 February, 2020Articles, News

As a member of the opiate classification of drugs, codeine acts as a central nervous system depressant, resulting in decreased sensations of pain and increased pleasurable sensations due to the drug’s indirect effect on the dopamine reward system in the brain, which results in significant potential for the development of physical dependence. Codeine also affects areas of the brain that are involved in very basic functions, such as respiration and coughing, and the drug is commonly found as a cough suppressant in prescription cough syrups.

Codeine abuse is common among young people

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports on an emerging trend in individuals under the age of 25 that involves abuse of codeine. Codeine is easily accessible; anyone can buy it at any pharmacy across South Africa.

There is a trend of drinking dangerous amounts of cough syrup which contains codeine-promethazine in order to experience psychoactive effects. Promethazine is an antihistamine, and codeine acts as a cough suppressant. In large doses, these substances can produce extreme sedation, mild feelings of wellbeing, and a release of inhibitions. Street names for this particular form of cough syrup include purple syrup, syrup, and sizzurp.

Actual figures regarding how many individuals are abusing codeine are not readily available, but the practice appears to be focused among younger individuals. The abuse of codeine represents a serious threat to these individuals in terms of their long-term health and the potential for overdose.

The Effects of Abusing Codeine

People abusing codeine will quickly develop tolerance to the drug and will need to take larger amounts of it to get the effects that they once achieved at significantly lower doses. As the individual takes larger amounts of the drug at regular intervals, they are more likely to develop physical dependence.

Withdrawal

The development of withdrawal symptoms in individuals who abuse codeine is particularly distressing because codeine has a very short half-life, and an individual can conceivably start to experience withdrawal symptoms within several hours of discontinuing the drug.

Even though the withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence on codeine are reportedly mild in comparison to the symptoms that occur with morphine and heroin, individuals who use large amounts of the drug for lengthy periods of time may get caught in a cycle of abuse to avoid these withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal process associated with codeine is not generally believed to be potentially physically dangerous; however, individuals who are emotionally unstable or prone to poor judgment may be at risk for harm due to accidents, impulsive behaviours, or even suicide in extreme cases. Individuals who mix codeine with other drugs, such as alcohol, or other medications, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, may be at risk for a number of potentially serious physical complications during the withdrawal process. These may include issues with cardiovascular functioning and the development of potential seizures (especially for individuals who abuse codeine on a regular basis with benzodiazepines or alcohol).

Treatment of codeine addiction

It appears that the majority of individuals who abuse codeine are younger; approaching these individuals with concerns about their behaviour can be very tricky. It is well known that individuals who have substance abuse issues can be very defensive regarding their use of drugs and/or alcohol, and younger individuals may become even more so when confronted by a parent, friends, or other relatives. Many sources refer to this tendency to be reactive as “denial,” which itself is suggested to be a symptom of a substance use disorder.

If you or a loved one are battling a codeine addiction and are in search of rehabilitation contact Crossroads Recovery Centre for a free assessment, the individual can be tested and the treatment options can be discussed. Codeine addiction usually requires a medical detoxification and professional help is required for sustained abstinence.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

RESOURCES

https://steemit.com/drug/@pipiro/drugs-abuse-a-total-consideration-on-codeine

https://www.jenonline.org/article/S0099-1767(16)30214-8/abstract

https://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-JivBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT18&ots=cdRR23NJxb&sig=hqcxV0blNxO5C8MW8Cir3ZUxtVg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&

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Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
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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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Nyaope Demystified

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Home / Posts tagged "rehab" (Page 7)

Nyaope Demystified

14 February, 2020Articles, News

Nyaope is a drug completely unique to South Africa. In 2009 when abuse of the substance became widespread the rumour mill began to churn. Tabloid headlines have suggested that people purposefully infect themselves with HIV in their desperation to obtain antiretrovirals (ARV’s) for the side-effects of these drugs. Later, reports came out that users were starting a practice called “bluetoothing” in order to share the high. Nyaope has gained infamy in the South African consciousness, but truth and myth need to be separated at some point.

What is nyaope?

Rat poison, pool cleaner, ARV’s, marijuana, heroin, these are but some of the rumoured components that make up this dangerous cocktail. The main component is low grade heroin and the rest of the contents exist solely to bulk up the weight. It takes the form of a grainy brown powder, hence the street name “sugars”. It is also known as Whoonga, the street name used depends on the region. This powder is either combined with marijuana and smoked or it can be injected intravenously.

What are the dangers of Nyaope?

Since nyaope is composed mostly of heroin, an opiate, the effects are euphoria, relaxation and drowsiness. There is a high risk of overdose, especially when injected intravenously. This is also a consequence of the fact that nyaope is generally sold and used in poorer communities. In an attempt to keep the cost as low as possible, the producers of this drug add a large variety of other drugs and substances; this means that one dose may be vastly more potent than the next.

In addition to the above, the “bulking” ingredients pose their own risks, and because these components are generally not advertised by the sellers, a person who uses this drug can never be 100% sure what they are actually putting into their body.

With all intravenous drug use, the likelihood of bloodborne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis increases dramatically. Nyaope use also increases the risk of mental disorder and psychosis, these effects may remain long after the use of the drug has stopped.

Opiates are also physically addictive; this means that when use of the drugs stops suddenly, the user will experience withdrawal symptoms. This forms part of the reason why nyaope addicts are so desperate to pursue their next fix, it is an attempt to stay out of the discomfort and pain caused by withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include, but are not limited to, extreme physical pain, vomiting, fever, chills, stomach troubles, anxiety and depression.

How is Nyaope addiction treated?

The initial days of treatment for a nyaope addict are generally spent on detoxification medication. The dosage and duration of this medication is generally determined by how much and how long the person has been using the drug. It is very important that a doctor assesses and administers the medication and that the client is medically supervised for the duration of the detox.

After the detox process is finished, nyoape addiction is handled therapeutically much the same as other addictions are handled. One-on-one counselling, group therapy and peer support groups are used to facilitate long-term recovery in the client.

All addiction is a lifelong recovery process accessible to all, through the use of peer support groups such as 12 step fellowships like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. If you or a loved ones needs assistance please contact us.

  • Photograph courtesy Al Jazeera.

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Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
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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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Food Addiction Treatment Facilities: An Overview

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Home / Posts tagged "rehab" (Page 7)

Food Addiction Treatment Facilities: An Overview

07 February, 2020Articles, News

Food addiction – It’s a loaded term that has become synonymous in certain contexts, with compulsive over-eating. It is a term that has come to describe a specific type of process addiction that is differentiated in recovery circles, from substance addictions like drug addiction and alcoholism. At Crossroads Recovery Centres, we understand that the term “food addiction,” can also apply to a range of other obsessive and disordered eating habits. In this article, we discuss some of these behaviours and what treatment for food addiction entails.

As stated above, in its most basic sense, food addiction refers to over-eating. It is a term that describes the loss of control over eating and an increasing obsession with food. What many food addicts attest to, is an overwhelming and relentless compulsion to eat when certain emotions arise. Emotions, for food addicts, are uncomfortable realities, and eating serves as a numbing behaviour, blocking out emotions like hurt, disappointment and anger. Likewise, even positive emotions can trigger an over-eating episode.

What counsellors at a number of food addiction treatment facilities report however, is that food addiction often goes far beyond over-eating. It is one manifestation of the disease of addiction that seems to adapt and transform over time, with food addicts cross-addicting from over-eating, to starving, to binging and even purging. These behaviours are characteristic of different types of food addiction like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, but what is important to understand is that these behaviours can all be observable in the same food addict. Cross-addiction when it comes to disordered eating, is not an uncommon phenomenon. For this reason, food addiction can also be used to describe any compulsion to use food to escape one’s emotions, and the inability to refrain from harmful behaviour around food despite negative consequences.

Food addiction treatment facilities have helped many food addicts to recover and rebuild a healthy relationship with food. Over time, with group therapy, individual counselling, workshops and contact with other addicts in a 12-step fellowship, food addicts can reach a place of inner contentment and self-love. At Crossroads Recovery Centres, our counselling team has many years of experience with working with food addicts and helping them to recover their lives in a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sense.

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

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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