Alcohol Detox and Withdrawl There may be some resistance to the idea of quitting alcohol consumption because of the perceived actions and feelings associated with withdrawal symptoms; however, this is the first and most important step in the fight towards sobriety and the ending of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. The First Step to Alcohol Detox
It’s 6am on Monday morning. You wake up, headache throbbing, sweating profusely and you reach over for something liquid next to your bed. The lukewarm water in the glass splashes all over the place as you attempt to bring it to your mouth. You have an uncontrollable shake that you just cannot get rid of. It’s called the ‘alcohol shakes’ and is loosely defined as the tremors caused by Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, which occurs in some frequent alcohol users when they suddenly stop drinking.
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Alcohol and Benzodiazepine (see below) withdrawal are considered the worst. Even more so than heroin derivatives because of the deadly potential of seizures and death. Often a person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs may lie to themselves and be in a state of denial about their problems, their issues and their destructive lifestyle, for long periods of time.
No one on earth is the same. This is particularly true when it comes to addiction. When it comes to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD is a condition that can be diagnosed when your pattern of alcohol use is problematic and causes significant distress), everyone has different needs. Symptoms and needs can range from mild to severe and the care you’ll need depends to a degree, on where you fall in that range.
2020 will be remembered as one of the most stressful and challenging years we have experienced. With the stress of the global pandemic, hunger, job losses and a host of other events, it is not surprising that many people have turned to, or increased their drug and alcohol intake and now need to get sober. For many, 2020 became a turning point in their addiction, and not in a good way. We believe that it is time to say 2020 is over, let’s get sober!
With 20 questions, this self-test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs help with their addiction or excessive drug use.
With 26 questions, this Am I an Alcoholic self-test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs help and to find out more about themselves and their relationship with alcohol .
The end of year celebrations tend to trigger a relapse in many of those who are living with substance abuse disorders and this year, thanks to the global pandemic, it could be even worse. Every year, the holiday season creates challenges for those who are battling addictions and substance abuse disorders. Most of the time it’s the holiday parties, the social events (think end of year office and social gatherings etc) that make the consumption of alcohol look increasingly inviting. 2020, thanks to the pandemic has caused more relapses than ever and complicated things further due to the stresses associated with the effects of the virus.
An issue that many recovering alcoholics have to deal with is the concept of creating new holiday memories minus alcohol. Now, with the world going into its first “pandemic holiday” this task is even more challenging. Think about the holiday parties, the office parties, the wines and ciders, the braais and good times – how many of those don’t involve alcohol? The one plus of this pandemic is that thankfully, for those in recovery, many of those parties have been cancelled. These can be tough waters to navigate as a newly sober (or just sober for that matter) person, so you are going to need a bit of help getting creative with your social life and festive season planning.
Everyone is gearing down for the holidays and everyone is in “party mode.” Well, not everyone. In fact, this is the worst time of year to be an addict and to make matters worse, it’s the first pandemic holiday season for us all. The constant partying and socializing means you are exposed to temptation more than at any other time. It’s also a stressful and emotional time, when issues around money and relationships with family and friends (often among the original triggers for abuse) come into focus and thanks to Covid-19, those issues are ultra-heightened and the stress is magnified. It’s harder than ever to stay clean and sober – but there are ways you can minimize the risk of having a destructive relapse and get through this pandemic holiday season.
I bet you are raising an eyebrow at that headline right about now, right? Well, just take a moment before you react as we explain why!
The Festive Season is often a difficult and painful time for many addicts and their families. If this sounds familiar, please think about it don’t suffer in silence. Particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing stopping many family get-togethers. You may want to do things differently this year. Take the gap and come to Houghton House to sort your life out. We are available for alcohol and drug addiction help over this December year-end and the New Year period. See:>>Could you be drinking too much and drinking yourself into trouble?<<
Anyone who has been affected by addiction knows that the sickness does not differentiate between rich and poor or black and white and that even those with fame and fortune are not safe from the news displaying their Faces of Recovery. The showbiz world is home to many recovering celebrities. And, just like millions of people worldwide, many brilliant musicians’ actors and athletes are living fit, fruitful lives in recovery.
by Sanam Naran – Counselling Psychologist
“It’s regarded as the top private rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg,they offer the full spectrum of treatment for all addictive disorders and associated problems. And although Houghton House is based in Johannesburg, they recognise that addiction can affect people from all areas and spheres of the world. Due to this, Houghton House is open to accommodate people from local and international destinations, as long as the COVID-19 bylaws do not restrict travel.” See also:>>The link between substance and behavioural addiction<<
By: Dan Wolf, Director of Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres /MA Psych
Educating parents and children about alcohol, drugs and other vices is a difficult task. Historically, many approaches have been adopted ranging from scare tactics, experts talking about peer pressure, talks by addicts in recovery and more recently a level of resignation that perhaps moderate use is the most reasonable approach. In this article, I would like to draw on the wisdom of various highly respected religious leaders. In my opinion, this is more helpful than defaulting to personal opinions or theories that are often developed simply to justify dysfunctional behaviour.
by Sanam Naran – Counselling Psychologist
You may be asking yourself some of these questions about Behavioral Addiction, either for yourself or a loved one struggling with addiction. Addiction can ruin lives and have a detrimental effect on all those involved.
Through addiction, one may lose their job, their marriage, their family, their health, their assets and their dignity and self-respect, amongst other things.
Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres has a lot to celebrate this month! For 25 years, Johannesburg’s premium alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation centre has provided world-class residential, Inpatient and Outpatient addiction treatment along with extensive Halfway House facilities which support patient’s ongoing care. Established in 1995, Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres See:>>What Are the Addiction Treatment Options that I have?<<
Any form of addiction has an effect on all members of an addicted family unit, in one way or another. There are specific roles which are filled in an alcoholic family unit and we are going to go delve into a number of these roles so that you and your loved ones can better understand the effect of alcoholism on partners and children.
Realistically, there are loads of individuals who can drug and drink, who can smoke and who can look at pornography and who can go to casinos and gamble, but never end up being cursed with a resulting addiction to one of these issues. Nevertheless, some people seem to be born with a predilection to addiction or addictive disorder who are simply wired that way, wired for addiction from the first drug, drink, puff, porn image, or taste of gambling.
Many of us look forward to this time as a time of relaxing, recharging, and spending time with our loved ones and friends. The reality is that now with our coming COVID-19 summer, summertime is actually a time of increased stress, if people are social distancing and wearing masks out and about and attempting to enjoy life. There’s a saying in recovery, that if we are “spiritually fit,” we can go anywhere without fear of relapse. But, it’s probably also true that if we are spiritually fit, and we are in recovery from addiction there are places we shouldn’t be hanging around unless we have a very good reason.
The importance of filtering through the marketing, the ploys and the efforts from charlatans to entice you or a loved one into a less than favourable rehab centre is something you need to keep top of mind when making such an important life changing decision. Once you have found a potential Treatment Centre, you need to take further steps to ensure that you have chosen the right place.
As the world moves into a new normal and online searches increase, people are finding new and original ways to scam those in need. Reputable Drug Rehabilitation centres in Gauteng for alcohol and drug addiction are, like many other institutions being targeted by charlatans to prey on the weak with devastating results. Unfortunately, deceptive marketing and unethical practices are becoming more prevalent with these ‘health vultures’ preying on the weak, the desperate and seeking only monetary gain.
I remember being drunk and high, strolling into a club and thinking I was Queen Bee. I was gorgeous, the life of the party, statuesque and intimidating. I was all powerful.
Then I look back at past pictures and speak to friends as I cant actually remember things after my regular blackouts in the evenings. I look at me …I was bedraggled, haggard, unbalanced, drooling and talking absolute nonsense. I wasn’t intimidating, I was just irritating.
A sense of victory is building up for those who have had to go without a drink for several weeks due to the national lockdown and banning of alcohol sales across the country. But just what does the reopening of bottle stores and the reselling of alcohol mean to those who are addicted to alcohol, especially in the month of June, which ironically enough is Drug Awareness Month?
2020/20201 Covid-19 Pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world. Job security is under pressure, social interaction has been all but reduced to nil as we battle on towards a healthier world. With that being said, although we have changed our lives to adapt to the ending of the pandemic through the National Lockdown and all the restrictions it brings with it, drug addiction and recovery has not suddenly paused. Rather, new and inspiring ways to work through addiction have been created and Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres is at the forefront of these new innovations with our Virtual Outpatient Programme.
Enter recovery now Houghton House Rehabilitation Centre is keeping its facilities open during the COVID-19 lockdown. Their facilities remain safe and with professional staff employed the team remains strong for those who they currently treat and for those yet to come.See:>>Confidential Drug Rehab in Johannesburg<<
Time has kind of gelled together and it’s starting to get a bit fuzzy. I’m sitting on a chair facing the front lawn and watching my family chat. There’s tension in the house and it’s not about me for once. There’s a distinct mood floating around and it’s the same mood I had when I first began my journey to sobriety.
“The following services [may be open during this time]…
…Services rendered by mental and relation institutions-
Our intention is not to cause unnecessary panic. Panic is a pandemic in and of itself. But with COVID-19 currently global, it is important to take precautions, especially if you’re in a higher risk group.
There are several common misconceptions and misunderstandings by the general public about addiction. Houghton House as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre with extensive experience in this area would like to highlight some of these misconceptions around addiction in order to help loved ones understand the problems the addict has, how to deal with the issue and what they can do about it.
A typical reaction when hearing the word ‘addiction’ often involves the thought that the addict is using alcohol or drugs. What is often a surprise to people is that behaviours can also be addictive. Even professionals in the mental health field sometimes struggle with the concept that behaviours are potentially addictive.
It is often very difficult to talk to them about their struggles with addiction. In part because addiction involves a number of defense mechanisms that serve to protect the addict and their addictive behavior. It doesn’t matter if they are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the mechanisms act in the same way.See:>>Dealing with the consequences of addiction.<<
No drug (including alcohol) is immediately addiction-causing. For the vast majority of people, the drugs they do try and the wild drinking binges they might do, don’t result in addiction. But groups, that is those who cause peer pressure, do play a significant role in the start of many an addict or alcoholic’s big life misadventure.
For many addicts, that first step towards recovering from this life-threatening condition is simply going into rehab. But is one stint in a primary facility enough? Because there are several tiers of treatment that addicts can undergo, each giving the addict a greater chance of successfully avoiding relapse.
The fastest-growing addiction worldwide
A very recent trend “Internet addiction disorder”(IAD) is characterised by the obsessive and disproportionate use of the internet. Other existing mental health issues can be linked with Internet and Gaming like addiction, depression and other related disorders.
It is of crucial importance to consult a mental health professional in cases of IAD. A professional therapist is required to identify the root problem and suggest strategies and techniques that will further the addict’s recovery process. See:>>How to help drug addicts first and foremost.<<
While this article will primarily focus on the codependent behavior between an addict and their family, it will touch on other aspects of codependent behavior as well. this behavior isn’t just restricted to addicts, nor is it even restricted to the relationship between addicts and those they’re close to.
Strategies To Say No To Alcohol And Drugs This Festive Season
Saying No to alcohol and drugs is always tough, the road to recovery is tough at any stage however it becomes an even bigger challenge as the festive season takes over.
It is at these times that a strong support network of friends who understand the struggles of addiction recovery is so important to have nearby.
Good friends are not only important as a way for a former drug user to voice his or her frustrations about life in recovery, but they play an integral part during that person’s journey in recreating a new life for him or herself.
There is a very difficult and often missed line which is crossed during the fight to end addiction. It sits between you, the person trying to help an addict, and the addict themselves. It is the question of enabling and it can often quickly and unwittingly be crossed, leading to pain, anger and a host of negative consequences if not spotted and acted upon. If you are trying to help someone who is struggling with an addiction you need to make sure that the love and support you are providing is not enabling them further as this can actually prolong the addiction and heighten the associated risks.
Drinking too much alcohol, known as the “social lubricant.” often used to ‘break the ice’ – particularly on holidays or at parties. Bouts of excessive drinking can often feel like a “necessary” part of the celebration.
Here’s the thing though; drinking too much alcohol at a party, a get-together, a wedding, a birthday or at any time really, can be a sign of Alcohol Use Disorder. That’s drinking too much Alcohol See:>>Dealing with the consequences of addiction.<<
How to help drug addicts… is one of those questions on the minds of many worried parents, friends, and relatives. Because it can be very daunting, scary, and despairing to see a loved one descend into the hell of drug addiction. But we’ll look at how to help drug addicts for you. See:>>Do you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction?<<
Accepting that you may need help with substance abuse or alcoholism may at first be difficult. It is, however, a step that must be taken sooner rather than later if you intend on living. Yes. If you intend on living. Addiction has the innate ability to destroy your health, meltdown your professional life and cut down your personal life. Countless times lives have been taken away, families separated and even more tragically, kids have been irreparably affected because an addiction has not been tamed and removed. Before these addictions claim your life you should take measures to remove them and in order to do that you need to opt for treatment.
If you have a deep desire to help someone dear to you who is dealing with an addiction the most valuable piece of advice to heed is to keep the door open. What door you ask? Your own one. The way you communicate with an addict, offering much-needed support and appropriate advice can change a person’s outlook on life and may swing an addict towards rehabilitation and the light of recovery. It may be one of the toughest things to do if it has been before (or many times before) and the results have been negative. It is also hard to keep a hand outstretched if it keeps being bitten. See:>>Helping your loved one seek treatment for addiction<<
That is absolutely not true. Being aware of these 10 most common addiction relapse triggers is your first step towards long-term addiction recovery. To say relapse is part of recovery is wrong, relapse is part of addiction.
One of the most effective techniques for preventing relapse is to identify your personal relapse triggers and make a detailed plan on how you will manage them.
GHB is the acronym for Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a potent central nervous system depressant. It’s considered a club drug and is sought out for its alcohol-like effects, but it often causes people to lose consciousness. GHB is highly addictive and causes severe withdrawal symptoms. It commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials. It also comes as a bright blue liquid (sometimes called “blue nitro”) and less commonly as a crystal powder.
For many people, gambling can be a fun and exciting, low-risk activity. For others, however, gambling can be a dangerous cliff which can send people into the abyss of addiction. Gambling addiction is an addiction to the act of gambling, in any form, which you or a loved one cannot control the frequency of.
If you look up the definition of ‘Stigma’ in the dictionary you will see it as being defined as “a mark of shame or discredit.” It’s been prevalent in human culture since the very beginnings of society, and it’s use and branding of people can be easily traced back to Ancient Greece, where a stigma was an unfortunate brand or mark used on slaves or other individuals whom ‘authorities’ deemed as inferior or morally corrupt to all others in society.
Yes the person who sets it off suffers from an addiction, but the radiation, the fallout is devastating for all those around them. Fallout comes in the form of manipulation, guilt, the rubble of relationships left over and the cracks which are created in the souls of those around the addict. The sad reality of it all is that love acts like an accelerant, fuelling the addict who knows that they are loved, and therefore can capitalise on it.
The term ‘substance (or medication-induced) anxiety disorder’ is the medical diagnosis for the serious anxiety or panic which is directly caused by alcohol, drugs, or medication. When a person abuses drugs, medication and/or alcohol it can, and most likely will, cause mental health problems which include substance-induced anxiety disorder. When a person is addicted to a substance, their brain’s pleasure and reward centre change and this causes a significant neurotransmitter imbalance. See:>>How to help drug addicts first and foremost.<<
The very best treatment centers serving South Africa. As an independently owned resource Houghton House is one of the best private Drug Rehabs in South Africa. Listing at the top of the outcome results for addiction recovery criteria. Houghton House Treatment Centres in Johannesburg ensuring that those looking for an effective and trustworthy South Africa drug and alcohol rehabilitation center as well as mental health and wellness retreat have comprehensive options of the best treatments and services available.
Taking a prescription medication that isn’t yours or taking your own prescription medication in a way that differs from your doctor’s instructions is considered Prescription drug abuse. It’s a common misunderstanding that if you abuse your own prescription medications is a safer bet than taking illegal street drugs.
The following is a technical overview of cannabis use from a leading South African psychiatrist. It includes the reasoning behind the exclusion of cannabis as a form of treatment by psychiatrists.
Please note: This writer has no affiliation or relationship to Houghton House group of treatment centres.
Most studies which discuss the advantages of cannabis were conducted in the 1970’s. Back then, the average ‘joint’ contained 120 to 2500 cannabinoids. Today, as a result of cross-breeding and tampering, the average cannabinoid count per joint sits between12 000 and 120 000. To illustrate, the difference is the equivalent disparity between 1 cup of coffee and over 1000 cups. In relative terms, the first is “safe” and the second is considered extreme. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids known to man, many of which are unstudied and their effects, unknown. See:>>The Marijuana Addiction Gateway Drug<<
Addicts who do not receive the necessary treatment for the emotional and psychological aspects of their addiction in sobriety can often struggle with what’s known as dry drunk syndrome. Heading into the light of sobriety after being accustomed to the darkness of addiction or struggle with alcohol can be extremely harsh. See:>>Are you Drinking too much Alcohol?<<
We have all heard of a person who has relapsed after beginning their road to recovery and sobriety. Are these relapses the same, regardless of recovery level? Can a person in addiction recovery develop chronic relapse? To better understand why some people are falling short of long term addiction recovery, we need to get you some answers to these pertinent questions.
With the recent news and publicity about cannabis getting decriminalised (but not, I stress actually legalised) in South Africa. There is no real legal position or delineation for or with the use of cannabis. (dagga, marijuana, weed, dope) Further, there are no limitations or age restriction laws or controls, as there is for alcohol.
It’s a thorny issue. See:>>Using Cannabis an overview from one of South Africa’s top Psychiatrists<<
Whether it be your offspring or a sibling, spouse, friend or colleague, is difficult given the emotional investment you’ve probably made in the relationship. Part of you is reluctant to believe such things of the person involved, and social stigma might have its way with you.
People with a dual diagnosis face an addiction problem along with a psychiatric disorder. The abuse of drugs with a psychiatric disorder reinforces each other and complicates the dual diagnosis treatment. The fact is that these are very vulnerable people who have difficulty maintaining a normal life in society.
Dual diagnosis patients have problems in almost all areas of life: housing, employment and income, daytime activities and relationships with family and friends. The dual diagnosis treatment will focus on the psychiatric symptoms and the addiction. Treating both areas leads to a favorable outcome.
An Addiction Trigger is something that sets off a memory or flashback placing the person back in the event of her/his original experience. Triggers are all different and very personal; different things trigger different people. Triggers can be activated through one or more of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.
While the ‘big boys’ of addiction, opioids and alcohol grab the spotlight most of the time, the sneaky little drug called marijuana is getting its own encore of late. But as we look at the overall issue of addiction doesn’t it start to look like there is an addiction, a compulsion or a disorder for every soul that walks on this blue and green planet? Isn’t safe to suggest that there’s possibly a bit of addiction in all of us. See:>>Do you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction?<<
What is functional alcoholism? How can you tell when someone is a functional alcoholic? These are important questions that need answering, however it’s not one that has a cut and paste answer. Spotting the traits of functional alcoholism is tricky and can be difficult to spot. Strictly speaking, functional alcoholism is the act of appearing the same as a non-alcoholic but having a habit of abusing alcohol. Referred to as high-functioning or functional alcoholics, these addicts appear to have normal lives, like anyone else, filled with jobs, friends, and family. See:>>What is Alcoholism?<<
Hollywood has certainly often painted the picture of addiction and functioning addicts in a certain stereotypical fashion. We as an audience are shown addicts as down and out people, the afterthoughts of society, often dregs of a community. Or on the polar opposite side of society as the big rock star who falls from the fame pedestal into a swamp of despair or more commonly seen, and used as a metaphor far too often, as the rock bottom moment in life.
Don’t kid yourself. Alcohol, booze, the devil’s juice – whatever you call it, alcohol is a deadly drug and is the leading protagonist when it comes to death. If you want (or need) proof as to why alcohol is the most deadly drug around, read on. See:>>The Signs of Functional Alcoholism<<
Booze in its many forms has been around for thousands of years. Almost 10 000 years to be exact. Although we are not saying it should be wiped out and banned from being drunk (it’s not a prohibition speech, promise) we are here to let you know that there are a few truths that need to be told to you about alcohol. In the end you need to be fully aware of everything before you make a choice. Knowledge is power after all.
Can you tell if your friend is using? Many substance abusers are almost professional at their ability to hide their usage from family and close friends. Sometimes, when the tragedy of an overdose occurs, disbelief is the first reaction a family member will experience because they simply didn’t know. If not for any other reason than to equip you with knowledge, here are a bunch of signs you can look out for to find out if your friend is using and abusing a substance.
If you talk about addiction, you will notice that the spotlight shines mostly on the treatment plan for the recovering addict. And rightfully so. An addict needs to understand and acknowledge every aspect of addiction however families of addicts are often subject to less attention when it comes to recovery.
The crisis of addiction affects loved ones, particularly the family unit,
Ever since the early 70’s video games have captured the world’s imagination. America is considered the birthplace of commercial video game activity and research paints the real origin of the world of gaming to be as early as the 50s – borne out of research needs from eager scientists who wanted to find new ways to discover and use simulations to further their work. Although the work back then on video games can be seen as primitive compared to present-day technology,
The words are easy enough to say, but to actually put that last cigarettes out and break the habit is not something to scoff at. It’s hard. And not just because we say so. Did you know that 7 out of ten smokers you meet want to stop smoking but only 7% actually stop on their first attempt? Scary stats. We know. But there is a silver lining. The moment you put out that last smoke your body starts changing. And it’s an incredible change.
When you or someone you know is in recovery you will often hear of something called an “addiction trigger” or just a “trigger”. Most people in recovery will try their best to avoid these triggers at all costs but what are triggers and why do they matter?
Simply put, a trigger can be anything that throws back memories, thoughts, or feelings that have to do with addiction.
A guideline for welcoming home a loved one after rehab.
It’s been weeks, even months and finally, the day has arrived. The one you love is coming home after spending what feels like years battling the demons of addiction. You have been there, patiently waiting and watching as their light slowly fades away, along with the penalties of addiction: Job loss, friendship breakdowns, relationship drama, financial woes.
As the addiction grew, you found yourself aging and feeling as if you spent your life attached and consumed by their addiction.
You know what happens to your body when you Quit Smoking. But still, as you read this your palms become sweaty and your anxiety levels are on par with your blood pressure levels. Imagine having to give up that packet of smokes lying in front of you. Maybe it’s been something you have done for years. Maybe you have tried to give up several times. It doesn’t matter. Let’s just focus on the right here and right now. See:>>Behavioural Addiction can be difficult to identify<<
Designer drugs. You may have heard the term in passing conversation, or know someone who is on them. You may even be on them and need help getting off them but don’t know what they are. A designer drug is a synthetic substance that is sold (mostly) illegally as a way to get high. Bath salts, synthetic marijuana, and synthetic hallucinogens are examples of designer drugs. They are not classified as being the same as the drugs they are supposed to mimic and are much more variable, unpredictable, and as a result, dangerous. It is vitally important for anyone who uses these drugs to stop, and for those who cannot stop to get help before the adverse effects cause real and lasting damage.
If you have ever dealt with someone who has been involved in the world of addiction you will know that it is a complicated disease. Addicts cannot stop taking a substance or carrying out behaviour which causes damage to themselves or those around them. It can set off a range of adverse effects on all that it infects, ranging from psychological, physiological, and personal.
The complications and consequences of addiction which come about often depend on the type of substance or behaviour. See:>>Houghton House an Internationally Regarded Rehabilitation Centre<<
Picture driving along in a car and you reach a fork in the road. You can go left or right and you cannot turn around once you make a decision. The road on the left loops you around back to this point, after a few potholes and a series of horrible and unnecessary turns. The one on the right is the road of your future, filled with forests and beautiful towns and colours and little streams.
The road on the left is relapse and bad decisions and will lead you back to the start of the journey.
Being addicted to alcohol or drugs deteriorates the physical health of the addict. It spoils the spirit and impairs their mental activities. It also eats away and destroys the way how families deal with addicts and the relationships with them and making it quite difficult to maintain steady employment,
We all have that someone who is difficult to shop for. Now imagine someone who is going through the journey of addiction recovery – it can be a HUGE hiccup when festive season shopping. If you happen to have a loved one who is on the road to recovery and you are unsure about the ideal Christmas gift, stress no more, we have a bunch of ideas for you to take inspiration from. See:>>Tough conversations: How to Communicate with an Addict<<
If you are newly sober, firstly congratulations, this is a marvelous and world-changing achievement, and secondly, don’t stress about the festive season, We have a bunch of great tips to make sure you go into the silly season sober, and you come out of it just as sober!
See: >>WHY YOU SHOULD SPEND CHRISTMAS IN REHAB<<
Highlight this in your mind. I cannot repeat it often enough because you have been sitting on the fence of festive season drinking,
There is a strange, almost eerie period after getting sober at a drug addiction treatment centre. It’s that first holiday after you reach sobriety. With Halloween happening this week, and more relevantly, party season almost upon us, let’s try stay sober and delve into the not so spooky challenge of overcoming the urges associated with festive season fun. After all, you are on a journey to sobriety and a holiday should not be a break from that journey! Here’s our guide to staying sober during Halloween.
Avoid Alcohol – it’s that time of year. It’s the festive season and it has many ups. And downs. As you sip on your next drink are you seeing it as simply a festive drink with family or is there a more sinister reason which could be behind it? We all know that the festive season is used as an excuse for overindulgence for many people and unfortunately alcoholics can often disappear in the fog of normality during this time because so many people around them are overindulging in alcohol. If you think about it – it is an ideal period for addicts because they can fade into the background and not be noticed or called on their addiction. Remember: An acceptable excuse to drink is the worst possible thing that can happen to an addict, as it leads to uncontrollable drinking with often serious consequences. According to some addiction counselors, there are 3 types of drinkers.
Kenneth Wilson – Director of Houghton House Outpatient Services.
As one of the registered Counselling Psychologists at Houghton House Kenneth treats patients with Porn issues, Love addiction and sex addiction. These addictions are seen as are intimacy disorders and needs for control, power, love or affection. Like all addictions, intimacy disorders like sex addiction and love addiction are progressive in nature. More Details at http://cleanstart.co.za/
reason behind the decriminalisation of recreational and medical marijuana? It said the ban was in contradiction to its constitution which gives citizens the right to privacy. But what does this mean to us? And more importantly, with South African Courts legalizing marijuana does this change anything when it comes to how we should view the plant in terms of addiction?
(No. 2 ongoing from the previous article – “What to Expect when you get to Rehab“)
Your last day at a drug and alcohol rehab at residential treatment facility can be just as unnerving as the first one. After drug rehab having been successfully rehabilitated in a safe environment, you are now ready to enter back into the real world. At a residential treatment center your life outside will have been assessed and you will have been given the necessary suggestions on how to enter back in without alcohol or drug abuse, in such a way that you maintain your recovery. But the truth is, it is hard and therefore of utmost importance that you take responsibility by instilling long lasting support structures that will keep supporting clean living.
Founded by Alex Hamlyn 23 years ago. Houghton House Rehab in Johannesburg has grown from its modest beginnings. From a halfway house started by Alex Hamlyn and Russell Unterslak in 1995 to the group of treatment centres it is now.
At the time Alex had moved to South Africa from London and was in the early phases of his own substance abuse recovery. Discovering that residents in recovery from drug addiction and alcohol addiction that were coming from the rehab centre to the halfway house had experienced subpar primary care treatment.
So the question is always “what can I expect when I get to rehab?”
(First in a series of what to expect – No.2 – Life after Drug Rehab – the Inpatient Programme)
Leaving your comfort zone for the treatment centres of a rehab facility is an unnerving prospect, but it is often the only solution for addicts and alcoholics trapped in the claws of addiction. It’s not unusual to wonder about what exactly lies on the other side of the rehab doors, especially if you are facing residential treatment programmes that will last between 28 and 42 days. So, here’s a little about what you can expect when you get to Houghton House.
The Drinking habit – It’s a pastime that many South Africans take part in. For some, it’s considered an ‘ice breaker,’ while for others it’s a way to find a connection in a crowd of strangers. One thing is for sure, it has become such a common pastime around the world that to abstain from drinking is called, almost negatively, “teetotalling.”
What you may not be aware of is that there are real and significant life-enhancing benefits to kicking a drinking habit. Sobriety can literally lead you to a better life. Here are a few of the things that make sobriety a lifestyle worth pursuing, not just for the sake of conquering addiction, but for anyone!
This is a challenge for anyone struggling with alcohol and/or substance abuse. As addiction spreads rampant across the globe, many renowned scientists and psychologists have been huge advocates in identifying the illness as a disease of the brain rather than an issue of morality. For seemingly hopeless addicts such as myself, this discovery has proven to be vital in relinquishing the stigmas and promoting recovery rather than disciplinary responses to the epidemic. From experiences in my own recovery, I’ve learned that each addict has their own journey, ultimately leading to the preservation of their own sobriety. As a single mother in recovery, I’ve come to the realisation that sustaining abstinence takes discipline rather than “will-power” and a simple 12 step program. I’m going to share my tips for single Moms in early recovery, with you.
Say it loudly. And proudly. Most rehabilitation centres offer exclusive treatment for addicts which sits on a level tucked between the intensity of inpatient medical care and the more independent level gained from outpatient treatment.
What needs to be made very clear is that being actively involved in a formalised drug rehabilitation programme is a prerequisite and fundamental stepping stone if you will, for many people who are looking to find a way forward to recover from substance abuse. Unfortunately, there is a hitch. Although addicts need help, many avoid the formal care that a rehabilitation centre can offer. Instead, they will prefer to take on the dragon of addiction alone. Whilst this is a brave and noble idea heed this warning:
But if you can’t stop after just one or two drinks, you may eventually fall down the rabbit hole of a blackout, only to wake to the harsh reality in the morning, laced with the ugly, embarrassing truths of the things that you have done the night before. And can’t remember. Thinking to yourself “is drunk me the real me”?
Psychologists say that there are four ‘drunk personality types’ and this is based on how you handle your liquor.
Like a poisonous fish, the colours are a warning to be careful before you consume and to be careful about what you consume when taking the medication. One of those warnings relates to mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol and it’s something you should take extra heed of.
There are many forms of addiction, and it covers a wide range of obsession and dependence. From enjoying something as apparently innocent as shopping or working – all the way to alcohol and hard drugs, they are all degrees of enslavement.
I enjoy my work, and my wife loves shopping. Does that mean we’re addicts? No, not necessarily, but the devil is in the detail… if we consistently seem to be enjoying those activities over and above all others, then I believe we would need to take a good hard look at the possibility of being addicted.
What if I told you that the substance abuse may not be your only problem? What if the drug and/or alcohol addiction you have was preceded by something else? A mental disorder? Or the other way around? There is a strong connection between addiction and mental health. For many years, it was suggested that you would need to beat or overcome one disorder before you were able to take on the other. As Bob Dylan once said, “The times they are a changing,” and there is now a real connection between addiction, mental health and treatment of both at the same time. It’s called dual diagnosis.
The words are thrown around by the media, by your friends and by almost everyone in some form. Joe is addicted to ice cream. Mary is addicted to exercise. But what about when it comes to substance addiction? If you have never been addicted to a drug or alcohol can you understand what it feels like? Fret not, come take a trip down addiction lane and find out what you should know about addiction support as an outsider.
We spend a good amount of our life at work. We deal with deadlines, stress and other issues which affect our emotions right there at our desk. Another issue you must be aware of like it or not is drug abuse at work. Do you know how to deal with in the workplace addiction? If not, we can help.
How to use your time in residential rehab to the best of your ability:
The prospect of having to be admitted into a rehab facility is daunting for any one of us. While rehab gives you the opportunity to escape everyday life to focus on yourself and your recovery, it still carries many challenges. Truth be told, this might be the most courageous thing you will do in your life!
The idea that you live in close quarters with unfamiliar people for anything from 30 – 42 days is enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable. However, as unnerving as it may seem Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre has witnessed the astonishing success of residential rehab in many of its patients, since opening its doors in 1995.
It does not matter your age, financial situation or length of addiction, Houghton House is a safe and trustworthy treatment option near you. As with most decisions in life, when deciding on which course of action you want to take to deal with your addiction, you should consider the following points which will help in choosing the right programme for you.
See also:>>Knowledge is Power when it comes to Addiction: Educate Yourself on Drugs<<
Alcohol is the primary drug of abuse in South Africa1 partially due to its accessibility, legal status and social acceptability. From the high-powered businessman who enjoys Friday cocktails with clients and colleagues, the impoverished beggar on the corner all the way to children and learners as young as seven years of age, alcohol addiction affects people across all levels of South African society. Whether the person affected is a social drinker, a binge drinker or functioning alcoholic, alcoholism does not discriminate and occurs across all races, genders, ages, socio-economic boundaries and professions.
Children who have one alcoholic parent have a 60% chance of becoming one. This percentage rises to 80% if both parents are alcoholics1.
Drug Addiction South Africa Leading SA Rehab Centre Takes A Look: No one can ignore the fact that alcohol, drug abuse and drug addiction are on the rise and that not only in our country but throughout the world.
While the latest, accurate statistics are very difficult to access (the latest local stats we managed to source were dated 2016) government and NGO’s cannot be outrightly blamed for this due to the clandestine nature of the epidemic and the stigma imposed upon those affected by the disease of addiction.
It is estimated that 15% of South Africa’s population suffer from some form of substance abuse but this is very difficult to verify due the clandestine nature of the problem and the stigma attached to it. Statistics are dated although it is claimed that drug consumption in South Africa is twice the world norm1. While we may not have accurate statistical data numbers will help to identify the scale of the problem but certainly will not help in solving it. There’s no denying that substance abuse is a huge societal issue and it’s time to address it even more vigorously, head on.
The choice to admit to yourself that you need rehab is not always as clear as we would like to think however once checked in, a rehabilitation centre gives a person a form of treatment which sits between two important levels, the intense care offered in inpatient hospitalisation and the more “independent” level that is outpatient treatment. Here are the tell-tale signs that you need rehab, now!
Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre is making it even easier to find help no matter where you are with an emergency line which makes help and treatment more accessible than ever, offering a place of hope for South African substance abusers.
Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre in Johannesburg is fast becoming the place to recommend when it comes to rehabilitation for substance abuse in SA and with a 24 hour emergency line 079 770 7532 you or someone you love can get that all important attention needed to begin the road to recovery. Whether you need advice, support or to check in yourself or a loved one, Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre‘s hotline is the number to have on your phone.
The sad reality is that in modern society drug and alcohol abuse are becoming more and more prevalent and impact not only on the users but also those close to them; family, friends and loved ones. Drug and alcohol addiction does not discriminate and spares no one regardless of race, age, gender or financial status. Addiction is a diagnosable disease and addicts need to be supported by loved ones to help them overcome their problem and feelings of low self-esteem commonly experienced by those who have been caught up in substance abuse. Addiction Recovery and Rehabilitation is the way to go.
I know him better than anyone else. He is beautiful, kind, caring and smart. He is also an addict and is going to spend half a decade in prison because he was convicted for possessing with intention to distribute drugs. My son is an addict and this is our story.
The tragic rollercoaster began when my son was 20 years old. He had been in and out of rehab so many times that I lost count. In fact you could probably say it was a year in total. He tried to get sober; in fact he was winning the battle but fell off and succumbed to substance abuse once again less than a year after going sober.
Dan Wolf Director at Houghton House, says there are some key signs that point to exactly how much your drinking is out of control, offers these warning signs to help define when social drinking has developed into a more serious drinking problem:
It can happen in an instant. You wake up one day and realise that your friend of 20 years has a substance abuse problem. So what is next? How do you, his best friend react? What do you say? What do you do? Firstly, before you blow gasket overthinking it all, take a deep breath. You are already in first gear and it is going to be alright. If you find yourself telling yourself in the mirror “My friend is an addict, what should I do?” Then read on.
You might begin with a simple search on the Internet with the words: find a rehab near me, or you might reach out to a loved one. However you do it, know that this is the best decision you will ever make in your life. Especially if you consider going the route of our Extended Inpatient Care Programme for Rehab once Primary Care has been completed
All names have been changed to protect their anonymity.
Shaun couldn’t shake his addiction to cocaine. “I tried. Multiple times. Was in and out of rehab for as long as I can remember. Kept relapsing every time. Sometimes, after a few weeks. Sometimes, a few days. The last time, pretty much the moment I got out the gate.” See:>>How long do long-term treatment recovery programmes take?<<
The arrival of the Internet has not only changed the way humans communicate, study, do business and shop; it’s also changed our sexual behaviour dramatically. In fact, the consumption of porn online has mushroomed beyond control with more Porn Addiction sufferers that ever before.
A study in 2016 showed that a whopping 35% of ALL internet downloads consisted of “adult” material.
On the world’s largest porn site, people watched 4, 599 million hours of porn. That adds up to a staggering 525 000 years’ worth of hardcore porn viewing on a single web site in one year alone!
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happiness is a choice
“Nothing will make you happy… Until you choose to be happy.”
There’s nothing worse than that feeling of helplessness watching someone you care for destroying his or her life (and the lives of those around them) through addiction to alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.
Take heart knowing that you CAN do something to help. It won’t be easy on you or on the addicted person. But you have it in your power to help that person turn his or her life around and overcome addiction. The major challenge is, they have to want it as much as you do.
It’s not only drugs and alcohol that create addicts. Some things we take for granted in our lives can too.
What does Candy Crush have in common with cocaine? How can watching porn be like mainlining heroin? And why is food, an essential part of life, a drug that can be abused?
Addiction behaviour isn’t just about chemicals. At least, not external chemicals you imbibe through snorting, smoking, or spiking.
It’s not only drugs and alcohol that create addicts. Some things we take for granted in our lives can too.
What does Candy Crush have in common with cocaine? How can watching porn be like mainlining heroin? And why is food, an essential part of life, a drug that can be abused?
Addiction behaviour isn’t just about chemicals. At least, not external chemicals you imbibe through snorting, smoking, or spiking.
Tik has made headlines in South Africa as one of the most addictive and destructive drugs out there. Of the Tik abusers who are fortunate enough to enter a rehab programme, many will struggle and many will be unsuccessful. Unless they stay the course and do the hard work in treatment, and particularly the aftercare where many battle. It’s daunting, but we have to face up to the challenge – starting with understanding what it is, what it does and how we can support abusers in fighting their addiction.
Link to Article on Methamphetamine
Flakka(also known as Bath salts or monkey dust – link – to more details ) has been described as 10 times more powerful than Cocaine and more addictive than Tik (methamphetamine). It can overheat your body to the point where your organs – including your brain – literally boil. The Internet is full of videos showing users “possessed” by the drug: smashing head-first into cars, running around naked, contorting and babbling in agony and fear.
This question has vexed many addicts and their families. But one thing remains constant. An addict is someone whose behavior changes either when they do not have their substance of choice as well as when they do take or consume it.
David Webb 12 Steps
Very few addicts are able to recognize when they have crossed that line. While frequency or the amount of drugs consumed do not necessarily constitute drug abuse or addiction, they can often be indicators of drug-related problems. Drug abuse may start as a way to socially connect. Commonly, people try drugs for the first time in social situations with friends and acquaintances. A strong desire to fit in to the group can make it feel like doing the drugs with them is the only option. Problems can sometimes sneak up on you, as your drug use gradually increases over time.
It can be a very scary and confusing place. You may feel panicky, irritated, afraid and often way out of control. You probably will be experiencing whole host of emotions that make you uncomfortable, and it seems the only answer is taking or drinking more.
According to the South African Police Services Forensics drug abuse team in Pretoria, Nyaope is low-grade heroin mixed with other drugs or substances. Often used intravenously or more available and popularly sold and smoked as a concoction of marijuana and heroin.
Anybody can suffer from addiction, be it to alcohol, drugs, or anything else. Addiction places no importance on age, race, or background – it can happen to anybody, and it’s on the rise. That’s what makes treating the illness both difficult and rewarding; every addict will have their own story to tell, their own reasons why they’ve fallen into hard times.
In Sobriety there is no report card or final grade. A life filled with long-term recovery and a life in sobriety, is a life that will bring you happiness and joy. So much that it may leave you feeling undeserving of the gifts you have been given.
On 26 June the global spotlight falls on World Drug Day
and we look at the concerning statistics regarding drug abuse as well as the role of rehabilitation in the treatment of addiction.
In my social circle it’s a general opinion that heroin is extremely destructive – only junkies do heroin, those ugly homeless people with bad skin, prostitutes and low life men. The cliche of a heroin addict.
Socially, the question of using heroin, well …it never comes up!
Because I’ve quit heroin, and because I’m an addict,
Addict: “Just one more… and then I’ll stop … Just the one… and that will be it…
No problem…and as the hours fly past… and more becomes all… and all …becomes …everything…
No problem…I’ll stop tomorrow – easy.
I’m Fine It’s all good.” I’m Fine an Addict’s Version of Ok
We live in an era where millions of women and men are silently suffering through Eating Disorders and a personal body image crisis. You may not be diagnosed with an eating disorder but just because you don’t meet the full criteria for anorexia or bulimia doesn’t mean that your struggle isn’t real!
You survived an addiction treatment program Now you are back in the world. Some days are better than others, but life without drug or alcohol abuse is becoming the new norm. Celebrating Sobriety Is Important Life can be hectic all with of life’s responsibilities. It isn’t always easy not to get caught up in the
The biggest reservation I had when going into rehabilitation and Having Fun Sober After Rehab was ‘I won’t ever be able to have fun again.’ Do you relate? This was the contributing factor to most of my relapses back in the day. Immediately after ‘cleaning up’ I would want to get back on the partying scene, hang out with my addict friends and experience some sort of chaotic ‘Having Fun Sober After Rehab.’
It is tempting to skip aftercare in recovery, particularly for those who have come out of an intensive addiction treatment program to believe that their problems have been solved. Yes, getting help for addiction is courageous and getting through treatment is admirable, but leaving a treatment center does not mean your problems are over.
In all honesty, the real work begins after the security and routine of structured inpatient treatment.
See:>>Our Inpatient rehab treatment is recommended for anyone suffering from a serious addiction.<<
When people abuse drugs their easiest way to avoid the situation is to get angry and defensive, starting a fight will avoid the subject of treatment for addiction. You have to approach the situation with care.
In some cases, families are the primary support systems for those suffering with the disease of addiction. These families are likely to experience significant physical, social, emotional and spiritual stress due to the behavior of the addict whilst in active addiction, and in the same vein, spend a lot of time worrying about the addict in recovery and their chance at relapse.
Consequence Films – pertaining to drug and alcohol addiction
“Play the movie forward.”
If you have been to rehab or are involved in AA or NA, you are sure to have heard this term. Before your euphoric recall gets the better of you, before you pick up the phone and call your dealer: ‘play the movie forward.’ This will help the relapse to drug and alcohol addiction.
Yes, that initial rush may be exhilarating, but what are the consequences? Think before you act. As they say, rock bottom has a basement.
First reported in Durban, Nyaope also known as Whoonga, the devastating drug of the South African slums is a new and lethal drug that has spread to townships and suburbia throughout South Africa. This highly toxic mind altering substance is also cheap and easily accessible, making Nyaope that much more menacing.
Nyaope or Whoonga: The Frightening Facts
Huffing Inhalants: The Household Agent Of Death
I remember being at a 13th birthday party of all places, and kids out back were Huffing – inhaling something or other. I never got involved in what they were doing – although I was invited. It scared me. Kids throughout the world have been inhaling toxic fumes to experience a rush. For many, this is their first experience of a ‘high.’ Never mind weed
I had a fake ID on hand and I was dressed in sky-high stilettos, a tight black dress, and of course, the wonder of a wonderbra. The bouncer for some strange reason “believed” that I was of age and let me and my friends enter. The first thing we did was go straight to the bar, ordered 2 shots of vodka each, and celebrated our ‘grown-up’ victory.
Who were you in High School? I ask this loaded question because it is incredibly naive to ignore the stereotypes that exist within schools. You have the jocks, the Goths (I think they call them emo’s now), the burn outs, the artists and the book worms. I found myself morphing between the Goth and the artist, and with my ‘image’ came behaviour, or expected behaviour.
I am currently experiencing a situation reminiscent of high school, one of heartbreak, loss and bullying in Recovery.
The only difference is I am being ‘bullied’ in an environment where I should feel safe. My safe place has become a thing of teenage nightmares. I wake up fearful, anxiety-ridden and full of despair.
I was driving on the highway, exhausted after a 3 day meth binge. The feeling was overwhelming and painful. I was grinding my teeth, I was close to falling asleep at the wheel (I think I even pulled over for a few minutes if I remember correctly) and then I heard that familiar sound. It was a crack, and an all too familiar feeling. I spat it out, dug around in my mouth and found it – one of my back teeth had broken in half.
So, the silly season is over and we survived it! It is now time to take on the New Year. For some people, including myself, I find the New Year to be even more stressful than the festive season. It is back to work, back to reality and back to Preventing Relapse the daily grind. For some of us, we find ourselves looking for a job, the pressure of getting our kids back into routine and back to school starting, a new career or going back to school. The holiday is over and life begins abruptly – seemingly without warning. The holiday is over folks, and real-life anxiety and pressure begins.
Describing it simply, Crack Cocaine is the crystallised form of cocaine. It usually comes in powder form, solid blocks or crystals. The colour varies from white to yellow to pale pink. The drug is heated and smoked through a ‘lolly’ or crack pipe. Crack is the most potent form of cocaine and it appears to be the most dangerous. This is because it is between 75% and 100% pure. It acts faster and is stronger than regular cocaine.
Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness With Addictive Behaviour
Our generation is full of self-hate and misery. I know that in my recovery I have found myself in self-hate mode, self-pity mode and yes, self-sabotage mode. Our generation is not used to contentment and for some of us, when happiness enters our lives we are petrified of this foreign feeling.
A group of manufactured recreational designer drugs,an easily obtainable mind altering substance
The name originates from occurrences in which the drugs were concealed in packaging to smuggle through borders as bath salts. The white concentrate, particles, or minerals often resemble Sugar or Epsom salts, but are totally different chemically.
Houghton House believes that with up to date and accurate information about addictive substances, a person will be more likely to make a correct and fact-based and educated decision. We believe when teaching people the dangers, In Educate Yourself on Drugs all drugs should be included, regardless of the strength or seeming risk of harm.
I’m sure you imagine an older man or woman, with a blood red nose and dirty clothes. Yes, this is the effects of alcohol and face of alcoholism, a tired and sunken elder who can barely speak. Physical deterioration is true of alcoholism but it is important to remember that the beggar on the side of the road with the distorted nose and torn clothes could have the exact same addiction as the gorgeous housewife dropping her kids off at school.
You are attending regular meetings, doing step work and seeing your sponsor. Life is good. Slowly, life may become somewhat unmanageable again – and seemingly out of nowhere. You have put in the work – why has it gotten to this chaotic point? Ask yourself this: Have you traded one addiction for another?
Many people who suffer from Mental Health and Addiction are also diagnosed with other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Some addicts develop mental health issues due to their drug use and their drug of choice while others attempt to use drugs to suppress their disorders.
As a teen I found myself drunk, making uninformed and illogical decisions on a regular basis, and of course, waking up with no memory of the previous nights events. There is nothing worse than that feeling of the ‘unknown’ and the anxiety that comes with it.
HR professionals are often the first port of call in dealing with crises within the organization. Substance abuse and related disorders have infiltrated the corporate world and more often, are presenting as common crises to be dealt with. Workplace Addiction in the corporate world can be dealt with constructively. And admission into treatment can be facilitated with relative ease and appropriate corporate support.See:>>Cannabis – Why Marijuana Is Not So Innocent<<
Spiritual Leaders & Substance Abuse, Religious Leaders are often the first port of call in dealing with crises within the community. Substance abuse and related disorders have infiltrated our society and more often, are presenting as common crises to be dealt with. Addiction in the community can be dealt with constructively. Admission into treatment can be facilitated with relative ease and appropriate support. See:>>Dealing with the consequences of addiction<<
The total cost of Private Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Costs may seem like a lot of money. However, if you weigh these costs up against the cost of addiction. Alcohol addicts pay for alcohol, get themselves into trouble and debt to feed their addiction, perhaps lose their job, and with long term use have medical conditions which are very costly to treat. These costs far out-way the cost of alcohol rehabilitation, not to mention the cost of a healthy, happy life.
Houghton House is a professional and caring Rehabilitation Centre treating those suffering from substance abuse. Helping individuals fight addiction and aid long term recovery is our core focus and something that is close to our heart. Together we take the necessary steps to achieve a successful recovery.
It is a manufactured drug that is easily accessible and relatively cheap, producing similar effects to Amphetamines, MDMA and Cocaine so is often used by people who favour stimulant drugs.
Synthetically made containing Methcathinone. It is sold in a powder form. It is compared to crystal meth or cocaine. It can be injected, snorted or inhaled and is highly addictive. CAT causes an intense psychological addiction.
(link to – 12 step process practical interpretation by Houghton House’s Dr Webb)
Since 1995 Houghton House Group has offered high quality, specialist treatment for those suffering from alcoholism and or drug dependency.
Over time we have become the leading authority in treating and beating addiction in South Africa with and adapted 12 Steps method.
Abuse of prescription medication has severe risks for a person’s wellbeing and mental health. Though, because of the fallacy that prescription drugs are somehow safer to use than illegal drugs, individuals use and abuse these medications freely without comprehending the extreme risks they take. In truth, prescription drug use can cause destruction with a person’s family, life and future. See:>>Houghton House long-term treatment Programme<<
Ecstasy is a typical party drug, aimed at a music night market and also to weekend festivals. Sleep is literally driven out of the body. Ecstasy is available as pills, in various colours and shapes, sometimes capsules or powders. If you have the real Ecstasy, it contains MDMA (3,4-methyleendioxymethylamfetamine).
It goes under a variety of street names, a common one in South Africa was “Mercedes” as the pills had the merc symbol on them. This particular batch was deadly, as the users did not know what the ingredients actually were.
Drugs that kick in quickly, usually cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. Heroin withdrawal symptoms occur after quitting long-term use, but can also occur as a result of administration of an opiate antagonist (e.g. naloxone).
Because of the goose bumps, the syndrome derives its name: “cold turkey”. See:>>Our Inpatient rehab treatment is recommended for anyone suffering from a serious addiction.<<
Successful alcohol & drug rehab treatment deeply relies on the commitment from the addict. When you decide to start treatment for drug and/or alcohol addiction, you need to be committed 100%. A rehab facility will give you all the resources you need to recover, but if you don’t have the right attitude then the treatment is pointless. See:>>What is Alcoholism?<<
When looking at heroin addiction and withdrawal, you can distinguish between mental and physical dependence.
We speak of physical dependence when the body protests against stopping heroin use, which leads to heroin withdrawal.
Compared to other drugs, addiction and withdrawal occurs rather quickly when it comes to heroin.
Heroin affects the body in many ways. Here are 4 of the most extreme effects of heroin abuse. Pain relief Heroin is among the most effective analgesics in medicine. Despite the advent of various chemical agents with an opiate analgesic effect, it remains the best painkiller. The precise effect of this analgesic effect is unknown.
Drugs and Teenagers
What do you do when you discover your teenager is experimenting with drugs? What happens to the teenager who first started experimenting with drugs and then becomes addicted? What are the risks of drugs and teenagers? Where can you get help for your teenager?
Drug and alcohol addiction practically always starts off as recreational, when the person drinks and/or uses in a social setting encouraged by having a good time or escaping from sad memories or reality for a bit. Other options are if a prescription drug is overprescribed or the person has a low tolerance and gets addicted easily. This disease of addiction is progressive, and as time passes, the user will begin to exhibit higher tolerances to the drug, often engage in dangerous behavior, experiencing intense cravings, and then withdrawal symptoms to the drug of abuse. See:>>Successful Alcohol & Drug Rehab Treatment<<
Cocaine causes excruciating cravings and the irresistible urge to use the drug, can often drive users to despair. Addicts will do anything to get that fix. Scientists explain cocaine craving based on changes in the brain from cocaine use.
Unlike heroin, Cocaine has no physical withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine is a very mentally addictive drug that is sold in powdered or crystalline formats. Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that gives a user the feeling of invincibility and sharpness. If only for a while, and then more Cocaine is always needed.
A full understanding of the high risks involved with Cocaine use could stop people from using the drug in the first place.
Cocaine is a extremely addictive substance. What starts off as apparently harmless experimentation can rapidly develop into a actual life-threatening addiction with shattering individual, professional, monetary, family destruction and consequences.
These cocaine addiction warning signs are just a guideline and although there’s a good chance, it doesn’t necessarily mean the person is a cocaine addict. Confronting an addict is a difficult thing to do, and having professional support, might mean the difference between recovery and eventual death.
The effects of long term drinking can be very damaging to the body and it’s important to know the risks involved.
People drink to celebrate, socialize and relax. Why does alcohol cause people to react differently and feel different? How much to drink is too much? Why do some people become alcoholics and others do not get addicted to alcohol? Houghton House alcohol rehabilitation Centres asks these and many other questions about alcohol and other addictive substances.
Alcohol’s impact on you starts immediately you take your first sip. The cumulative effects of alcohol drinking, wine, beer, or spirits takes its toll over a very short period. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person as every person is different. Some people may be able to control their drinking, whereas other people have a tough time controlling anything – including their alcohol consumption.
It is also called alcohol use disorder. There are three categories of alcohol use disorder: slight, moderate, and severe. Each can cause harmful side effects category and has various symptoms. Any type of alcohol abuse can cause the afflicted to lose control and spiral totally out of control If left untreated. See:>>Could you be drinking too much and drinking yourself into trouble?<<
What to Bring to Rehab will probably be the last thing on your mind, obviously most importantly is to bring yourself along, with some motivation and willingness. Otherwise, the main goal is to be comfortable, in group and out and about in our beautiful gardens.
This type of intervention leads to better understanding and less tension between family and the suffering addict. Someone with an addiction will ultimately benefit from continued involvement from family and friends.
The path to recovery from addiction, is already difficult enough, more so during these trying times.
Houghton House Group of Addiction Centres is committed to keeping the health and safety of clients and personnel at our inpatient rehab facilities and care offices. We are open with added screening measures in place and accepting new patients. We are working diligently with our industry peers and associations to ensure the best possible reaction to the shifting situation.
It’s difficult to accept that someone you know or love is addicted to and using drugs. You know the best solution for them is to go through rehab. Of course if the drug problem is yours, the procedure is so much more difficult.
There are so many complicated decisions to make, and often the most difficult part of sorting through the many drug rehabilitation centers that all seem to be so similar to Houghton House Addiction rehab in Johannesburg. The first thing to do is decide what questions to ask.
Whether you live in Johannesburg or come from far away, Houghton House Johannesburg addiction treatment centre has a lot to offer.
Because Johannesburg is the business capital of South Africa, a lot of the country’s best practitioners are in Johannesburg. If you have an addiction, or a loved one with an addiction, choosing a Johannesburg addiction treatment centre, could be the right choice for you.
It’s not easy making the decision to go to rehab, but trying to quit any addiction on your own is much more difficult than going into an addiction clinic. At a Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres, you’ll find all the tools you need to become an addiction success story.
Do you know of a loved one that suffers from an addiction? Do you want to save their lives before it is too late? Houghton House Rehabilitation center is a professional rehab in Johannesburg that has been the cornerstone for many addicts’ recovery. Houghton House is recognised locally as well as globally and many patients from around the world have once called Houghton House their home.
Luxury Rehab Centers
If you or a loved one have an addiction and have a bit of extra money to spend then a luxury rehab center like Houghton House is the way to go. Going through addiction rehabilitation is an uncomfortable process. You deal with your physical as well as mental withdrawal. You want to be as comfortable as possible whilst you go through recovery.
A Successful Drug Rehabilitation program is absolutely vital for drug addicts who need to recover from their addiction. Addicts receive the care, support and mentorship they need when they are in Houghton House.
Successful drug rehabilitation:
A good attitude and a positive outlook is essential to keep you motivated and prevent you from relapsing. Drug addiction is a serious disease that will break down your self-esteem.
Understanding how to help an alcoholic is the first step. When an individual is battling with Alcohol Rehabilitation, they may disguise how much they actually drink, lie to everyone and themselves about how much they are drinking – and suffering, and deny outright that they have a issue with alcohol. This makes it problematic for them to get any real help or for family to talk discuss treatment
Rehab Clinics In Johannesburg
The hardcore drug trade arrived in South Africa in the mid nineties after it became an open society. For many years it was a closed society and isolated from the world at large. South Africa became well known for drug lords and they thrived in the new market.
This new trend brought along the social problems that go hand in hand with drug abuse.
Wondering about long term addiction treatment?
Reclaim your life from addiction. Houghton House Addiction Rehab Centres is there for you. Our inpatient drug rehab centres in South Africa offer comfy, living where we provide you group community and personalized support to help you live a healthy, rewarding life not abusing alcohol and drugs. Our home-like settings, let you explore the primary motives for your addiction. Houghton House teaches you coping skills to sidestep triggers so you can survive the many issues life can throw with you.
The Houghton House facilities of most of the addiction treatment clinics in Johannesburg are exclusive. The facilities at our exclusive rehab are designed to enhance the treatment of the patient and to make the patient feel at ease. The surroundings play a major role in the process of the healing of the patient.
Cocaine has been around for many years. Millions of people all over the world are addicted to this drug. It is a highly addictive stimulant derived from the cacao plant that grows in Peru and Bolivia.
Unlike other countries in the world Cocaine has only been a major problem for a decade or so. Due to the apartheid regime and lockdown of our borders, this drug was not readily available in South Africa for many years. When South Africa became part of the global society, the availability of this drug, with its social problems, became part of life in South Africa.
The quality and type of care offered by a rehab affect the total cost of getting sober and the ultimate results. The decision really is what is the ultimate cost to your family your relationships and your life of continuing with your addiction. What is your life really worth? Inexpensive treatment that does not work as below par institutions or cost-effective treatment that is proven to have lifelong positive results.
with our Non-Residential Rehabilitation programme Houghton House Treatment Centre recognises that not all people are able to make the commitment to attend a thirty-day residential program and in light of this we facilitate an outpatient program in the evenings. The outpatient program is modelled on the same philosophy as the residential program and is there to accommodate people that are unable to become inpatients.
The South African drug rehabilitation centers, with the rehabilitation centers of Johannesburg in the front-line, are doing sterling work. Patients from all over the world are coming to these clinics that provide excellent service and value for money treatment with outstanding, professional staff.
Houghton House Inpatient drug and alcohol rehabs provide 24/7 supervision and care for you while you stay at the center for the extent of the programme. Hospital-based inpatient facilities offer access to medical services when needed.
Due to the severity of the effects of most of the drugs that are out there, it is very important to give treatment to patients at inpatient detox centers to help the patient overcome the problem of addiction.
If you want to save a loved one from a cocaine addiction and its potential impact on the body and mind, it is of the utmost importance to bring the addiction to an early end. There are so many possible solutions, so what do you do to get the right answers?
Cocaine addiction treatment programmes are readily available, and the first step would be to call a professional. You aren’t the first person to go through this and they’ll be able to give you sound advice on your particular situation.
These effects are physical as well as psychological. There is no blueprint for the treatment of patients. Each person’s Crystal Meth Treatment Program has to be evaluated on its own and has to be worked out for a specific patient. Specialized medical personnel aid in this process.
With inpatient rehab treatment, the addict books into rehab for up to three months. During this time, they take part in various therapies including group therapy, individual therapy, relapse prevention therapy, workshops, cognitive behavioural therapy & complimentary activities, fitness programs, meditation, relaxation massages, yoga, etc. There is 24-hour supervision & assistance available as well as an extensive aftercare program. See:>>Drug Addiction Warning Signs<<
Houghton House is a well known and safe rehabilitation centre located in Johannesburg. They assist individuals and help them overcome their addictions, be it alcoholism or substance abuse. With a proven track record of over 20 years, Houghton House has seen the recovery of several individuals from across the globe.
See:>>What Are the Addiction Treatment Options that I have?<<
Even at our Confidential Drug Rehab many people shy from admitting they have a problem because of the social stigma surrounding addiction, this prevents them from taking action when it is most needed. The person fears that if they ask for help, they will be judged, looked down on or ostracised. Many people continue to struggle with substance abuse because of this shame. Nothing could be further from the actual experience at Houghton house See:>>Successful Alcohol & Drug Rehab Treatment<<
The Houghton House Rehabilitation Centre in Johannesburg is the leading Private Drug Rehab in Johannesburg that assists individuals with overcoming their addiction. They offer a complete spectrum of patient care services and interventions for individuals and their families. Houghton House understands that addiction is a powerful disease and that an addict needs the love, support and mentor-ship to fight this battle.