Drug and Alcohol Rehab in South Africa

Drug and alcohol treatment centres in South Africa offer world-class counselling and therapy to addicts. These rehabilitation centres offer many forms of treatment to accommodate the needs of each individual and dependency, as no two addictions are exactly the same.

Rehabilitation serves to teach addicts and alcoholics ways to cope with stress, disappointment, anguish, fear and anger without resorting to substance abuse. Life skills taught in drug and alcohol rehab programmes are intended to be applied and practised on a daily basis. Ultimately, the success of any drug or alcohol treatment programme is subject to the addict’s determination to achieve sobriety.

Types of drug addiction facilities in South Africa

South Africans caught up in the devastating grip of addiction can seek rehabilitation in the form of out-patient and in-patient treatment, residential rehabilitation, day-care programmes, dry houses and sober living homes.

Long-term residential rehabilitation is an effective alternative, as positive outcomes are subject to adequate lengths of treatment. Patients receive intensive individual attention. Treatment is focused not only on the symptoms and compulsive nature of addiction, but also involves psychological therapy, which helps the addict to discover the root of their addiction and gain a deeper understanding of why their addiction has manifested. Helping addicts deal with the onslaught of emotions that accompany their first few months of abstinence can lead to meaningful and lasting sobriety.

Drug detox programmes

Detoxification programmes are essential to an addict’s recovery, and are the first step in the treatment process. Detoxification from opiates, alcohol and barbiturates may be a medical requirement and can be fatal without the correct detox processes. Treatment and recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism begins once an addict has been detoxified.

It is imperative to seek the help of registered rehabilitation centres, as trained and qualified addiction counsellors will provide ethical and professional treatment. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation can be costly; however, no matter the expense or quality of the treatment, the prevention of relapse cannot be guaranteed as it is an anticipated component of the recovery process.

Drug treatment methods and the 12 Step programme

A twelve step recovery programme in conjunction with a holistic approach to treatment is proven to be most effective in treating drug and alcohol dependencies. Combining the fundamental twelve steps with a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and involvement in outdoor, healing and sporting activities, encourages a calm, drug-free existence.

Drug rehabs in South Africa are generally situated in beautiful settings, surrounded by nature and tranquillity. This provides patients with the peace they long for in their lives. Holistic drug and alcohol treatment centres focus on interpersonal group therapy and one-to-one counselling. Patients are able to deal with their own deep-seated troubles as well as share their experiences with fellow addicts who are faced with the same adversities and challenges.

Addiction recovery therapists often encourage family participation in counselling, as this has a positive effect on the recovery process. Once the 12 step programme is completed, it is advisable to continue counselling at tertiary drug treatment facilities. These facilities provide further support and assist recovering addicts with the challenges they will face once they leave the drug and alcohol treatment centre. Addictions cannot be overcome independently; medical and psychological treatments are the focal elements of the rehabilitation process and recovery.

Finding the right drug rehab centre in South Africa

Addictions are incurable diseases; institutions claiming that they will cure dependencies are advertising a fallacy. Addicts are advised to seek drug and alcohol rehabilitation with professionals who perceive addictions as treatable conditions. Patients will be equipped with the tools to live sober, healthy lives and avoid temptation and negative influences. When searching for the optimal drug and alcohol rehab in South Africa, consider all aspects of the rehab program and the addict’s individual needs.