Home / Posts tagged "RehabSouthAfrica" (Page 4)

What is Nyaope ?

09 October, 2020Articles, News

Nyaope is a street drug that has come into widespread use across South Africa, especially in the poorer communities and informal settlements scattered all over the country. One of the main reasons for the rapid spread and use is because it is so inexpensive to acquire and the drug is generally described as being a cocktail of various ingredients; the primary active ingredient being low-grade heroin, which is cut with various other substances to bulk up the weight and price of the product.

Nyaope and Antiretrovirals

For many years it has been said that Nyaope contains antiretroviral drugs. Analysis of samples has shown that this is in fact false due to the drug being cut with various other substances and compositional it differs from area to area. There is no way of telling what’s actually in it. In some areas Nyaope contains methamphetamine.

Effects Of Nyaope

Nyaope can be rolled and smoked with marijuana and/or tobacco or it is diluted and injected intravenously. The “high” from Nyaope creates a feeling of euphoria, contentment and relaxation. The effects of smoking it are less potent, and as dependency builds the preferred method of use becomes intravenous injection as this produces a more intense high. After the initial effects, a feeling of drowsiness and euphoria can persist for several hours. Mental function is clouded and heart functions as well as breathing function are slowed. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, sneezing, yawning and itching.

Through repeated Nyaope use the user builds up tolerance and physical dependence, this is the main reason that Nyaope users graduate from simply smoking it to injecting. The amounts they use increase and the user needs to use more often in order to avoid the effects of withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Excessive yawning or sneezing
  • Stomach cramps
  • Severe muscle and bone aches
  • Fever
  • Sweats
  • Chills
  • Involuntary spasms in the limbs
  • Diarrhoea

The fear of withdrawal and the associated pain is so intense, that users of Nyaope are willing to go to any lengths to maintain their use.

Dangers Of Nyaope Use

The long-term effects of using Nyaope can be devastating and long-lasting. Those who inject are at risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis, blood poisoning from the contaminants used to cut the the drug, bacterial or fungal endocarditis, abscesses from continual injecting and decreased kidney function.

The use of Nyaope has risen dramatically in areas with high levels of poverty, the main reason for this is because the drug is highly addictive and cheaply available. The users end up resorting to crime to maintain their use and avoid the intense symptoms of withdrawal. The eventual cost is much higher than the cost of that first hit.

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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
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Spirituality and addiction

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Home / Posts tagged "RehabSouthAfrica" (Page 4)

Spirituality and addiction

30 September, 2020Articles, News

Addiction is often described as a “spiritual, physical, and emotional” disease.

What is spirituality

Historically the terms spirituality and religion have been confused to mean the same thing. Generally speaking, when the term “spirituality” is used, it refers to a feeling or belief in the oneness between an individual and the universe, being in touch with one’s soul or inner self, and even simply a sense of personal well-being. None of these meanings has a specific reference to a deity or to religion.

Spiritual consequences in active addiction

Addiction and spirituality go hand-in-hand as we notice the contrast of how spirituality plays a role in both addiction and recovery. In active addiction, there is typically an absence of connection to spirit – this will differ from individual to individual.

Addiction is a disease of isolation which feeds on shame and guilt. Addiction robs us of our spirituality because it makes us believe we are not connected, we are alone and we, in turn, are too numb to hear or understand any sense of intuition, spirit or higher power. It makes us believe we have little or nothing for which to be grateful and it blinds us from being mindful or present to reality.

Spirituality in recovery

In recovery, a spiritual practice is absolutely essential and often becomes the backbone of staying clean and sober for many. Most would argue that to be truly successful in breaking the chains of addiction, we all need a spiritual path in recovery and a community of support to go along with it. The reason for this is that the addict in us wants us to remain alone in the dark, but a spiritual path and community, shine the light for us. Once a light illuminates, the darkness cannot survive. Understanding the role spirituality can play in recovery is usually the cornerstone for many in treatment.

Feeling connected to ourselves, others, and a source greater than us, can cause feelings of well-being, purpose and contentment. These feelings begin to replace our ego, fear and anxiety as the sense of connectedness creates a pathway for healing.

The 12 steps and spirituality

12 Step programs guide individuals to really contemplate their sense of spirituality and, over time, to build on it. The 12-Steps themselves help people understand just how much control we have over our lives as human beings – and, with that, how we can rely on God as you understand Him, or any another Higher Power, to help navigate the journey towards recovery which is typically filled with ups and downs.

12-Step programs don’t need to merely talk about spirituality in order for a person to generate a stronger sense of what that means to them. The Steps themselves require that those in recovery acknowledge the pain they’ve caused others, and to ask for forgiveness. This act of taking ownership builds a sense of spirituality in bringing a person’s focus back down to the level of “humanness”, which we so often forget.

By participating actively in 12-Step meetings, a person is making a contribution – an effort towards bettering their community and connecting with others. This spiritual sense of belonging is crucial for a person to soar in recovery, and 12-Step programs clearly facilitate this.

Reference

https://www.burningtree.com/spirituality-and-the-12-steps-what-you-can-gain-in-recovery/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/the-heart-addiction/201503/spirituality-and-addiction

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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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Will My Medical Aid Cover My Treatment ?

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Home / Posts tagged "RehabSouthAfrica" (Page 4)

Will My Medical Aid Cover My Treatment ?

25 September, 2020Articles, News

“Will my medical aid cover my treatment?” is a question we hear incredibly often at Crossroads , and generally, the answer is yes, with a few exceptions. This blog will go into the if, why and how your medical aid or hospital plan can assist you in getting treatment.

What are PMB’s ?

Prescribed Minimum Benefits are features of The Medical Schemes Act that ensures every member has access to basic health care services. A medical aid legally has to cover these to the bare minimum, if they want to be registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. They apply regardless of what the scheme is, which means that even hospital plans have these benefits included.
In the case of rehabilitation, the focus from a doctor’s point has to be diagnostic, this means that the duration or cause of the illness does not determine the validity of treatment. This also means that rehabilitation for illegal drugs is not any different from treatment for legal ones, such as over the counter medications or alcohol.

How much do they cover ?

The rules set forth by the Council of Medical Schemes dictate that rehabilitation should be covered for up to 3 weeks. Some medical aids also make detoxification benefits available when combined with rehabilitation. The monetary value of these benefits does vary from scheme to scheme, with some paying out more than others. This does not impact on the ability to use these benefits but is rather associated with how much the co-payment will work out to.

Under what circumstances will your medical aid not pay ?

There are a few things that will exclude you from using these benefits, which are listed below:

If you are on a waiting period: Generally, when you join a medical aid for the first-time, certain benefits are excluded from the scheme. This is so that people don’t take advantage of the medical aid – join on one day, use the benefits and then cancel the next day. This all varies from scheme to scheme and differs for individuals. Speak to your broker or call the customer care line for clarity.

If there are exclusions on your medical aid: Some medical aids offer budget options. This may limit your options for treatment to certain hospitals and doctors. This may apply to rehabilitation centres as well. Though we do see this from time to time, what we see more often is “medical insurers” who do not need to conform to the same rules as medical aids when it comes to prescribed minimum benefits.

If you have used your benefits: Medical aids limit the benefits associated with certain conditions. Should there be no more benefits remaining on the medical aid they will not authorise another stay in treatment. These benefits reset each calendar year. This means that if you have used your benefits in 2020, they will be available to use again on the 1st of January, 2021.

If you do not stay for the full duration of treatment: As a rule, medical aids pay out per day, so if you stay in treatment for half the time, they will only cover half the fees. Again this varies between schemes and options. A medical aid may refuse to pay entirely if treatment is not completed. This is one of the many reasons it is recommended that you stay in treatment for the full amount of time.

Some general advice regarding medical aid and treatment

First and foremost, the best advice when it comes to medical aids is to be honest. We have seen many people denied benefits because they did not declare their addiction or alcoholism as a pre-existing condition. This is especially true if you have been in treatment before, but also applies if you have ever spoken to a doctor or received advice from a doctor regarding your addiction. This is especially important when first joining a medical aid, as it will have an impact on waiting periods and therefore the benefits available to you. It may seem awkward but keep in mind- everything that happens between yourself and a medical aid or broker is confidential.
On the subject of confidentiality, what is claimed from your medical aid is privileged information. This information will not be passed on to anyone else who is not associated with the treatment team or the medical aid. Many people are concerned that this information will be common knowledge or easily accessible – it is not. The only exception is that the information may be accessible to other members on the medical aid plan.

How do I know what my medical aid will cover?

The easiest way to determine availability or value of funds is to do a pre-authorisation. This can be done prior to admission. This is obligation free, if pre-authorisation is obtained and the person is never admitted, the benefits will still be available to use at any point in the future.

Contact us to find out more about how your medical aid can assist you in getting treatment, we work with most approved medical aids.

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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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What is Drug Addiction?

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Home / Posts tagged "RehabSouthAfrica" (Page 4)

What is Drug Addiction?

16 September, 2020Articles, News

What is Addiction?

Drug addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behaviour. When you are addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, opioid painkillers, and other legal substances.

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it, but over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose self-control and can lead to harmful behaviours.

Addiction vs. Abuse

Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality, however, usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.

Addiction is when you can’t stop. You cannot stop even when it puts your health in danger, nor when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

Effect on Your Brain

Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat experiences that make you feel good. This means that you are motivated to do them again and again.
The drugs that may be addictive, target your brain’s reward system. They flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine triggers a feeling of intense pleasure. This leads you to keep taking the drug to chase that same feeling of pleasure or high.

Over time, your brain gets used to the extra dopamine. You might need to take more of the drug to get the same good feeling. Other things you enjoyed, such as food and hanging out with family, may give you less pleasure. When you use drugs for a long time, it can cause changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well.

They can hurt your:
– Judgment
– Decision making
– Memory
– Ability to learn

Together, these brain changes can drive you to seek out and take drugs in ways that are beyond your control.

Who’s Most Likely to Become Addicted?

Each person’s body and the brain is different. People also react differently to drugs. Some love the feeling the first time they try it and want more. Others hate it and never try again.

Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, but it can happen to anyone and at any age. Some things may raise your chances of addiction, including:
– Family history. Your genes are responsible for about half of your odds. If your parents or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’re more likely to as well. Women and men are equally likely to become addicted.
– Early drug use. Children’s brains are still growing, and drug use can change that. Taking drugs at an early age may make you more prone to addiction when you get older.
– Mental disorders. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention, or worry constantly, you have a higher chance of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better.
– Troubled relationships. If you grew up with family troubles and aren’t close to your parents or siblings, it may raise your chances of addiction.

Signs of Addiction

  • You may have one or more of these warning signs:
    • An urge to use the drug every day, or many times a day.
    • You take more drugs than you want to, and for longer than you thought you would.
    • You always have the drug with you, and you buy it even if you can’t afford it.
    • You keep using drugs even if it causes you trouble at work or makes you lash out at family and friends.
    • You spend more time alone.
    • You don’t take care of yourself nor care about your physical appearance.
    • You steal, lie, or do dangerous things such as driving whilst high or have unsafe sex.
    • You spend most of your time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug.
    • You feel sick when you try to quit.

When to Get Help

If your drug use is out of control or causing problems, talk to your doctor.
Getting better from drug addiction can take time. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stop using drugs and stay drug-free.

Your treatment may include counselling, medicine, or both. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best plan for you.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

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

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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