Alcohol Rehab- How does the Process work ?

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Alcohol Rehab- How does the Process work ?

12 February, 2021Articles, News

Deciding to enter a rehabilitation program or facility can be a daunting exercise. Many people are unsure what to expect from the process, perhaps you’ve watched a movie that depicts the process, or maybe you have a friend or distant relative who has attained sobriety, but knowing and doing are two different things. This blog will outline the process of entering an alcohol rehab.

Prior to admission a potential client may come for a free assessment. Speaking with an addiction counsellor will determine if alcohol rehab is the right choice for you, as well as giving potential clients an opportunity to see our facilities. After making the initial call this is the first major point of contact with the treatment centre. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

At this point in time, staff may ask to obtain medical aid pre-authorisation. The details for this authorisation can always be changed should the admission date change. This is done prior to admission to ensure that obtaining funds from medical aids goes smoothly. All medical aids have prescribed minimum benefits allocated for alcohol rehab as per the Substance Abuse Act. We handle all medical aid claims through our office, the client and their family can focus on their recovery knowing that the admin is taken care of.

As with many other substances, alcohol withdrawal presents with physical side effects. For this reason, undertaking alcohol rehab under the guidance of a medical professional is imperative. A Doctor will assess and prescribe medication based on the amount and frequency of alcohol intake. All dispensing of medication is done by a registered nurse and clients are not responsible for their own medication. The detoxification process for alcohol can last a few days, but if medication is administered and the client is monitored properly, the process should not cause any more trauma beyond some discomfort. This is the crucial first step in alcohol rehab, as these symptoms can have long term health effects.

From there the real therapeutic process begins. Clients will start attending group therapy daily, there are several groups each day covering a variety of topics and processes, the aim of these groups is to equip clients with necessary skills and tools, as well as a change in attitude and behaviours that will assist in the maintenance of long-term recovery. Alcohol rehab is, at its core, a therapeutic process. What this means is that the bulk of what happens in an alcohol rehab environment is a variety of therapeutic processes. This includes one-on-one work with an addiction counsellor. Written work is used as a jumping off point for the process. The written work allows clients to fully explore their inner workings, their thoughts, their reasons, attitudes, behaviours and patterns that contribute to their use of alcohol.

One thing that surprises people about alcohol rehab is how full your days are. A treatment centre is unlike a hospital where you are expected to be laid up in bed all day. Rehab asks more of you; you are expected to suite up and show up. Being part of a therapeutic community includes caring for and managing your space, being held accountable for your actions and participation in a variety of activities. Including daily walks, occasional outings, games night, helping clean and cook on occasion, all of this in addition to the therapeutic process.

Treatment duration is something that is determined by each client and their family and is guided by the individual counsellor. At Crossroads we do a minimum stay of 28 days, this can be extended in 4 week increments up to 6 months total stay. For the duration of alcohol rehab clients will live on the property while receiving treatment. We are often asked what the accommodation looks like. There are photos on the website of what the accommodation looks like, but to give an overview, all rooms are shared. There is ample cupboard space for each client and bathrooms are shared between roommates. Meals are provided, 3 times a day, and clients may bring any snacks, cooldrinks or treats they may want. There is fridge space available for clients, but no cooking facilities.

Alcohol rehab is just the first step in attaining long term recovery. At Crossroads we integrate our clients into support groups as part of the daily process at our centres. This means that once clients leave treatment, they have a functioning long term support structure to assist them in maintaining their recovery. Crossroads counsellors are also available to assist their clients after they have left the facility.

Alcohol rehab at Crossroads is a process that makes use of a diverse team of professionals to facilitate meaningful change in an individual’s life. This is not an overnight matter and can take a lot of time and effort. This is why inpatient treatment is recommended for alcohol rehab. It may seem like hard work and a long time to dedicate to the cause, but the hyper focus of the Crossroads alcohol rehab program allows clients to really give recovery their best effort, making it the only priority for a few weeks so that you may return to a life that is full, balanced and well adjusted in accordance with the values of sobriety.

If you or a loved one are battling alcoholism and are in search of rehabilitation in Johannesburg- know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, Johannesburg, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

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Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
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  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
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  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
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  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
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