Drug Rehab in Johannesburg

Yes, medical aid schemes often cover the costs associated with rehab in Johannesburg. These schemes recognise that addressing drug and alcohol addiction is crucial for maintaining their clients’ long-term health and reducing overall healthcare costs. By covering addiction treatment, medical aid schemes can mitigate the risks and expenses related to the various health issues that stem from substance abuse.

In recent years, there’s been a growing understanding among medical professionals that addiction is a medical condition requiring comprehensive treatment. Consequently, many medical aid plans now include provisions for rehab, ensuring that individuals struggling with addiction can access the care they need without facing prohibitive costs. This inclusion is based on the recognition that untreated addiction can lead to significant health complications, which are often more costly in the long run than preventive measures such as rehab.

For example, drug addiction can result in serious physical health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and infectious diseases. Alcohol addiction similarly contributes to numerous chronic conditions. Covering rehab helps prevent these severe outcomes, aligning the interests of both medical aid schemes and their clients. Furthermore, Johannesburg rehab centres work closely with various medical aid providers to ensure that their treatment programs are compatible with the benefits covered by these schemes, making the transition into rehab smoother and more accessible for those in need.

Drug rehab in Johannesburg can profoundly impact your life, offering you a chance to reclaim control and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. If you’re grappling with drug addiction, the decision to seek help is a critical first step towards recovery. Johannesburg rehab centres provide a structured environment where you can address the root causes of your addiction and develop strategies to overcome it.

Initially, you will undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine your specific needs and the severity of your addiction. This assessment guides the creation of a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. One of the core components of drug rehab in Johannesburg is counselling, which offers a safe, supportive space for you to explore the underlying factors contributing to your addiction. During these sessions, you’ll learn coping mechanisms to manage cravings and stressors without resorting to substance use.

In addition to counselling, medical assistance is available during the detoxification process to ensure your safety and comfort. Withdrawal from addictive substances can be challenging and, in some cases, dangerous, but with professional medical support, you can navigate this phase with reduced risk and discomfort.

Johannesburg rehab centres also focus on restoring social skills and helping you rebuild your relationships. Addiction often isolates individuals from their loved ones, but rehab encourages you to reconnect and establish healthier, more supportive relationships. Group therapy sessions and social activities within the rehab centre provide opportunities to practice these skills in a safe environment.

Moreover, rehab in Johannesburg offers educational programs that equip you with knowledge about addiction and recovery. Understanding the science behind addiction and the impact it has on your brain and behaviour can empower you to make informed decisions about your recovery journey. Ultimately, drug rehab in Johannesburg provides a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and helping you build a foundation for lasting recovery.

In Johannesburg rehab facilities, dual diagnosis refers to the simultaneous treatment of substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Many individuals struggling with addiction also experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. These conditions can exacerbate one another, making recovery more complex and requiring an integrated treatment approach.

Dual diagnosis treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to identify both the addiction and any co-existing mental health conditions. This evaluation is crucial because the symptoms of addiction can often mask or overlap with those of mental health disorders, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. Once both conditions are identified, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed to address them concurrently.

The detoxification phase is the first step in dual diagnosis treatment. It involves safely removing the addictive substances from your body while managing any withdrawal symptoms. This process is closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure your safety and comfort. After detox, the focus shifts to addressing the mental health aspects of your condition through counselling and therapy.

Behavioural therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), are commonly used in Johannesburg rehab centres to treat dual diagnosis patients. These therapies help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop healthier coping strategies. For instance, if you have depression and a drug addiction, therapy can teach you how to manage depressive symptoms without turning to substances.

In addition to therapy, medication management may be necessary for some individuals. Certain mental health conditions require medication to stabilise mood, reduce anxiety, or manage other symptoms. In a dual diagnosis setting, the treatment team coordinates closely to ensure that any prescribed medications do not interfere with the recovery process and are effectively integrated into the overall treatment plan.

Ultimately, dual diagnosis treatment aims to provide a holistic approach that addresses both the addiction and the mental health disorder, offering you the best chance for a successful recovery. Johannesburg rehab centres are equipped to handle these complex cases, providing specialised care and support to help you navigate the challenges of dual diagnosis and achieve long-term sobriety and mental wellness.

Addiction manifests in various ways, affecting your physical, emotional, and social well-being. Common signs of addiction include an inability to control substance use, persistent cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. You might also experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the substance, such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, or physical discomfort.

Emotionally, addiction can lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. These conditions often arise because substances alter brain chemistry, affecting the areas responsible for regulating mood and emotions. You might find that you rely on the substance to feel “normal” or to escape negative feelings, creating a cycle of dependence.

Socially, addiction can strain your relationships and disrupt your daily life. You may neglect responsibilities at work or school, withdraw from friends and family, or engage in risky behaviours to obtain or use the substance. These behaviours can lead to isolation and further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.

Johannesburg rehab centres provide a comprehensive approach to treating addiction, addressing its multifaceted impact on your life. The first step in rehab is often detoxification, where you are medically supervised to safely withdraw from the substance. This process can be challenging, but professional support ensures that you manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

Following detox, rehab centres in Johannesburg offer individual and group counselling to help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Individual counselling provides a private space to explore personal issues related to your addiction, such as trauma, stress, or relationship problems. Group therapy, on the other hand, offers peer support and allows you to share experiences and strategies with others facing similar challenges.

In addition to counselling, Johannesburg rehab centres provide educational programs that teach you about addiction, its effects on the brain, and strategies for maintaining sobriety. These programs aim to empower you with knowledge and tools to prevent relapse and build a sustainable recovery plan.

Rehabilitation also includes developing life skills and rebuilding your social network. Addiction often disrupts your ability to function effectively in daily life, so rehab centres offer training in skills such as communication, time management, and stress reduction. These skills help you reintegrate into your community and build supportive relationships that foster long-term recovery.

Ultimately, Johannesburg rehab centres offer a holistic approach to addiction treatment, addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of your condition. By providing comprehensive care and support, these centres help you overcome addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Today, many people are not being served optimally by the current standard models for addiction treatment, which includes the Minnesota model, 12-steps and AA. These include many people who respond poorly to AA and/or 12-steps and others who are simply not prepared – or able –to achieve abstinence, either immediately or in the long run. The alternative is “harm reduction” or “life improvement” in the absence of total abstinence.

“In recovery” used to mean someone who is abstinent after a struggle with substance abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s revised their definition in 2011 and now reads as follows: “Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential.”

They have also outlined four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

• Health: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in physically and emotionally healthy way
• Home: a stable and safe place to live
• Purpose: meaningful daily activities, including work, school, volunteerism, family, friends, independence, income and resources
• Community: relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RECOVERY

• Recovery emerges from hope: The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of a better future – that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers and obstacles that confront them.
• Recovery is person-driven: Self-determination and self-direction are the foundations for recovery as individuals define their own life goals and design their unique paths.
• Recovery occurs via many pathways: Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, cultures and backgrounds, which include trauma experiences that affect and determine their pathways to recovery. Abstinence is the safest approach for those with substance use disorders.
• Recovery is holistic: Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit and community. The array of services and supports available should be integrated and coordinated.
• Recovery is supported by peers and allies: Mutual support and mutual aid groups that include the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, as well as social learning, play an invaluable role in recovery.
• Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks: An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who believe in the person’s ability to recover, who offer hope, support and encouragement and who also suggest strategies and resources for change.
• Recovery is culturally-based and influenced: Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations (including values, traditions and beliefs) are key aspects in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery.
• Recovery is supported by addressing trauma: Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment and collaboration.
• Recovery involves individual, family, community strengths and responsibility: Individuals, families and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a foundation for recovery.
• Recovery is based on respect: Community, systems, societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance abuse problems – including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination – are crucial in achieving recovery.

PARADIGM CHANGE

Addiction is often referenced to as chronic and progressive, while this may be the case for some – it is not true for all.

Advances in neuroscience have great implications for the delivery of addiction treatments that allow for brain “opportunities” instead of brain “illness”.

The brain is very powerful due to the fact that it is so sensitive to experiences, this is also why experiential learning is such a successful tool to use. Where we place our attention defines us at a neurological level and we have far more power to alter our brains, our behaviours and our personalities than previously thought possible. Many methods are available to train our brains, some techniques include, focused concentration, mindfulness, repetition, mental rehearsal, positive experiences as well as new and novel experiences. These methods can help us to change our thoughts, emotions and our behaviours.

Drugs and alcohol have an impact on the brain and the body, but so do lots of other factors such as stress, strong emotions, loneliness or trauma. Therefore the “disease” argument could be applied to any number of environmental variables that result in brain changes that are not welcome or positive. For example, loneliness can result in chemical and even structural brain changes that predispose to anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Addiction can be described as any repeated behaviour, substance-related or not, in which a person feels compelled to persist, regardless of its negative impact on his or her life and the lives of others. A big mind shift is needed to think of people who abuse substance or experience addiction, or people who suffer from depression or schizophrenia. They are people first, not “addicts” or “schizophrenics”. This is our approach and philosophy to treatment, we see clients as humans first, people that requires help and support and must be treated with dignity and respect.

In Johannesburg, you have several options for drug rehab, ranging from inpatient to outpatient treatment programs. The choice between these options depends on the severity of your addiction, your personal circumstances, and your preferences.

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, provides a structured environment where you live at the rehab facility for the duration of your treatment. This setting allows you to focus entirely on your recovery without the distractions and temptations of your regular environment. Inpatient rehab is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe addictions or those who have relapsed multiple times. The 24/7 support and supervision in these facilities ensure that you receive comprehensive care, including medical assistance during detox and continuous counselling.

Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, allows you to live at home while attending treatment sessions at the rehab centre. This option is suitable for individuals with milder addictions or those who have responsibilities that prevent them from committing to a residential program. Outpatient rehab offers flexibility, enabling you to maintain your daily routines while receiving support for your recovery. You will participate in regular therapy sessions, group meetings, and educational programs designed to help you manage your addiction and prevent relapse.

Many Johannesburg rehab centres offer both inpatient and outpatient options, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs. When selecting a rehab centre, consider factors such as the types of therapy offered, the qualifications of the staff, the facility’s approach to treatment, and the overall environment. It’s also important to find a centre that provides ongoing support after treatment, such as aftercare programs or support groups, to help you maintain your sobriety.

Additionally, Johannesburg rehab centres often provide specialised programs for different types of addiction, such as alcohol, opioids, or prescription drugs. These programs are tailored to address the unique challenges associated with each substance, offering targeted interventions and support.

For those dealing with dual diagnosis, where addiction is accompanied by a mental health disorder, some rehab centres in Johannesburg offer integrated treatment plans that address both conditions simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures that you receive the necessary care for both your addiction and any underlying mental health issues, providing a more effective path to recovery.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a problem. According to research, there is a fine line between habit and addiction, based on factors such as time spent engaging in the behaviour, chemical reactions in the brain and whether or not you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop.

Broadly there are two types of addicts:

• The “topper-upper” who needs a fix regularly.
• The “regular binge user” who gets blasted every so often.

Every habit, from exercising to binge drinking to eating a specific type of food, begins with something known as the “habit loop.” This starts with a certain trigger which leads to an action, when the action is repeated it becomes a habit.  This habit can create a reward sensation in the brain.

Addiction, however, occurs when you are no longer able to function without the pleasurable activity or substance. According to the Partnership For Drug-Freekids, about 23.5 million people in the US, are said to have experienced some form of addiction. In South Africa, 1 in every 15 people are said to have a drug problem. According to an article published in Parent 24, South Africa’s drug consumption among youth is twice the world norm.

If you feel that your favourite habit has become an addiction, there is hope. Research indicates that it generally takes around 21 days to break a habit, although this can vary depending on the complexity and severity of the addiction. For habits that have deeply ingrained neuropeptide connections in the brain, particularly those related to gambling addiction, the process of breaking free can be more challenging and may take longer.

In the case of stronger addictions, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying causes that drive the behaviour. This is where professional Gambling Addiction Rehab plays a pivotal role. At Ixande, our comprehensive rehab programs are designed to help you understand these root causes, whether they stem from stress, trauma, or other psychological factors.

Our treatment process aims to rewire the brain’s responses and reduce the compulsive urges associated with gambling addiction. This involves a combination of individual therapy, group support, and cognitive-behavioural techniques that target both the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction. By participating in a structured rehab program, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms, gain control over your impulses, and rebuild your life free from the constraints of gambling addiction.

Gambling addiction rehab not only focuses on stopping the addictive behaviour but also equips you with the tools and strategies needed for long-term recovery. Through personalised care and evidence-based therapies, Ixande’s rehab programs support you in breaking the cycle of addiction, ultimately leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.

The Butler Center for Research at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation reports that roughly 89 percent of patients who complete alcohol rehab are still sober one month after discharge.

An estimated 76 percent of alcohol rehab patients who successfully complete treatment report still being sober at three months, roughly 69 percent are still sober at six months, and a little more than 70 percent are still sober at nine months.

Between 85 percent and 95 percent of all people who successfully complete drug rehab report still being abstinent from all drugs nine months after discharge.

Roughly 80 percent of patients report benefiting from improved quality of life and health after completing drug and alcohol rehab.

Florida has the highest success rates of drug rehab compared to all other states. A little more than 70 percent of people who receive addiction treatment in Florida successfully complete their treatment programmes.

An estimated 43 percent of all people who go to drug rehab successfully complete their treatment programs, while another 16 percent are transferred to other rehab centres for additional treatment.

Rehab success rates for those who complete drug and alcohol detoxification are a combined 68 percent.

An estimated 41 percent of people who receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid detox successfully complete treatment and achieve abstinence.

Of those who successfully complete MAT for opioid dependence, around 13 percent receive outpatient treatment.

The highest percentage of drug rehabilitation success rates for outpatient treatment involve admissions for alcohol and marijuana addiction. More than 45 percent of adults age 18 and older who successfully complete outpatient drug rehab are admitted for alcohol abuse, while more than 36 percent of adults are admitted for marijuana abuse.

A little more than 40 percent of people who successfully finish outpatient drug rehab had initially decided on their own to seek treatment and become sober.

People who successfully complete outpatient MAT for opioid dependence stay at a drug rehab for an average of 113 days.

People who successfully complete outpatient treatment for any substance use disorder stay at a drug rehab for an average of 81 days.

Those who successfully finish intensive outpatient programs for any substance use disorder stay at a drug rehab for an average of 53 days.

Alcohol makes up the highest percentage of admissions to drug rehab centers at 33 percent, followed by opioids at 34 percent, marijuana at 13 percent, stimulants at 11 percent, and cocaine at 5 percent.

Between 40 percent and 60 percent of patients who suffer from drug use disorders end up relapsing when treatment is discontinued. However, these relapse rates are significantly lower than those for other chronic diseases such as hypertension and asthma.