Top

Call us today: 011 787 9142

WhatsApp us: 079 770 7532

24/7 Crisis helpline (SADAG): 0800 12 13 14

Corporate addiction programme

Houghton House

Educational articles

Help for gambling addiction

Gambling addiction: Symptoms, causes, and how to stop gambling

27 March 2025

This article explains what gambling addiction is, how to recognise the signs, why online gambling carries particular risks, and what to do if gambling has become a problem for you or someone you ca...
Abstract macro photography of neural network or synaptic connections, deep blue and gold tones, softly lit, scientific but visually striking.

Drug addiction and substance use disorder

3 December 2024
Drug addiction and substance use disorder are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they carry slightly different meanings. The distinctio...
AI-generated image of a clear cup containing lean "purple drank", an intoxicating drink made by mixing prescription codeine syrup with sprite.

“Lean drink” codeine and promethazine abuse and addiction

3 December 2024
  Despite the documented dangers of lean, it’s still considered cool in some circles, especially on the South African hip hop scene. Artists l...
A close-up of a cannabis leaf resting on a wooden surface, softly lit from the side.

Is dagga legal in South Africa?

3 December 2024
Is marijuana legal in SA? The short answer is: not exactly. Dagga (cannabis) has been partially decriminalised in South Africa, but it hasn’t...
A photograph shows a dirty black tabletop littered with debris including a beer bottle, beer bottle tops, broken pieces of cracker, and a puddle of spilled liquid (presumably beer)

“Am I an alcoholic?” – Screen yourself for AUD with this alcoholism test

3 December 2024
Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” Alcohol is commonly used to “break the ice” at parties...
Help for gambling addiction

Gambling addiction: Symptoms, causes, and how to stop gambling

27 March 2025
This article explains what gambling addiction is, how to recognise the signs, why online gambling carries particular risks, and what to do if gambling has become a problem for you or someone you care about. Gambling in South Africa Gambling has be...
Abstract macro photography of neural network or synaptic connections, deep blue and gold tones, softly lit, scientific but visually striking.

Drug addiction and substance use disorder

3 December 2024
Drug addiction and substance use disorder are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they carry slightly different meanings. The distinction between them is worth understanding, because it shapes how we think about the condition and what k...
AI-generated image of a clear cup containing lean "purple drank", an intoxicating drink made by mixing prescription codeine syrup with sprite.

“Lean drink” codeine and promethazine abuse and addiction

3 December 2024
  Despite the documented dangers of lean, it’s still considered cool in some circles, especially on the South African hip hop scene. Artists like AKA sing about “Coming to you live from the third world. Getting high on the purple.” Youngsters...
A close-up of a cannabis leaf resting on a wooden surface, softly lit from the side.

Is dagga legal in South Africa?

3 December 2024
Is marijuana legal in SA? The short answer is: not exactly. Dagga (cannabis) has been partially decriminalised in South Africa, but it hasn’t been legalised. The distinction matters, both legally and for public health. This article explains ...
A photograph shows a dirty black tabletop littered with debris including a beer bottle, beer bottle tops, broken pieces of cracker, and a puddle of spilled liquid (presumably beer)

“Am I an alcoholic?” – Screen yourself for AUD with this alcoholism test

3 December 2024
Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Am I an alcoholic?” Alcohol is commonly used to “break the ice” at parties, braais, and other social events. In South Africa, we have a prevalent drinking culture that can ma...
AI-generated image of a silhouette of a man sitting with his head in his hands. To his left, tik (crystal meth) drug and paraphenalia can be seen. Behind him, the Johannesburg skyline is visible.

Rehab for crystal meth (tik drug) addiction

3 December 2024
  Tik is one of South Africa’s most notorious and harmful drugs, affecting communities across the country. Known internationally as crystal meth or methamphetamine, tik is a powerful stimulant that can quickly lead to dependence, severe menta...
A calm, clinical yet warm illustration of a human brain with softly glowing neural pathways lighting up in response to environmental cues. Surrounding the brain are subtle symbolic triggers: a half-empty glass, a set of keys, a crowded room, a hand reaching out.

Addiction triggers: what they are, how they work, and how to manage them

3 December 2024
If you or someone you love is navigating addiction recovery, you have likely heard the word “trigger” used frequently. But what exactly is a trigger in addiction? Why do triggers cause cravings? And how can understanding them help prev...
AI-generated image of a collection of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as "designer drugs". The image shows various colourful pills, capsules, powders, and syringes with hypodermic needles.

What are designer drugs? NPS, bath salts and synthetic drugs in South Africa

3 December 2024
  Designer drugs are synthetic substances that are chemically modified to mimic the effects of illegal drugs such as cocaine, LSD, cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and other psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs.  In medical and legal contexts,...
addiction to prescription drugs

Prescription medication addiction: Signs, risks, and treatment

3 December 2024
  Prescription medication addiction is one of the most common and least recognised forms of substance use disorder.  Most people who become dependent on prescription drugs didn’t set out to misuse anything. The medication came from a doctor ...
Person in dark hoodie clasping hands, contemplative mood. (AI-generated)

Understanding high-functioning depression

18 November 2024
What is high-functioning depression? Also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), the symptoms of high-functioning depression are comparable to those of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the symptoms of persistent depressive disorde...
A close-up of a person's hands holding a smartphone, with a blurred background suggesting a domestic setting. The mood is quiet and introspective.

Behavioural addiction: Types, causes, signs, and treatment

18 November 2024
Understanding behavioural addictions Most people associate addiction with substances like alcohol or drugs, but addiction can develop around behaviours just as readily as around chemicals.  Gambling, pornography, gaming, shopping, sex: when a pers...
An AI-generated photo shows a man who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal undergoing medical detox treatment. The man is resting in a hospital bed. On the bedside table, an alarm clock is visible, reading 02:30.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, detox timeline, and treatment options

14 November 2024
Alcohol detox is often the first step in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic condition characterised by impaired control over drinking.  While many people think of detox as simply “stopping drinking”, the reality is more complex. When s...
A person sits alone in a dark room, looking out of a window. The mood is quiet and reflective, neither hopeless nor resolved.

Trauma and addiction: Understanding the connection

14 November 2024
The complex relationship between trauma and addiction For many people who enter addiction treatment, substance use didn’t begin as recreation. Instead, substances became a way of coping with pain, fear, shame, or memories that felt impossibl...
Person refusing a glass of alcohol, hand gesture signaling no. (AI-generated)

Understanding alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD)

1 November 2024
Alcohol abuse is a significant concern in South Africa and affects individuals, families, and communities across all backgrounds. Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not signs of weakness or moral failure. Addiction is a complex medical and p...

Proud member of
the National Hospital
Network

Our location

432 York Ave,
Randburg 2194
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa

Contact us

Online: Contact form
Email: info@houghtonhouse.co.za
Phone: 011 787 9142
WhatsApp: 079 770 7532
Chat with us on WhatsApp

Get the care you need, today

Get treated for substance abuse or a
gambling problem at Houghton House
Addiction Recovery Centre and learn
the skills to stay sober for life.

About Houghton House
Terms & conditions
Privacy policy
Our team
Photos

Navigation

Home
Medical detox
Rehab programme
Outpatient programme
Co-occurring conditions
The halfway house
Testimonials
Medical aid info
Educational articles
Recovery blog
Contact