2023 is over. Time to get sober! Stop your addiction and get sober now.

Get sober time

2023 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, 2023 became a turning point in their addiction, and not in a good way. We believe that it is time to say 2023 is over, let’s get sober!

2023 + a pandemic + substance abuse increase = get sober

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had to change how we work, socialize, interact and even buy groceries. With government-mandated shutdowns forcing us to stay home, we’ve been more anxious and isolated than ever before, causing many people to turn to alcohol and drugs to cope, so how do we stay and get sober.

Being isolated this way is particularly dangerous for those who have struggled with addiction in the past. Loneliness, uncertainty and anxiety are all common triggers for relapse. Society has normalised drinking to quiet anxiety or other negative emotions. This can lead a lot of people down the road of addiction. Here’s a quick guide to get sober and some of the symptoms and signs that indicate that you may be abusing a substance and how we can put 2023 behind us and start 2024 off on the right foot. We’ll use alcohol as the example to get sober.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse (Alcohol Use Disorder)

By understanding the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse you can determine if you or a loved one needs help to kick addiction to the curb and get sober. It is often difficult to realise that you have a drinking problem because our culture so readily accepts alcohol misuse and abuse as normal and completely acceptable. In reality, we rely on it to avoid negative emotions, calm our anxiety, and quiet intrusive thoughts.

Here are a few signs you need to look out for before you get sober:

Continuing to drink regardless of issues created at home or work or both.
Developing a tolerance to alcohol, so you need more to feel the same effects and can’t get sober.
Spending a large amount of time seeking out alcohol, drinking it and recovering from the effects of it.
Inability to control how much or how often you drink.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly get sober, quit drinking or reduce the amount you drink.
Intense cravings and urges that you can’t resist.
Longing for a drink. If any of these sound like you, or a loved who one can’t get sober then you may be suffering from alcohol abuse disorder. Fortunately, you have options. 2024 can be the year you decide to make a change and finally kick your habit once and for all. Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres is just a call away to help you get sober towards making 2024 the year of change!

Get Sober and Tips for Dealing with the uncertainty of 2024

If you picked up alcohol as a way to deal with the pandemic stress in 2023, chances are you will carry that over into 2024. You are not alone in trying to get sober. Do you feel that alcohol or drug use is going to solve the problem and it’s not the right way to cope? If so, here are a few of our top tips to cope with stress and get sober as you work your way through 2024.

Head outside to get sober

Hiking, exploring your city, or even having a picnic in the park are all great ways to socially distance. They can keep your mind off of substances and relieve a lot of the stress you may be experiencing. There are many studies that show how spending time outside helps to get sober, increase life satisfaction, happiness and even promotes mindfulness.

Exercise

Rehab in JHB Staying Sober Over the pandemic holidays

So a little more strenuous than hiking or exploring, exercise can dramatically reduce stress, get you feeling better about yourself and take up time that addiction or bad habit would usually occupy. There are a million and one youtube videos, fitness instructors and social media pages online offering handy routines for you to take inspiration. Every rep now is one less thought towards a drug or drink!

Seek out help from us to get sober

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse disorder or any substance and want to start 2024 on the right foot, the best option is, without doubt, to seek out help to get sober. Through our class-leading and innovative addiction rehabilitation programmes, you can detox safely and comfortably and then dive into a rehabilitative programme to help you get sober and learn healthy coping strategies.

If you are ready to put 2023 behind you and start fresh in 2024, contact Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres today. No matter what 2024 brings, we are here to help you to get sober.

If you or a loved one is in need of assistance please do not hesitate to call our office for a more detailed assessment and more information on dealing with drug abuse and getting yourself help, into rehab to start a new life, call Houghton House now:

Office hours: 011 787 9142

24/7 emergency help-line: 079 770 7532

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Click on the green envelope below and fill in our contact form, and one of our professional staff members will get back to you via email or phone, respecting your anonymity at all times.

Hilda Gonlag

2024-05-15

My experience at Houghton House was a life changing experience.Thank you to all the councillors and staff for all their support and guidance to make my recovery such a success. I will defenitely carry on my recovery at Houghton House I recommend this faciity as the best in Gauteng. Now I'm living in the Sober House and am able to live a Sober independent life in a beautiful home with an amazing garden living life to the full.

chad trollip

I went into Houghton house broken and with no other resort. I thought nothing or no one could help and I basically accepted I would die as an addict. After getting through detox and attending groups I found hope again and realised there were so many people that cared about me. The nursing staff (especially Nelson!) were fantastic. The councillors and physiologists helped me tremendously with dealing with the wreckage of my past. Houghton House really gave me a second chance at life and I’ll be forever grateful!

carmiel mahood

Such an awesome place ! Nice people and great management !

Jessica Naicker

2024-05-14

I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the transformative experience my friend had during her stay at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Treatment Centre. From the moment she walked through the doors, she was met with warmth, compassion, and a genuine dedication to helping her on her journey to recovery. First and foremost, we must commend the staff for their unwavering support and expertise. Every member of the team, from the counselors to the medical staff, demonstrated a profound commitment to her well-being. Their kindness, patience, and encouragement provided her with the strength and courage she needed to confront her challenges head-on. The program itself was exceptionally well-designed, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery that addressed not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying emotional and psychological factors. The variety of therapeutic modalities, from individual counseling to group therapy sessions, allowed her to explore different avenues of healing and gain valuable insights into herself. Furthermore, the facilities at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres were impeccable. The serene environment, coupled with comfortable accommodations, created a safe and nurturing space where she could focus solely on her recovery without distractions. The attention to detail in every aspect of the center's design truly contributed to the overall sense of peace and tranquility. As she reflects on her time at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centre, she is filled with a profound sense of gratitude and hope for the future. Thanks to the guidance and support she received here, she now feels equipped with the tools and resources necessary to maintain sobriety and lead a fulfilling life. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our heart for everything you have done for her. Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centre will always hold a special place in our heart, and we will be forever grateful for the positive impact it has had on my friend's life.

Silungile Annita Ntuli

Really grateful for your service and compassion.

Warrion Mcenzie

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt welcomed and supported. The staff here is exceptional - compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery. The new facility is clean, comfortable, and conducive to healing. I can't thank Houghton House enough for their role in my recovery journey. If you or a loved one are seeking a top-notch rehab facility, I highly recommend Houghton House. They've changed my life for the better, and I'm forever grateful.