Addiction Treatment & Rehab: Understand & Find Recovery Help.

Learn about alcohol and drug addiction. Find comprehensive treatment and rehab centres. Addiction recovery clinics in Johannesburg.

Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disease that fundamentally alters people’s neurochemistry and behaviour.

It’s characterised by a compulsive and often uncontrollable craving for and seeking out drugs and alcohol, despite the clear understanding of harmful consequences. This isn’t a matter of willpower or moral failing, but a profound change in brain function driven by the substances’ impact on the brain’s reward pathways. The primary neurotransmitter affected is dopamine.

While the initial choice to use drugs might be voluntary, repeated exposure hijacks the brain, leading to a state where the individual’s ability to make rational choices about their drug or alcohol use is severely compromised.

We understand the multifaceted nature of addiction and its comorbid mental health issues are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and pathways to lasting recovery. Contact us now.

Understanding Addiction

What is Addiction?

One hallmark of addiction is “loss of control”, the persistent, compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. This compulsion is driven by the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine in response to pleasurable stimuli. Once addicted, this system becomes hypersensitized to drugs or alcohol, creating intense cravings. At the same time, there’s a diminished capacity to experience pleasure from other healthy activities. This leads to a cycle of seeking and using, often at the expense of one’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.

The progression of addiction typically moves from initial experimentation to a point where control over substance use is lost, making effective treatment increasingly complex. Defining drug addiction as an overwhelming and unmanageable craving for drugs that persists despite harmful impacts underscores its serious nature. For individuals with severe dependencies, complete abstinence is often the most viable path to sustained recovery.

Individuals with addiction cannot control their intense craving for their substance of choice, despite experiencing negative outcomes such as declining health and social or even legal issues. As the addiction deepens, it becomes increasingly challenging to treat, and the individual’s physical and mental health deteriorate further. Leading addiction researchers and scientists worldwide now affirm that addiction is a brain disease that causes tangible changes in both brain structure and brain function. Consistent drug use over time leads to these changes, which, regrettably, can persist even after an individual stops using drugs. This underscores the critical need for comprehensive long-term recovery resources, effective solutions, and ongoing support services to facilitate genuine wellness. Individuals struggling with addiction often lack the self-awareness to fully comprehend the severity of their dependence without external intervention that helps them to stop using, gain crucial awareness, and begin to recognise their need for professional help.

It’s also common for individuals with addiction to experience co-occurring mental health disorders. It’s often only after the initial detoxification phase that psychiatrists and the full multidisciplinary clinical team can accurately assess for any underlying behavioural addictions, co-occurring conditions (comorbidity), and begin to develop a comprehensive aftercare and support plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

The Science of Addiction

Modern neuroscience has shown the intricate biological mechanisms underlying addiction. Chronic exposure to addictive substances or behaviours leads to significant structural and functional changes in the brain. This includes alterations in the reward circuitry, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and impulse control), and the stress response system. These changes contribute to the intense cravings, impaired judgment, and negative emotional states associated with addiction. Understanding this neurobiological basis is crucial for destigmatising addiction and recognising it as a treatable medical condition.

Risk Factors for Addiction

While anyone can develop an addiction, certain factors can increase an individual’s vulnerability. These risk factors are often a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and individual experiences.  

• Starting to use alcohol or drugs when young
• Getting into trouble early and often
• Tending to go against rules
• Thinking it’s okay to use alcohol or drugs and not seeing the dangers
• Genetics account for 40-60 percent of addiction risk
• Dysfunctional family traits (unclear rules and boundaries, being unsupervised, or being too harsh or unpredictable with punishment)
• Fighting, abuse, or neglect in the family
• Parents who think it’s okay for kids to use alcohol or drugs
• Other family members who have had problems with alcohol or drugs
• Doing badly in school or not caring about it
• Easy access to alcohol or drugs
• Alcohol and drug use are seen as normal in their community
• Low socioeconomic standing

Protective factors against addiction:

• Being able to bounce back from tough times
• Having strong connections with their family, school, and community
• Having a sense of spirituality
• Feeling good about themselves and being able to solve problems
• Having parents who are involved in their life
• Having chances to be part of positive social groups
• Getting praise for good behaviour and accomplishments
• Clear rules and expectations from family, school, and the community about not using alcohol and drugs

Genetic predispositions can influence how the brain responds to substances. Environmental factors, such as exposure to substance use within the family or peer group, early life stress or adverse childhood experiences (take the ACE test), and socioeconomic factors, can also play a significant role. Individual factors like personality traits, mental health conditions (such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD), and a history of trauma can further elevate the risk.

Types of Addiction

Addiction manifests in various forms, encompassing both substance use disorders and behavioural addictions.

Substance Use Disorders

A cluster of mental, behavioural, and physical symptoms reflecting a person’s continued drug usage despite significant substance-related problems. This problematic drug use leads to clinically significant impairment or distress involving:

• Compulsive Use: A central feature is the persistent pattern of substance use combined with a loss of control over that drug use. People with SUDs often use drugs in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended, and they may have a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control their drug use.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: People continue to use drugs despite experiencing negative consequences in various areas of their life, such as their physical and mental health, relationships, work, school, and legal standing.
• Impaired Control: This involves difficulties in limiting or stopping substance use despite wanting to do so. There may be intense cravings or urges to use drugs that dominate their thoughts and behaviours.
• Tolerance and Withdrawal: Over time, people may develop tolerance, needing more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. If substance use is reduced or stopped, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous depending on the substance.
• Impact on Daily Life: Drug use often leads to a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. People may give up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of their substance use.
• Risky Use: People may continue to use substances in situations where it is physically dangerous, such as driving under the influence, or despite knowing they have a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or worsened by the substance.

Alcohol Addiction

The compulsive consumption of alcohol characterises alcohol use disorder despite negative consequences affecting health, relationships, and work. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to severe physical and neurological damage, as well as significant social and psychological problems.

Opioid Addiction

Opioids, including prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin, are highly addictive. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing intense pleasure and pain relief. Repeated use leads to tolerance and dependence, making withdrawal extremely uncomfortable and driving compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.

Stimulant Addiction

Stimulants, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants like Adderall, increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also significantly elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to intense euphoria and a high risk of addiction to stimulants. Chronic stimulant use can cause severe cardiovascular and psychological problems.

Prescription Drug Addiction

While intended for medical use, prescription drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can be highly addictive when misused or taken without a prescription. The perception of safety can sometimes mask the potential for dependence and addiction, leading to serious consequences.

Other Substance Addictions

This category includes addiction to substances like cannabis, inhalants, hallucinogens, and nicotine. Each substance has unique effects on the brain and body, but all can lead to compulsive use and negative consequences.

Behavioral Addictions

These involve compulsive engagement in non-substance-related behaviours despite significant negative consequences.

Gambling Addiction

Also known as gambling disorder, this involves a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviour leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. It can result in severe financial, relational, and emotional problems.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming disorder is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

Internet Addiction

While not yet a formal diagnostic category in all systems, problematic internet use can manifest as a compulsive need to be online, leading to difficulties in other areas of life, such as work, school, and relationships.

Eating Disorders

Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder involve a complex interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors, often characterised by an unhealthy preoccupation with food and body weight, leading to significant distress and physical health problems.

Sex and Love Addiction

These involve compulsive patterns of sexual behaviour or a dysfunctional preoccupation with romantic relationships, leading to significant distress and negative consequences in one’s personal and professional life.

Recognising the Signs of Addiction

Identifying the signs of addiction is the first step towards seeking help. These signs can manifest in various ways:

Physical Signs and Symptoms

These can include changes in appearance (e.g., weight loss or gain, neglect of hygiene), bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, tremors, slurred speech, and physical withdrawal symptoms when the substance or behaviour is stopped.

Behavioral Changes

Noticeable shifts in behaviour can include secrecy, lying, social withdrawal, neglecting responsibilities (at work, school, or home), engaging in risky behaviours to obtain the substance or engage in the behaviour, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Psychological Indicators

These may include increased anxiety or depression, irritability, mood swings, paranoia, difficulty concentrating, denial of a problem, and a persistent preoccupation with the substance or behaviour.

Social and Occupational Impacts

Addiction often leads to problems in relationships, including conflicts with family and friends. It can also result in decreased performance at work or school, job loss, financial difficulties, and legal issues.

Treatment Options for Addiction

Effective addiction treatment is multifaceted and tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the nature of their addiction. At We Do Recover, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment modalities:

Medical Detoxification

For substance use disorders, detoxification is often the first crucial step. This involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the body clears the substance. Medical supervision is essential during detox to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort.

What to Expect During Detox

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance but can include nausea, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, seizures, and delirium. A medically supervised detox provides support and medication to alleviate these symptoms and prevent complications.

Medications Used in Detox

Depending on the substance of abuse, various medications may be used during detox to manage withdrawal symptoms. For example, benzodiazepines may be used for alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, while medications like buprenorphine or methadone can help manage opioid withdrawal.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

Attempting to detox without medical supervision can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Medical professionals can monitor vital signs, administer necessary medications, and address any medical complications that may arise.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient or residential treatment programs provide intensive, structured care in a supportive environment. Individuals live at the treatment facility for some time, allowing them to focus solely on their recovery without the distractions and triggers of their everyday lives.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to continue living at home and attending treatment sessions regularly. This option is often suitable for those with less severe addictions or those who have completed inpatient treatment and are transitioning back to their daily routines.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy with a qualified therapist is a cornerstone of addiction treatment. Various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing, help individuals identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and address underlying psychological issues contributing to their addiction.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others in recovery, and develop a sense of belonging. It can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable peer support.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For some substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol addiction, medications can be a valuable tool in the treatment process. MAT can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of the abused substance.

Holistic Therapies

Many treatment programs incorporate holistic therapies that address the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. These may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and acupuncture, which can complement traditional therapies and promote overall well-being.

The Recovery Process

Recovery from addiction is a journey, not a destination. It involves several stages and requires ongoing commitment and support.

Early Recovery

This initial phase focuses on stabilisation, detoxification, and beginning to understand the nature of addiction. Individuals may experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms during this time, making strong support crucial.

Middle Recovery

In this stage, individuals delve deeper into the underlying issues that contributed to their addiction, develop coping skills, and begin to rebuild their lives. Therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes are essential during this phase.

Long-Term Recovery

Long-term recovery involves maintaining sobriety, preventing relapse, and building a fulfilling life free from addiction. This requires ongoing self-care, participation in support systems, and a commitment to healthy habits.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse is a potential part of the recovery process. Developing a relapse prevention plan, identifying triggers, and learning coping strategies are crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety. Ongoing support and vigilance are key.

Finding Help for Addiction

Taking the first step towards seeking help can be daunting, but it’s the most important decision you can make. At We Do Recover, we are here to guide you through the process:

Contacting Us Directly

Our compassionate and experienced team is available to answer your questions, discuss your situation, and help you understand your treatment options. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website contact form.

Resources and Hotlines

Numerous resources and national helplines are available to provide immediate support and information about addiction and treatment. We can provide you with relevant local and national resources.

Intervention Services

If you are concerned about a loved one struggling with addiction, we can help you plan and stage a professional intervention to encourage them to seek treatment.

Choosing the Right Treatment Centre

Selecting the right treatment centre is a critical decision. We can help you evaluate different programs based on your individual needs, the type of addiction, the level of care required, and financial considerations.

Support for Families and Loved Ones

Addiction affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their families and loved ones. Support and understanding are crucial for everyone involved.

Understanding Enabling Behaviours

Enabling involves actions that unintentionally protect the individual with addiction from the consequences of their behaviour, thus perpetuating the cycle of addiction. Recognising and changing enabling behaviours is an important step for families.

How to Support Someone with Addiction

Providing support involves expressing concern, setting healthy boundaries, encouraging treatment, and focusing on your own well-being. It’s important to remember that forcing someone into treatment may be necessary. Pre-admission levels of motivation have little to do with treatment outcomes.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can help address the communication patterns and dynamics within the family that may contribute to or be affected by addiction. It provides a space for healing and rebuilding relationships.

Support Groups for Families

Support groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon offer a safe and understanding environment for families and friends of individuals with addiction to share their experiences and learn coping strategies.

Paying for Addiction Treatment

Understanding the financial aspects of addiction treatment is a common concern. We can help you explore various payment options:

Medical Aid Coverage

Many medical aid plans offer coverage for addiction treatment. We can help you understand your policy and navigate the process of utilising your benefits.

Financing Options

Various financing options may be available to help cover the costs of treatment. We can provide information on potential loan programs or payment plans.

We Do Recover: Your Path to Recovery

At We Do Recover, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to achieve lasting recovery from addiction.

Our Approach to Treatment

We believe in a holistic and individualised approach to treatment, addressing the unique needs of each person. Our programs integrate various therapeutic modalities, medical care, and ongoing support to foster healing and growth.

Our Team of Experts

Our multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals includes doctors, therapists, counsellors, and support staff who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

Our Commitment to Your Recovery

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way on your journey to recovery. From initial assessment to aftercare planning, we provide the guidance and resources you need to build a healthy and fulfilling life free from addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the first step in getting help for addiction?

The first step is often acknowledging that there is a problem and reaching out for help. Contacting a treatment centre, a healthcare professional, or a support hotline are all good starting points.

How long does addiction treatment typically last?

The duration of addiction treatment varies depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of the addiction, and the level of care. It can range from a few weeks for detoxification to several months or even longer for comprehensive rehabilitation and aftercare.

Is my treatment confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of addiction treatment. Reputable treatment centres adhere to strict privacy laws and ethical guidelines to protect your personal information and treatment records.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please remember that help is available. Contact We Do Recover today to take the first step towards a brighter future.

Unfortunately, individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol or other drugs are often unfairly labelled as having weak character, low intelligence, or simply being immoral. Harmful stigma and negative stereotypes surrounding addiction continue to be pervasive. However, contrary to these inaccurate portrayals of weakness or immorality, dependence is characterised by an uncontrollable and intense craving for substances, even when faced with severe, harmful consequences, including significant health deterioration and serious social or legal problems.

Addiction doesn’t develop instantly, it’s a gradual erosion of control. Recognising addiction as a treatable brain disorder is crucial for reshaping public perception, fostering a more compassionate understanding of those struggling with addiction as individuals in need of comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery programs, much like any other medical condition, rather than as moral failures. The timeline for this transition from “normal” use to dependence varies significantly from person to person.

Prolonged drug use fundamentally alters the brain’s baseline, shifting it towards an addicted state. This results in a persistent mental obsession and an overpowering physical compulsion to continue using drugs, regardless of the detrimental consequences. The time it takes to reach this stage is unique to each individual. Once addiction takes hold, the person develops a profound reliance on addictive habits and maladaptive behaviours – the very essence of a substance use disorder. The intensity of these cravings can be so overwhelming that individuals use drugs against their own will and despite their best intentions. Often, professional intervention becomes necessary to create an opportunity for crucial counselling support and the beginning of the healing process.

You are not alone. Addiction is a complex brain disease, and recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.

The Definition of Drug Addiction

One of the definitions of drug addiction is an uncontrollable and compulsive desire for drugs, including the search for and use of drugs despite all the negative health and social consequences. Once addicted, the vast majority of users cannot return to occasional use. Absolute abstinence seems to be the only way to recovery.

Dr Kathleen Brady, an expert on addiction, says that addiction does not develop overnight. “Generally, there’s a series of steps that individuals go through from experimentation and occasional use to the actual loss of control of use. And it really is that process that defines addiction,” she says.

Understanding Addiction shows how addiction is a treatable brain disorder and needs to be viewed in light of this. The public’s perceptions need to be re-educated not to regard addicts with little compassion as losers in society, but rather to support them in their process to recovery as people who need treatment, much like any other illness.

The “rock bottom” lie we tell ourselves

There is a fatal and deceptive notion that addicted individuals need to hit “rock bottom” before they are admitted into a facility for treatment. This means that an addicted person must have reached the end of their tether with regards to their addiction and that their consequences should be severe before they ‘qualify’ for help.

The falsehood is widespread and will continue to claim untold lives until you and I do all we can to change it.

Addiction is a brain disorder that changes the shape and workings of the brain. It is a chronic and primary illness. Treatment results are MUCH better with long-term treatment and ongoing monitoring. Leaving an individual addicted to either drugs or alcohol to continue self-destruction unchecked is both irresponsible, negligible and insane.

If we understand addiction as a brain disease, naturally, many patients present as unwilling to enter rehab centres or even think that they have a problem. Denial is commonplace and a hurdle that is overcome in treatment. Family, significant others, colleagues and friends must understand that the sooner help is sought, the better.

Addiction Recovery Resources

Getting help for addiction is an entirely different experience for every person. Below are the different types of rehabilitation for substance abuse. We Do Recover can aid you or your loved one with any of the following problems and can suggest the right rehabilitation treatment and centre for the particular addiction at hand.

If you are ready to begin your process to recovery, contact us via email or call us.

Sobering Up

Whether you visited the We Do Recover website for a personal problem or on behalf of a loved one, the first step on the road to recovery is seeking the right help. Acceptance of the process will follow suit in due course.

Staging an Intervention

One can’t always see the damage that one is causing oneself and one’s surrounding loved ones. Sometimes intervention by someone objective is necessary. We Do Recover is here to help you stage a successful intervention for your loved one and to help them regain a grip on their freedom and happiness.

Alcohol & Drug Detox

Detoxifying the body is a fundamental first step in recovery and getting clean. A structured and measured process to wean the body off of the addictive substances must be followed, and the resulting withdrawal symptoms managed accordingly.

Rehabilitation Treatment

Once detoxification has taken place, psychological and physical recovery is a vital second step on the road to recovery. This is why a residential stay in one of our clean, comfortable, and quiet We Do Recover addiction facilities is of the utmost importance.

Individual & Group Counselling

Individual and group counselling is extremely vital and beneficial to the recovery of an addict. This is where key issues, that may have sparked the addiction problem in the first place, can be worked through and where healthy coping mechanisms and life skills can inspire a new, healthier, happier way of life.

Continued Care

A solid support system that continues to uplift and shelter, after one’s rehabilitation process, is deemed necessary by both recovering addicts and treatment centres. Aftercare, via continued group therapy sessions, is a means of ensuring this.

A Sober Community

Adjusting to a new, clean life in society again can be difficult for a recovering addict. We Do Recover understands that a supportive external community can do the world of good and can make all the difference when it comes to getting sober and staying clean.

Preventing a Relapse

Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which is afforded the right support, can often prevent a relapse that might easily have occurred. Contact We Do Recover if someone you love is showing signs of addiction relapse prevention.

Effective addiction help near me focuses on the whole person, combining medication, therapy and social support to address both psychological and physical needs. Importantly, external pressure from various sources can positively influence recovery, even if the addict initially lacks personal motivation. Relapse is a common part of the recovery process, often accompanied by emotional challenges and requires ongoing support rather than judgment. Recognising that different types of addiction treatment combine together therapeutically to deal with the brain disorder is key in shifting public perception, encouraging empathy and support for addicts as they navigate their path to recovery.