Addiction is a family disease because it impacts the entire family. It’s not just the addict who suffers, but also the spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter what your socioeconomic status is, what race you are, or what gender you are. Addiction can happen to anyone.
How is A.I. affecting addiction and recovery? A.I. is having a significant impact on addiction and recovery, with advancements in technology being used to improve treatment methods and support for those struggling with addiction. How is Houghton House using A.I. in their drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs? Houghton House, the top rehabilitation site in South
No1. Navigating Difficult Conversations: Approaching Your Parents About Drug Addiction and Seeking Help Initiating a conversation with your parents about your drug addiction can be one of the most challenging steps on your path to recovery. However, admitting your struggle and expressing your willingness to seek help is a crucial milestone toward healing. The process
Houghton House is committed to providing comprehensive addiction treatment that focuses on the unique needs of each individual. Our experienced and caring team, evidence-based therapies, and personalized treatment plans set us apart from others, making us a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery and surviving addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling
Survival Tips to Stay Sober The end of year can be quite testing. Not only are stress levels at an all-time high, but there are a significant increase in activities which include alcohol on offer. So if you are sober, trying to get sober or recovering from alcohol addiction, you are undoubtedly looking for an escape from this crazy part of the year. Be it from the marketing, the office parties or even the family gatherings; there is ‘danger’ lurking around every corner. It’s almost as if this part of the year should be renamed boozember!
The holiday season is filled with stress, anxiety and partying. It’s a weird concoction that can have serious consequences. November and December burnout is a very real possibility and the crux of overdoing it at parties and functions becomes a reality for many. It may be a good idea to spend your time at rehab over the holidays instead, and conquer the very demons that are at your door over this challenging period.
Houghton House center offers a customized treatment for the individual. The intake process is an important step of this process, as it is used to help diagnose the types of treatments that are needed.
Drug addiction is dangerous, highly addictive, and resource intensive. Addiction to a substance impairs the person’s ability to manage their life, choosing to pursue intoxicating substances which are addictive and harmful, while willfully experiencing harm they knowingly cause themselves. Read on to find out what are the difficulties facing drug addicts in South Africa and how people can and do help!
The part of the sponsor in any 12-step programme such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other fellowships, is to offer a backing structure for the new arrival. An alcoholic or addict that has newly made a choice to halt and stop using drugs and alcohol is in a very difficult and dangerous position.
No doubt as a youngster, a few of you may have dabbled with dagga or tried to smoke a bit of weed. No real biggie right? You think that your child may do the same, try it out, get some munchies and probably laugh a bit too hard at SpongeBob on the telly, right?
We refer to the set of symptoms that occur as a consequence of drinking too much alcohol, it is the body’s way of reminding us about the dangers of excess.
Alcohol use and abuse has and continues to be a massive issue in South Africa and experts believe that the trend of excessive drinking, similar to binge drinking, can significantly increase the devastating likelihood of alcohol-related deaths.
The saga/court case and toxic relationship between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp was far more than just a spectacle for curious onlookers. Aside from it being a real case between two real humans, it’s a demonstration of the effects of drug use (and abuse), domestic violence and frankly, a very good example of addiction and its devastating effects.
There is definitely a link between drinking and sleeplessness. Rehabs like Houghton House have long perceived a connection concerning chronic sleep problems, insomnia caused alcohol abuse and long-term alcoholism. A tolerance for alcohol can develop rather quickly, leading to drinking more before bed in order to enable sleep. Unfortunately, many who are diagnosed with alcohol
In sober parenting, alcohol is not necessary for coping, despite what social media would have us believe. It’s not necessary to unwind with a drink at the end of a long day, and dealing with the challenges of parenting doesn’t have to be ‘numbed’ by a hazardous, addictive substance.
If you’re worried about your drug use, dealing with it and stopping drug abuse now can help you to be emotionally happier, healthier and safe.
It is a question on the mind of many. In fact, it was one of the most searched words in 2024 according to Google. To answer this question let’s first break down the question.
Substance abuse is another name for Substance Use Disorder.
Trauma impacts everyone in different ways, whether it is a one-time, numerous, or repeated incident. While many trauma victims exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), others exhibit resilient responses that do not meet the diagnostic criteria of addiction and trauma.
The abuse of drugs in Southern Africa is at an all-time high.
Make no mistake it’s a Drug war.
The exponential rise in SA.s drug use has been observed in recent years, with hard drugs such as MDMA, cocaine, heroin, and Quaaludes becoming increasingly popular.
There are few journeys harder than the one undertaken by a patient to go from an addict with a substance use disorder to a person who is healthy and sober. For most people, it takes a lifelong commitment of dedication and hard work. The road toward sobriety is difficult but professional treatment such as the type offered at Johannesburg’s best rehab centre, Houghton House, helps many people start the journey with vigour and purpose.
Alcohol Detox and Withdrawl – Why is it so Important? There may be some resistance to the idea of quitting alcohol consumption because of the perceived actions and feelings associated with withdrawal symptoms; however, this is the first and most important step in the fight towards sobriety and the ending of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
It’s 6am on Monday morning. You wake up, headache throbbing, sweating profusely and you reach over for something liquid next to your bed. The lukewarm water in the glass splashes all over the place as you attempt to bring it to your mouth. You have an uncontrollable shake that you just cannot get rid of. It’s called the ‘alcohol shakes’ and is loosely defined as the tremors caused by Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, which occurs in some frequent alcohol users when they suddenly stop drinking.
Alcohol and Benzodiazepine (see below) withdrawals are considered the worst. Even more so than heroin derivatives because of the deadly potential of seizures and death. Much of the time aperson who is addicted to alcohol or drugs may lie to themselves. They will be in a state of denial about their problems, their issues and their destructive lifestyle, for long periods of time.
No one on earth is the same. This is particularly true when it comes to addiction. When it comes to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD is a condition that can be diagnosed when your pattern of alcohol use is problematic and causes significant distress), everyone has different needs. Symptoms and needs can range from mild to severe and the care you’ll need depends to a degree, on where you fall in that range.
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!
With 20 questions, this self-test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs help with their addiction or excessive drug use.
With 26 questions, this Am I an Alcoholic self-test is intended to help you determine if you or someone you know needs help and to find out more about themselves and their relationship with alcohol .
The end of year celebrations tend to trigger a relapse in many of those who are living with substance abuse disorders and this year, thanks to the global pandemic, it could be even worse. Every year, the holiday season creates challenges for those who are battling addictions and substance abuse disorders. Most of the time it’s the holiday parties, the social events (think end of year office and social gatherings etc) that make the consumption of alcohol look increasingly inviting. 2020, thanks to the pandemic has caused more relapses than ever and complicated things further due to the stresses associated with the effects of the virus.
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 holidays” 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 events don’t involve alcohol?
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 and to make matters worse, it’s the first pandemic holiday season for us all. 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 and thanks to Covid-19, those issues are ultra-heightened and the stress is magnified. It’s harder than ever to stay clean and sober – but there are ways you can minimize the risk of having a destructive relapse and get through this pandemic holiday season.
[two_third]
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?<<
Anyone who has been affected by addiction knows that the sickness does not differentiate between rich and poor or black and white and that even those with fame and fortune are not safe from the news displaying their Faces of Recovery. The showbiz world is home to many recovering celebrities. And, just like millions of people worldwide, many brilliant musicians’ actors and athletes are living fit, fruitful lives in recovery.
By: Dan Wolf, Director of Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres /MA Psych
Educating parents and children about alcohol, drugs and other vices is a difficult task. Historically, many approaches have been adopted ranging from scare tactics, experts talking about peer pressure, talks by addicts in recovery and more recently a level of resignation that perhaps moderate use is the most reasonable approach. In this article, I would like to draw on the wisdom of various highly respected religious leaders. In my opinion, this is more helpful than defaulting to personal opinions or theories that are often developed simply to justify dysfunctional behaviour.
by Sanam Naran – Counselling Psychologist
You may be asking yourself some of these questions about Behavioral Addiction, either for yourself or a loved one struggling with addiction. Addiction can ruin lives and have a detrimental effect on all those involved.
Through addiction, one may lose their job, their marriage, their family, their health, their assets and their dignity and self-respect, amongst other things.
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?<<
Any form of addiction has an effect on all members of an addicted family unit, in one way or another. There are specific roles which are filled in an alcoholic family unit and we are going to go delve into a number of these roles so that you and your loved ones can better understand the effect of alcoholism on partners and children.
Realistically, there are loads of individuals who can drug and drink, who can smoke and who can look at pornography and who can go to casinos and gamble, but never end up being cursed with a resulting addiction to one of these issues. Nevertheless, some people seem to be born with a predilection to addiction or addictive disorder who are simply wired that way, wired for addiction from the first drug, drink, puff, porn image, or taste of gambling.
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 now with our coming COVID-19 summer, summertime is actually a time of increased stress if people are social distancing and wearing masks out and about and attempting to enjoy life. 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, and we are in recovery from addiction there are places we shouldn’t be hanging around unless we have a very good reason.
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 back at past pictures and speak to friends as I cant actually remember things after my regular blackouts in the evenings. I look at me …I was bedraggled, haggard, unbalanced, drooling and talking absolute nonsense. I wasn’t intimidating, I was just irritating.
A sense of victory is building up for those who have had to go without a drink for several weeks due to the national lockdown and banning of alcohol sales across the country. But just what does the reopening of bottle stores and the reselling of alcohol mean to those who are addicted to alcohol, especially in the month of June, which ironically enough is Drug Awareness Month?
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<<
“The following services [may be open during this time]…
…Services rendered by mental and relation institutions-thats us rehab open during lockdown!
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.
A typical reaction when hearing the word ‘addiction’ often involves the thought that the addict is using alcohol or drugs. What is often a surprise to people is that behaviours can also be addictive. Even professionals in the mental health field sometimes struggle with the concept that behaviours are potentially addictive.
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.<<
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.
Addiction professionals have gained a better understanding of how addiction develops and affects patient’s lives over time. For many addicts, the first step towards recovering from this life-threatening condition is simply going into rehab. But is one stint in a primary facility enough? Because there are several tiers of treatment that addicts can undergo, each giving the addict a greater chance of successfully avoiding relapse.
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.<<
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.
Strategies To Say No To Alcohol And Drugs This Festive Season
Saying No to alcohol and drugs is always tough, the road to recovery is tough at any stage however it becomes an even bigger challenge as the festive season takes over.
It is at these times that a strong support network of friends who understand the struggles of addiction recovery is so important to have nearby.
Good friends are not only important as a way for a former drug user to voice his or her frustrations about life in recovery, but they play an integral part during that person’s journey in recreating a new life for him or herself.
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.
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?<<
Accepting that you may need help with substance abuse or alcoholism may at first be difficult. It is, however, a step that must be taken sooner rather than later if you intend on living. Yes. If you intend on living. Addiction has the innate ability to destroy your health, meltdown your professional life and cut down your personal life. Countless times lives have been taken away, families separated and even more tragically, kids have been irreparably affected because an addiction has not been tamed and removed. Before these addictions claim your life you should take measures to remove them and in order to do that you need to opt for treatment.
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<<
GHB is the acronym for Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a potent central nervous system depressant. It’s considered a club drug and is sought out for its alcohol-like effects, but it often causes people to lose consciousness. GHB is highly addictive and causes severe withdrawal symptoms. It commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials. It also comes as a bright blue liquid (sometimes called “blue nitro”) and less commonly as a crystal powder.
If you look up the definition of ‘Stigma’ in the dictionary you will see it as being defined as “a mark of shame or discredit.” It’s been prevalent in human culture since the very beginnings of society, and it’s use and branding of people can be easily traced back to Ancient Greece, where a stigma was an unfortunate brand or mark used on slaves or other individuals whom ‘authorities’ deemed as inferior or morally corrupt to all others in society.
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.
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.<<
Taking a prescription medication that isn’t yours or taking your own prescription medication in a way that differs from your doctor’s instructions is considered Prescription drug abuse. It’s a common misunderstanding that if you abuse your own prescription medications is a safer bet than taking illegal street drugs.
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.
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<<