A successful and grateful recovering drug addict.

My name is Alex Hamlyn and I am a recovering drug addict.
I used various substances for 17 years and I have been clean for 27 years in October 2021. This is my story.

I started using drugs at the age of 13 and I used to a greater or lesser extend till the age of 30, but there didn’t seem to be anything going on in my life that drew me towards drugs. I came from a reasonably functional family. I think I was quite a popular, reasonably well-adjusted adolescent at that time.

26 Years of Changing Lives

Houghton HouseAddiction News

Dan and Alex founders of the best rehab in johannesburg for addiction treatments

Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres is celebrating its 26^th year of Addiction treatments, helping people discover a new world, a new life and a new way of living free from drug and alcohol addiction.

The innovative Rehab Centre is widely acclaimed for its ground-breaking treatments and techniques in the fight against addiction and has a proud history as Gauteng’s premier addiction rehabilitation centre. Powered by a passionate, caring team, the Johannesburg based Rehab has a long and successful history in South Africa.

Sober Benefit

Houghton HouseAddiction News, articles

Benefits of Becoming Sober – Sober Benefit

There are several consequences that one may face during active addiction, one of them being the financial consequences. This one may be particularly difficult to deal with as it has far-reaching repercussions and in addition, may affect our loved ones. There is a great deal of literature that speaks about the financial consequences of alcoholism; specifically, however, this article will shed light on to the financial benefits of becoming sober.

Amazing Sober Festive Season Activities

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Ideas for sober activities

sober festive activities during the pandemic

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 second “pandemic holiday” Sober Festive Season Activities are 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, some of those parties will 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. Luckily you don’t have to look too far to find new, fun, Sober Festive Season Activities to take part in or host.

Great Scott! Holiday in rehab?

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

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WHY YOU SHOULD SPEND YOUR Holiday in rehab?

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?<<

This Is What Happens when you make a great Rehabilitation Centre

Houghton HouseAddiction News, articles

The core components and functions of a good rehabilitation centre

Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centre in Johannesburg

One of the most important, yet, daunting decisions of an addict’s or their loved one’s life, is finding a rehabilitation centre that is suitable in all aspects. This decision can be seen as imperative, as it may be the deciding factor of a successful treatment outcome or an unsuccessful one. Whilst it is incredibly difficult to be faced with addiction or a loved one who is struggling with an addiction problem, oftentimes the last thing on one’s mind is to search for a rehabilitation centre that is adequate and includes all important amenities. However, this should always be taken into consideration to avoid any adversities or mishaps. It is fair to say that some treatment facilities may be rated better than others and it is important to weigh up the options before selecting a suitable facility. One must familiarise themselves regarding the characteristics of a good rehabilitation facility in order to ask the right the questions to a dedicated service provider at the facility. There are several factors that make a rehabilitation centre distinguished and exceptional.

What is the best way to get sober

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Finding the best way to sobriety

I am not going to lie. Getting sober isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I have tried my best way to get sober many times and failed; justifying the next bottle on work, stress, life and sometimes just because I needed a break from the harsh world, or whatever.

25 Reasons why Addiction Treatment Works at Houghton House

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

Houghton House has a lot to celebrate this month!

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?<<

Lifting the alcohol ban

Houghton HouseAddiction News, articles

Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic in Johannesburg discusses the pros and cons

This past Sunday hundreds upon thousands of South Africans rejoiced at the news that the ban on alcohol was being lifted on Tuesday 18 August Houghton House Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic in Johannesburg takes a view. The ban was the second one of its kind placed on South Africans over the past few months and took its toll on liquor selling outlets as well as the restaurant trade in general.

Addiction and Mental Health in Johannesburg in the times of COVID-19

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Addiction and Mental Health in Johannesburg Gauteng

If there was ever a time where the prioritising of Addiction and Mental Health in Johannesburg Gauteng needed to be reinforced, it is now, during the times of COVID-19. For those who understand the interconnectedness between mental health and addiction, this is a reminder; for those who do not know, mental health plays a crucial role in the route an addict can take, both on the road out of addiction and the reason why they are an addict.

Lockdown Levels have relaxed – our safety precautions have not!

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Our safety precautions at the top Rehabilitation Centre in Johannesburg Gauteng

As South Africa and the world try to find stability in these challenging times, one thing remains the same: our number one priority is and will always be to protect and care for our clients, staff, families and friends. Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres remains committed to providing the best addiction rehabilitation in Gauteng.
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Wine Mom

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Wine Mom – the development of a dangerous trend.

You know her, you may be her. Simply put, she is a mother and she drinks wine. That’s really all that it takes to join the ranks of the ‘wine mom” group and yet there is so much more to the seemingly innocent term than just a good time and motherhood.

How to stop doing drugs in 5 steps

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Decide You Want to Stop Doing Drugs
Admit You Are Not in Control
Find a Treatment Programme
Follow Medical Advice for Detox and Withdrawal
Commit to a Treatment Programme

Finally – Look to Family and Friends for Support

Now Providing the Latest Model of Continuing Care

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Houghton House: Providing a Model of Continued Care.

There’s a myth perpetuated in addiction-treatment circles that only a very small percentage of addicts or alcoholics recover. That is, in the sense that they achieve significant, long-lasting recovery. But this is not true.

Making a Difference

What makes the vital difference in the lives of many patients is the time spent within a care-giving recovery-based system. At Houghton House, for instance, we employ a multidisciplinary, multi-tiered approach of continued care designed to aid patients every step of the way. The benefit? Up to 60% of our admissions go on to live meaningful lives.

I had my best trip during lockdown

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

This lockdown that we are all in together has been interesting.

It’s the place where I have found the tools I was given in rehabilitation to be just as effective for others “trapped” in lockdown as I was in addiction. Funny that huh? One thing that I am going to say which may come as a surprise from someone who went to rehab for drug addiction is this; I had my best trip during lockdown.

Facing COVID-19 – the time to enter recovery is now!

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Lockdown – time to clean up and enter recovery

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<<

Addiction and the danger of COVID 19

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Addicts are a higher risk group than they may realise.

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.

Covid-19 virus and Anxiety Issues

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

How To Stop The Anxiety Spiralling Out Of Control with the Covid-19 virus. “It’s natural for us to worry about potential dangers to our safety and wellbeing. So if you’re feeling concerned about the Coronavirus, you’re not alone. Yet, for some of us, this concern can quickly grow into anxiety, even panic. Hearing about shortages

Common misconceptions of addiction.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

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.

Struggling with addiction? Things you should be saying to your addicted loved one

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Do you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction?

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.<<

Help an addict – by not making these mistakes

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

We end up inadvertently harming ourselves as we enable our loved ones.

You’re probably reading this because you want to help an addict close to you. And the closer they are, a parent, a child, a partner, or a good friend, the harder it is to do. The biggest problem is: we make certain mistakes that ordinarily seem intuitively correct in most situations.

Drug addiction starts with Peer Pressure.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

The effect peer pressure has on an individual’s drug use.

Drug abuse doesn’t just happen.

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.

Internet & Gaming Addictions

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Internet addiction disorder

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.<<

Codependent – helping the addict stay sick.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

An introduction to codependent behavior.

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.

Could You Unwittingly be Enabling an Addiction

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

So are you enabling an addiction?

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.

Are you Drinking too much Alcohol?

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Could you be drinking too much and drinking yourself into trouble?

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.<<

Loving an addict

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Loving an addict: a personal guide to a new you.

It’s always a fairy-tale in the beginning.

I suppose. Like they say in the classics, first comes the good part, for better and then, the bad part comes around, for worse…loving an addict. For me, my sweet princess turned into a devilish damsel filled with anger and rage. I watched my entire world collapse; the sun was setting on my love story.

How To Help Drug Addicts.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles, Blog, Treatment Programmes

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?<<

How to Communicate With a addict who Lies about Drug Problems

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Blog

Tough conversations: How to Communicate with an Addict

You can rise above anything in life with a positive attitude.

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<<

What Happens At Rage Stays At Rage

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Blog

Wrong!

That’s in a perfect world. What happens at Rage goes on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter, the different types of social platforms go on and on, as does the opportunity for eternal embarrassment. Yes, it can be real! Pictures of you doing things that may haunt you for years to come will be out there on the internet forever. Not to mention the live options that we are all using these days. When you’re intoxicated and feeling fab, live is the way to go, right? Wrong, you’ll regret it tomorrow…be careful.

Substance Induced Anxiety Disorder

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

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.<<

Using Cannabis an overview from one of South Africa’s top Psychiatrists

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

The consequences of cannabis use

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.

Studies on Cannabis

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<<

Dry Drunk Syndrome

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

What is Dry Drunk Syndrome and is there a solution?

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?<<

Addiction Recovery – Long term sobriety

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

Addiction Recovery: A target sometimes missed.

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.

Cannabis – Why Marijuana Is Not So Innocent

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

Legal Cannabis Drug Overview?

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<<

Avoiding Relapse Addiction Triggers

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

We receive so much information about Relapse Prevention in Recovery, everyone wants to stay clean and not be Triggered.

So…What is an Addiction Trigger?

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.

Addiction in us all

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

There’s possibly a bit of addiction in us all

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?<<

Shock and horror! What a broad statement.

Read More

April is Alcohol Awareness Month Signs of Functional Alcoholism!

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, Treatment Programmes

How to recognise the signs

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?<<

Alcohol. The most deadly drug of them all.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

Alcohol and College – Who is in control?

The South African National Council for Drug and Alcohol Abuse commemorates drug and alcohol awareness week in June with the aim of addressing the obviously huge issue of drug and alcohol use disorders in the country particularly in our younger generations in schools and tertiary institutions.

My husband – Sober for one year

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Success Stories

I honestly did not think Sober for one Year could ever happen
after approximately 30 years of drinking, the last 15 yrs heavily.

I do believe if he hadn’t gone to Houghton House rehab when he did our family would not be together today. So a big thank you to everyone there, and to Andrew who runs the Saturday Houghton House support group meetings, who helped me from the beginning of my journey, To understand that I had no control over my husband’s addiction, and I needed to let go of the guilt I felt and the feelings of “what was I doing wrong” that I couldn’t get him to stop no matter what I did.

Gaming Addiction – A Winning Addiction?

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

Video games: Gaming Addiction

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,

Stop Smoking Give up. Quit.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles, Treatment Programmes

Stop Smoking

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.

So, you want to Stop Smoking and quit right?

Addiction Drugs and Codependency

Houghton HouseAddiction News

Codependency is a controversial concept for a dysfunctional helping relationship where one person supports or enables another person’s addiction, poor mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or under-achievement. Wikipedia Have a loved one with an addiction? You could be doing more harm than good! No one can dispute the connection and deep emotional love you have for

Tips to Quit Smoking Cigarettes

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles, Treatment Programmes

You know why you should Quit Smoking.

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: An ugly truth

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

What’s in a name: Designer Drugs and their effects

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.

Addiction and how families deal with addicts.

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

If there is one thing that Houghton House Shouts loudly how families deal with addicts,
it is this:

Addiction doesn’t only affect one person, the addict,
but also their entire family.

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,

Healthy holiday gift ideas for someone in recovery

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, articles

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Holiday shopping can be super tricky for someone in recovery.

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<<

Everything you need to know about Synthetic Marijuana

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are designed to have similar qualities to that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Most commonly spice is ingested via smoking but it can also be added to drinks or added to food as an edible drug.

Marijuana is a drug which comes from a plant right? Yes. Well sort of.

My friend the addict, Bottom Line, Really what should I do Man?

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions

My friend the addict, how can I help you?

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.

Suckers for Pain – Lean

Houghton HouseAddiction News

Why Lean is Uncool – Downright Dangerous – and will Kill You

Last September rapper Lil Wayne once again had to cancel a show when he was hospitalized for multiple violent seizures. While Weezy has struggled with epilepsy throughout his life, it’s no secret that his addiction to Lean (also known as “Sizzurp” or “Purple Drank”) is largely to blame for his repeated seizures. It’s not the first time either: the star was also hospitalized in 2012 and 2016.

In a 2011 interview, Lil Wayne admitted to abusing Lean, a mixture of cough syrup, sweets and cooldrink

Porn Addiction – The XXX Factor

Houghton HouseAddiction News, Addiction, Drugs And Solutions, sex addiction, Treatment Programmes

Is porn addiction such a big deal?

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!

Prescription Medication: From Hollywood to Hillbrow

Houghton HouseAddiction News

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.

Alan Williamson

2021-10-20

Best alcohol detox and drug rehab in johannesburg these guys deal with all types of addiction and run 24/7 if you're looking for somewhere to get off a hectic drug and alcohol addiction - I can't recomend this recovery center any higher - 100% for effort care and longlevity of the addiction recovery programme

Natashia Cronje

2021-10-07

Working for Houghton House has been a profound privilege. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing people in recovery create a life in which numbness is no longer necessary for survival. You all bring me so much joy.

Alan Boniface

2021-10-05

A special place filled with saints running around helping lost souls find that piece of themselves that at some point we all realise is all we actually have been searching for. That piece has made me whole and that place is Houghton House.

Rahul Jayawardena

Excellent routine structure and support system that enabled me to focus on my journey to recovery

Dy Rowley-Williams

2021-09-24

In 2008 I was admitted to Houghton House Rehab, this has to be one of the best things that happened to me! All aspects of Houghton House are in a league of their own, with a multidisciplinary team of professionals assisting drug addicts, alcoholics and all types substance abuse disorders on their road to recovery. A perfect foundation for those looking for the best rehab in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mark Williams

2021-09-14

As a the best drug rehab in Johannesburg, Houghton House have helped so many people I know (I seem to have a problem choosing my friends !) - they must be the most consistently successful rehabilitation center in the country. Thank you. In reply to the answer: I do have some of my friends and a very close family member back. Yes!. Others went to other less reputable rehabs and came out more medicated more suicidal and more messed up – some are not with us anymore and that’s so sad I am not saying that HH is the only good rehab - but it’s the only one I know I can trust – I can only highly recommend them as the best drug and alcohol rehab in Johannesburg

Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres is celebrating its 26th year of Addiction treatments, helping people discover a new world, a new life and a new way of living free from drug and alcohol addiction.

Benefits of Becoming Sober – Sober Benefit

Ideas for sober activities

WHY YOU SHOULD SPEND YOUR Holiday in rehab?

The core components and functions of a good rehabilitation centre

Finding the best way to sobriety

Houghton House has a lot to celebrate this month!

Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic in Johannesburg discusses the pros and cons

Addiction and Mental Health in Johannesburg Gauteng

Our safety precautions at the top Rehabilitation Centre in Johannesburg Gauteng

Wine Mom – the development of a dangerous trend.

Decide You Want to Stop Doing Drugs

Admit You Are Not in Control

Find a Treatment Programme

Follow Medical Advice for Detox and Withdrawal

Commit to a Treatment Programme

Finally – Look to Family and Friends for Support

Houghton House: Providing a Model of Continued Care.

Making a Difference

This lockdown that we are all in together has been interesting.

Lockdown – time to clean up and enter recovery

Addicts are a higher risk group than they may realise.

Do you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction?

We end up inadvertently harming ourselves as we enable our loved ones.

The effect peer pressure has on an individual’s drug use.

Drug abuse doesn’t just happen.

Internet addiction disorder

An introduction to codependent behavior.

So are you enabling an addiction?

Could you be drinking too much and drinking yourself into trouble?

Loving an addict: a personal guide to a new you.

It’s always a fairy-tale in the beginning.

Tough conversations: How to Communicate with an Addict

You can rise above anything in life with a positive attitude.

Wrong!

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

The consequences of cannabis use

Studies on Cannabis

What is Dry Drunk Syndrome and is there a solution?

Addiction Recovery: A target sometimes missed.

Legal Cannabis Drug Overview?

We receive so much information about Relapse Prevention in Recovery, everyone wants to stay clean and not be Triggered.

So…What is an Addiction Trigger?

Shock and horror! What a broad statement. Read More

How to recognise the signs

Alcohol and College – Who is in control?

I honestly did not think Sober for one Year could ever happen after approximately 30 years of drinking, the last 15 yrs heavily.

Video games: Gaming Addiction

Stop Smoking

What’s in a name: Designer Drugs and their effects

If there is one thing that Houghton House Shouts loudly how families deal with addicts,it is this:

Addiction doesn’t only affect one person, the addict,but also their entire family.

Holiday shopping can be super tricky for someone in recovery.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are designed to have similar qualities to that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Most commonly spice is ingested via smoking but it can also be added to drinks or added to food as an edible drug.

Marijuana is a drug which comes from a plant right? Yes. Well sort of.

My friend the addict, how can I help you?

Why Lean is Uncool – Downright Dangerous – and will Kill You

Is porn addiction such a big deal?

Like alcohol, prescription medication is standard in our lives.

Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres is celebrating its 26^th year of Addiction treatments, helping people discover a new world, a new life and a new way of living free from drug and alcohol addiction.

Shock and horror! What a broad statement.

Read More

I honestly did not think Sober for one Year could ever happen
after approximately 30 years of drinking, the last 15 yrs heavily.

If there is one thing that Houghton House Shouts loudly how families deal with addicts,
it is this:

Addiction doesn’t only affect one person, the addict,
but also their entire family.