What is Alcoholism? Houghton House Rehabilitation Centre

Alcoholism involves the inability to manage drinking habits and is a severe form of alcohol abuse.

It is also called alcohol use disorder. There are three categories of alcohol use disorder: slight, moderate, and severe. Each can cause harmful side effects category and has various symptoms. Any type of alcohol abuse can cause the afflicted to lose control and spiral totally out of control If left untreated. See:>>Could you be drinking too much and drinking yourself into trouble?<<

Persons battling with alcoholism most often feel as though they are unable to function normally without alcohol. This leads to an extensive range of issues that affect and impact personal matters, relationships, professions, and the person’s overall health. Serious side effects of consistent alcohol abuse can worsen and produce hugely debilitating and damaging complications over a very short time

There are many treatment options available to help one overcome alcohol abuse and achieve long-term sobriety Alcoholics don’t have to suffer from addiction alone or in silence. Houghton House is here to help.

Alcoholism may cause a physical and psychological dependence.
Physical dependence: this form of dependence is due to two properties of alcohol.

It is increasingly necessary to achieve the desired alcohol effect. This process is called tolerance.
The body protests when no more alcohol is given. The protest is reflected in detoxification or withdrawal symptoms: feeling sick, trembling, feeling frightened.

The fact that alcohol can cause physical dependence means in practice that there is every chance the addict will continue to drink and also increasingly get used to combating the withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological dependence:
This is the real addiction. The alcoholic feels very uneasy if he/she is not intoxicated. There is a very strong desire (craving) for alcohol.

Both the physical and psychological dependency is partly explained by processes occurring in the brain. Chemicals get released in the brain when alcohol is broken down because a busy spot in cell metabolism is normally occupied by other substances. After a long period of non-drinking, the natural process in brain cells recover.

Chronic alcoholism:
We speak of chronic alcoholism when repeated attempts to drink less or stop alcohol consumption fails and the alcoholic always falls back into the old pattern of drinking.

The Houghton House Group drug rehabilitation treatment centre is located in Johannesburg (South Africa). The treatment programs that form the group provide specialist treatment in alcoholism problems and have been treating patients for over twenty years.

Direct Helpline : +27 11 787 9142

24hr Emergency Helpline : 079 770 7532 (local) +27 79 770 7532 (international)

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.