Entering a rehabilitation centre is a daunting prospect for any person. People are usually unsure what to expect and this uncertainty may cause a lot of anxiety and stress. This blog aims to alleviate some of that stress.
Potential clients are often concerned about what types of people they may encounter in a rehabilitation centre. Addiction and alcoholism do not discriminate, and as such the variety of people you may see in a rehabilitation centre are different and varied. Senior citizens are admitted alongside high school students. Some people may take longer to realise they have a problem, or may take longer to reach a point where they are ready to accept help. One thing to note, Crossroads
Recovery Centre, like many rehabilitation centres, can only admit clients over the age of 18. If you are seeking help for a minor, our team can help refer you to an appropriate rehabilitation centre. Many rehabilitation centres are co-ed, though men usually make up more of the population. Research suggests that men are more likely to develop substance use disorder and that this is the reason for the lopsided population, although there are many socio-economic factors to consider as well as to why more men seek treatment than women. Men and women receive treatment in the same groups and in much the same manner, but most rehabilitation centres do offer therapeutic groups and interventions that are gender-specific, though this does not make up the majority of therapeutic activities.
As mental health care has become more accessible to a wider variety of people within the South African context, the cultural diversity with rehabilitation centres has shifted to represent a spectrum of cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. Addiction does not discriminate, and as such neither do the rehabilitation. In a rehabilitation centre, people from wildly different backgrounds can be seen working alongside each other solving their common problem, the unification under a common cause is truly beautiful to see.
Lastly, we want to address what bring people to treatment centres, we have established that there is a wide range of people in rehabilitation centres, and their reasons for admittance are just as varied. At Crossroads Recovery Centre, we treat alcoholism, drug addiction, food addiction, gambling addiction, sex, and porn addiction. In terms of drugs, many rehabilitation centres will see a spectrum of clients with addictions as diverse as there are drugs. Though there are trends as to which drugs are more widely abused at any given time, there is never just “one type of addict”. Many people have the fear that when they arrive at a rehabilitation centre that they will be alone, that they will be the only person there who is like them. That no one else will understand or be able to empathise with them. This is both correct, and incorrect. No two people in any rehabilitation centre are completely alike, and no two people have zero in common. Though the details may differ there is common ground to be found between all people seeking freedom from addiction. Don’t let the differences intimidate you. Embrace them as an avenue to learn more about yourself and the world around you.
If you or a loved one need rehabilitation from addiction – 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, 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.
