Addiction is like a nuclear bomb.

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. Continue reading “What to do when a loved one has an addiction” →

The picture of addiction

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. Continue reading “Life and the lies of a high functioning addict.” →

Can you tell if your friend is using?

Is my friend using drugs and how can I tell?

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.

Continue reading “Signs of someone using Drugs” →

Recovery is a family affair:  Tips and strategies to cope with a recovering addict.

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, Continue reading “Recovering Addict Strategies to Cope” →

Addiction Triggers

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. Continue reading “Addiction Triggers – You need to know.” →

A guideline for Coming Home After Rehab

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. Continue reading “Welcoming home a loved one from Rehab” →

Dealing with the consequences of addiction.

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. Continue reading “Consequences of addiction” →

Party Season … it can be a Toxic and unhealthy Environment for all us Addicts

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. Continue reading “Stay Sober in a Toxic Environment” →

Sober for the Festive Season

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!

1. Walk into the season with the confidence that you know you are not going to drink.

Highlight this in your mind. I cannot repeat it often enough because you have been sitting on the fence of festive season drinking, Continue reading “Tips for surviving a sober holiday” →

How do I stay sober this Halloween and more generally, over the festive period?

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. Continue reading “Stay Sober during Halloween” →

Types of drinker you may encounter in The Festive season

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. Continue reading “It’s the time of year where many people find it almost impossible to avoid alcohol.” →

South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court of South Africa recently decriminalised marijuana /cannabis (dagga) use and legalizes private cultivation

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? Continue reading “Decriminalisation of Private use of Marijuana” →

 After Drug Rehab What are your options

Continuing Care Programme / Residential Inpatient Treatment Programme

(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. Continue reading “Life after Drug Rehab – the Inpatient Programme” →

Houghton House Leading Rehab in Johannesburg – Saving Lives since 1995

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. Continue reading “South Africa’s Leading Rehab in Johannesburg” →

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. Continue reading “What to Expect when you get to Rehab” →

Why sobriety leads to a better life.

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! Continue reading “Kick the Drinking Habit – 6 Reasons Why” →

Maintaining long-term sobriety particularly in early recovery

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. Continue reading “4 Tips for Single Moms in Early Recovery” →

Do you need rehab right now?

Repeat after me, you need rehab. ADDICTS NEED HELP. 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:  Continue reading “Tell-tale signs that you need rehab right now” →

Alcohol is an omnipresent part of the society we live in. 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. Continue reading “Is Drunk Me the Real Me, Taking a Deeper Look at Yourself” →

Are you an Addict who needs Help or does a Friend need help for Addiction?

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. Continue reading “Do you have a friend who you think needs help for addiction?” →

Addiction Support. 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. Continue reading “What you should know about addiction support as an outsider.” →

Workplace Addiction

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. Continue reading “How to Deal with Workplace Addiction” →

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. Continue reading “How to use your time in residential rehab to the best of your ability” →

Everything you need to know about finding a drug rehab centre near you

There is always hope.We are going to tell you everything you need to know about finding a drug rehab centre near you. It does not matter your age, financial situation or length of addiction, there 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. Continue reading “Everything you need to know about finding a drug rehab centre near you” →

Alcoholism and its devastating effects on South African society

Throughout the world alcohol and its abuse causes devastation with far-reaching socio and economic effects. 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. Continue reading “Alcoholism and its Devastating Effects on South African Society” →

Is the child of an alcoholic parent at a higher risk of becoming an alcoholic due to genetics or exposure? 

Unfortunately the answer to this is, “Yes”.

Children who have one alcoholic parent have a 60% chance of becoming one. This percentage rises to 80% if both parents are alcoholics¹. Continue reading “Is the Child of an Alcoholic Parent at a Higher Risk” →

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. Continue reading “Drug Addiction South Africa – A Leading SA Rehab Centre Takes A Look” →

Houghton House is the leading SA Rehab Centre. 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. Continue reading “Addiction, Recovery and Rehabilitation – A Leading SA Rehab Centre” →

There is always help for a person suffering with an addiction. 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! Continue reading “Tell-tale signs that you need rehab, now!” →

Determining or how to spot drug abuse in a loved one, 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 close to addicts – be they behavioural (eating disorders, gambling or sex) or substance use (pharmaceutical or recreational, ‟street‟ or fitness drugs) addicts – will, over time, develop a pathological set of coping behaviours to deal with the chaos that “your‟ addict brings with him or her. To this end, short and long term support organisations and services exist alongside primary addiction treatment to assist with this very problem – coping with an addict in one’s life. Continue reading “HOW TO SPOT DRUG ABUSE IN A LOVED ONE” →

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. Continue reading “A Place of Hope for South African Substance Abusers” →

Unravelling Addiction, Recovery and Rehabilitation – Learnings from a Leading SA Rehab Centre

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. Continue reading “Addiction Recovery and Rehabilitation” →

My son is in jail. I love him. He is 24 years old and a drug addict.

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. Continue reading “My Son is an Addict.” →

With alcohol being a legal and socially acceptable mind altering substance, it is sometimes difficult to know if your relationship with drinking is unhealthy. In the society we live in where alcohol flows freely at any get-together, how can I tell if my drinking is out of control?

Six serious signs that your drinking is out of control

Here are six warning signs to help you determine if your social consumption of alcohol has developed into a drinking problem: Continue reading “How Can I Tell if my Drinking is Out of Control” →

My friend the addict, how can I help?

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. Continue reading “My friend the addict, what should I do?” →

The first and most difficult step of breaking free of addiction is to ask for help. 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

When you first arrive at a rehabilitation centre, Continue reading “Our Extended Inpatient Care Programme for Rehab” →

Happy people know that happiness is a choice

Happiness is a way of life and they have made the decision to be happy, no matter what.
According to studies “even trying to be happy can boost our emotional well-being” making a case for thinking yourself happy.

“Nothing will make you happy… Until you choose to be happy.”

Kindness and respect. Continue reading “Happiness is a choice.” →

When trying to help addicts, 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. Continue reading “How to Help Addicts – Recognizing who needs help.” →

Games, Sex, Food: the other addictions.

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 isn’t just about chemicals. At least, not external chemicals you imbibe through snorting, smoking, or spiking. Continue reading “Process Addiction and Other Types of Addictive Behaviour” →

It’s that time of year when 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. 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. It’s harder than ever to stay clean and sober – but there are ways you can minimize the risk of having a destructive relapse. Continue reading “Staying Sober Over the Silly Season” →

Everything You Need To Know About Flakka

Flakka 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.

Is it really that bad? Unfortunately, yes. 

Continue reading “Flakka – “Zombie Drug”” →

Some people believe that addiction relapse is inevitable – but 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 most effective techniques for preventing relapse is to identify your personal relapse triggers and make a detailed plan on how you will manage them. Continue reading “10 Most Common Addiction Relapse Triggers” →

What is an addict?

An addict is a person who is addicted to a particular thing or activity

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. Continue reading “What Is An Addict?” →

There is a fine line between regular use and drug abuse and addiction.

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. Continue reading “There Is A Fine Line Between Regular Drug Use And Drug Abuse” →

Continue reading “Are creative people prone to drug and alcohol abuse?” →

Mental Versus Physical Addiction

Addiction is a multi-faceted and complex disease. Oftentimes the term “addiction” is oversimplified, but in reality there are many types of addiction that often lay on a spectrum. One of the most important distinctions to make when considering addiction is whether the addiction is physical, psychological or a combination of both. Continue reading “Mental Versus Physical Addiction: Understanding Addiction is the First Step to Ending it.” →

Summer Fun In Recovery From Addiction

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy…”  so says that tune! 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 summer time is actually a time of increased stress. 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, there are places we know we shouldn’t be hanging around unless we have a very good reason. As we enter the height of the summer months, we are likely to be presented with more outdoor parties, braais, and celebrations than we usually experience. We are going to have to make some decisions about what we are going to do. Continue reading “Summer Fun In Recovery from Addiction” →

What Drives Us To Addiction?

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.

That being said, there are some recurring themes we hear again and again. While the details may differ from person to person, we can construct a web of stories to create an idea of what could drive a person to addiction. Continue reading “What Drives Us To Addiction?” →

 Heroin Addiction:  A Day In The Life Of A Mother Of A Heroin Addict

Continue reading “A Day In The Life Of A Mother Of A Heroin Addict” →

I’m Fine

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.”

It’s never “easy” – watching someone at full flight in the centre of the maelstrom of their addiction. Whether it’s a drug, alcohol, eating or any one of a number of issues that plague the person you love it’s a harrowing stage – and one that at times seems to have no end or solution in sight.

Being strong and in charge for your loved one is good and necessary. So is understanding the fact that they are constantly in the throes of wrestling with their problem, and the chaos that becomes a regular part of life for you and your loved one – and the immediate family, is not permanent.

I’m Fine  -we all must be Fine

Families experience a divergence of emotions including sadness, guilt, hopelessness, anger, frustration, and fear. Many of the family members including you will have exhausted any coping mechanisms and resources to influence your loved one in the direction of change. Pleading, threatening, arguing, confronting and avoiding have all probably been tried with limited success. A big issue to consider is that because of the stressful environment, you and other of your family members may be besieged with your own issues including anxiety, depression and trauma in part due to and/or aggravated by the stress.

To help ease and attempt to bring things to a more normal state of being we have outlined a number of suggestions that may increase the likelihood of getting your loved one to engage in treatment (or change of any sort!) while keeping you as healthy as possible.

Your own self-care is essential.

Establish your own personal limits.

Gain an understanding of the terms “addict,” “enabler” and “co-dependent”, so to remove the stigma that so often surrounds them

Learn to converse in a non-judgmental way. Explain to your loved one and family that this struggle is different for everyone, and that there are any number of paths to change that could be helpful.

Recognize strengths of the loved one. Validate their experience. Acknowledge that their abusive behaviours do not define who they are as a person.

Make a commitment to addressing your own issues (including seeking your own treatment) with your loved one. Own your piece of the struggle.

Empathize with the predicament of ambivalence that the loved one faces.

Respond effectively to the expected ambivalence and subsequent reluctance to change from your loved one. Understand their point of view. Stay away from threats. Invitation works better.

Seek outside consultation from a clinician you trust. Learning how to communicate with your loved one in the most optimal way takes time. Learn to control the way you deliver a message.

Suggest the first visit to a mental health provider be simply “an initial consult to find out what treatment options exist.” The focus of the consult could be managing stress and anxiety and not necessarily a particular disorder.

Though there is a wealth of good and helpful information available, regrettably, there too is an abundance of dangerous misinformation and so called cures available to the general public regarding the treatment of addictive disorders.

A good, or rather, bad example are the reality television shows often that portray dramatic and provocative “interventions” that claim to effect drastic change. Unfortunately, these types of approaches rarely work and can serve to alienate and shame the individual, often leaving him or her with lower self-esteem, self-hatred and more desperate to escape. Unfortunately the person being confronted is often still under the influence of a substance leaving them compromised, disinhibited, self-justifying, and demonstrating poor judgment with an inability to comprehend the nature of the intervention.

Houghton House offers a nurturing and involved treatment plan with Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care. Support through the stages for you, your loved one and if necessary the family is also provided. Many of our patients develop an enthusiasm and want to stop abusive behaviour once they are engaged in a treatment program and exposed to the option of recovery.

I’m Fine.

Just one more and then I’ll stop.

About So Much More than Just Food

Body Image Crisis: We live in an era where millions of women and men are silently suffering through 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! Continue reading “BODY IMAGE CRISIS – EATING DISORDERS” →

Celebrating your Sobriety with Houghton House.

Making your one year sober anniversary is a monumental achievement, a milestone if you will. Getting to one year clean takes hard work. A recovering alcoholic/addict who makes it to one year, has committed to making difficult life changes. This achievement should not be underplayed but rather celebrated. In one year a recovering addict has had to basically relearn everything, sit with uncomfortable emotions and ride a tidal wave of transformation. Continue reading “Celebrating Sobriety with Houghton House” →

Having Fun Sober

My fellow addicts, we are an interesting and somewhat predictable bunch. I know what you are thinking: Don’t ever call me predictable. Thing is, we kind of are. We are predictable in the sense that we all have similar reservations when it comes to recovery.

The biggest reservation I had when going into rehabilitation 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 ‘fun.’ Continue reading “Having Fun Sober after Coming out of Rehab” →

The Importance of Aftercare In Recovery From Addiction

It is tempting 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. Continue reading “The Importance of Aftercare in Recovery from Addiction” →

The Modern Man and the Recovery From Addiction Battle

In regards to addiction, men are faced with a set of sensitive and unique issues. It has been proven that men are less likely to seek treatment for addiction and are more likely to experience relapse. Professionals in the field of addiction and psychology believe that part of the problem is that men face a set of modern stressors that place them under serious pressure, a pressure not experienced by previous generations. Continue reading “The Modern Man and the Recovery from Addiction Battle” →

Helping your loved one seek treatment for addiction:

When a person is in the grips of addiction, disarray and turmoil become a regular part of life for both the struggling addict and their loved ones. Family members feel helpless and desperate watching a loved one plunge into the depths of addiction. They are inundated with feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, hopelessness and fear – an amalgamation of emotions that lead to absolute anguish. Continue reading “Helping your loved one seek treatment for addiction” →

Addiction and the Family:

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. Continue reading “Addiction and the Family” →

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. Continue reading “Consequence Films – Pertaining to Drug and Alcohol Addiction” →

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 it that much more menacing.

Whoonga: The Frightening Facts Continue reading “The Devastating Drug of the South African Slums – Nyaope” →

Inhalants: The Household Agent Of Death known as ‘huffing’

I remember being at a 13th birthday party of all places, and kids out back were 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 Continue reading “Inhalants: The Household Agent of Death know as ‘huffing’” →

Teens and the Party Scene

I went to my first club when I was 14 years old. I had a fake ID on hand and I was dressed in sky high stilettos, a tight black dress and of course, a wonder of a wonder bra. The bouncer for some strange reason, believed that I was of age and let me and my friends enter. First thing we did was go straight to the bar, ordered 2 shots of vodka each and celebrated our ‘grown up’ victory. Continue reading “Teens and the Party Scene, what Drugs are Popular” →

Heartbreak, Loss, and Bullying in Recovery

I am currently experiencing a situation reminiscent of high school, one of heartbreak, loss and bullying.

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. Continue reading “Heartbreak, Loss and Bullying in Recovery” →

The Dental Consequences of Addiction

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. Continue reading “The Dental Consequences of Addiction” →

Help With Preventing Relapse in the New Year

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 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. Continue reading “Preventing Relapse in the New Year” →

Crack is Wack! Here are the Facts

To put 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. Continue reading “Crack is Wack! Cocaine Addiction here are the facts” →

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. Continue reading “Stop Sabotaging your Happiness with Addictive Behaviour” →

Prescription Medication: From Hollywood to Hillbrow

Like alcohol, prescription medication is standard in our lives. It is the ‘norm.’ We don’t raise an eye when we see someone chug down medication – as long as it comes in a nice prescription bottle. Doctors’ orders you know.

Society hands out prescription meds like sweets. You are tired? Have a Stillnox. You are struggling to concentrate? Have Ritalin. You are stressed? Try a Lexitan, Adderall or Valium. Or all three! The list goes on. Continue reading “Prescription Medication: From Hollywood to Hillbrow” →

The Zombie Apocalypse

Many of us have heard tales of drugged up men and women cutting their own skin open, violently attacking each other and eating human flesh while intoxicated on bath salts. The stories are horrifying, reminiscent of a Rob Zombie feature film. But what are the facts? What are the signs? And what are the real effects of this new age drug? Continue reading “Bath Salts” →

Uppers, Downers and Hallucinogens

Drug abuse is a seeping stain, one that is spreading like wildfire throughout South Africa – throughout the globe. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful and does not discriminate. Anyone is vulnerable to the scourge that is addiction. The more that you educate yourself on these mind altering substances the more you are able to protect yourself and your loved ones against them. Continue reading “Uppers, Downers and All ‘Rounders: Educate Yourself” →

Alcohol and the B0dy: This ‘Aint Pretty

When picturing an alcoholic I’m sure you imagine an older man or woman, with a blood red nose and dirty clothes. Yes, this is the 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 Continue reading “Alcohol and the Body: This ‘Aint Pretty” →

So, your recovery is going great. 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? Continue reading “Cross Addiction: Oh, the life of an addict” →

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 at pictures and speak to friends the next day after my regular black out. I was bedraggled, haggard, unbalanced, drooling and talking absolute nonsense. I wasn’t intimidating, I was just irritating. Continue reading “Sober is Sexy!” →

Mental Health and Addiction

Many people who suffer with the disease of 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. Continue reading “Mental Health and Addiction” →

In 1935 two men, both self described ‘hopeless alcoholics’ began a program of recovery. Today, the program has helped many in helpless situations come back from the brink, finding a path of serenity, sobriety and hopefulness. This program or fellowship is known as Alcoholics Anonymous. Continue reading “Meet Bill W and Dr Bob: The Founders of AA” →

Teen binge drinking: the rat experiment

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. Continue reading “Teen Binge Drinking: The Facts” →

The Celeb Faces of Recovery. When faced with rehabilitation, consequences and sobriety, many addicts wonder if they can ever find some sort of fulfilment again. What’s going to happen now? Am I going to have to live a boring life? Am I ever going to feel adrenaline again? Am I ever going to have fun again? Continue reading “The Celeb Faces of Recovery” →

Workplace Addiction what can be done?

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. Continue reading “Workplace Addiction” →

Addiction in the Community

Spiritual Leaders of South Africa & 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. Continue reading “Spiritual Leaders of South Africa & Substance Abuse” →

Houghton House group of treatment centres is convinced that quality treatment for alcohol addiction is absolutely necessary to overcome an alcohol addiction. Alcohol rehab costs are a small price to pay when you think of the costs that are associated with long term alcohol abuse.

Costs of an alcohol addiction Continue reading “Alcohol Rehab Costs” →

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.

About Us: The Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre

Continue reading “The Best Care Out There” →

Non Residential Rehab Clinics

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. Continue reading “Non Residential Rehab Clinics” →

Specialised Addiction Drug Rehab in Johannesburg

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. Continue reading “Private Drug Rehab in Johannesburg” →