How To Choose The Right Rehabilitation Centre In South Africa For Your Needs

How To Choose The Right Rehabilitation Centre In South Africa For Your Needs

Once the decision has been made to enter a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, because of various failed attempts to cease drug or alcohol abuse, it is evident that professional help is necessary.

Looking at the multiple private rehabilitation centres in South Africa, it is important to identify certain factors before a decision is made on which rehabilitation centre is right for your needs.

The following guidelines are important to take note of:

• Is the facility licenced?
• What program does the facility offer?
• What does a typical day in the rehabilitation centre look like?
• Does the rehabilitation centre offer after care?

Is the Rehabilitation Centre Licenced?

The most important requirement would be if the rehabilitation facility is licensed, the reason being that a licenced facility undergoes regular inspections and needs to comply to a specific level of standards and compliance. This ensures that you have a treatment team which is not only professional but have the necessary experience and qualifications to support your recovery journey.

What Program does the facility offer?

• Treatment programs vary and rehabilitation Centres use different modalities. It is best to choose a program that is easily accessible and simple to follow. An example of a widely recognized treatment program is the 12 Step Groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, which are known and utilized globally.  It is a comprehensive approach to substance abuse and has a holistic view of addiction and recovery. This treatment program is based on a thorough understanding of addiction and recovery. It is popular for rehabilitation centres to be a “12 step based” treatment facility.

An effective treatment program would be a program that includes and makes use of evidence – based therapeutic approaches and research – supported interventions. The program should also he able to be adapted to your individual needs.

It is also suggested that you can explore the duration of treatment offered which generally ranges from 30,60 and 90 days. Can the Rehabilitation centre accommodate your length stay in treatment which depends on the individual and what will bring the highest chance of long-term recovery. The benefits of longer treatment is an increased chance of facilitating lasting change and the likelihood of long term recovery.

What does a typical day in a rehabilitation centre look like?

It is important that the rehabilitation centre is transparent around what the therapeutic day entails and the goals. A well thought of therapeutic treatment day will include:

Group therapy encouraging participation in a secure therapeutic space. Group therapy is effective as it fosters connection, promotes understanding and cultivates empathy (promotes emotional intelligence) which is important in the recovery process. Group therapy further aids in the acquiring of new skills to enable the navigation of challenges which comes with recovery.

Individual therapy engages the clients on a one on one basis, using therapeutic methods to motivate change in a trusting and encouraging setting. This includes treatment planning following an assessment of the individual’s readiness to change and engage in the treatment process. Progress is assessed during individual therapy sessions, challenges are identified, and action plans are developed to address any obstacles.  

Further to the above a well thought of treatment day would include:

• Balanced meals and mealtime, to promote healthy eating changes and habits.
• Specific time for exercise, to encourage health changes and well-being.
• Therapeutic duties, to encourage taking responsibility and accountability increasing self-esteem.
• Specific waking and bedtime, to establish healthy sleeping patterns and routine.
• Structured free time, promote time management.
• Mindful relaxation techniques such as yoga to promote mental and emotional wellness.

A structured day and active participation in all scheduled activities are essential for engaging individuals and ensuring that rehabilitation remains the focus throughout the day.

Family therapy sessions are also a significant component of the treatment plan. Involving family members in the recovery process can repair relationships, build a supportive home environment, and educate loved ones about addiction and recovery.

Does the centre offer after care?

The goal of rehabilitation is to provide individuals with treatment and support in a therapeutic setting, preparing them to lead a normal life free from the use of drugs and alcohol. This process also focuses on achieving balance within recovery and adapting to life’s challenges. Aftercare services offer individuals the opportunity to implement their recovery plans and address any issues or difficulties encountered during abstinence and recovery.

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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