For many of us, the only reference we have on how the process of rehabilitation works, comes from television. It is a process that has a reputation for being difficult and deeply challenging. Some may fear entering the process because of a prevailing perception that it requires significant change, which is a daunting prospect for anyone. That’s why we deem it so important to demystify the process, so that those who are struggling with addiction can reach a place of hope and realise that treatment is simply the beginning of a journey that takes place one day at a time. Change comes gradually, and although the process is not easy, getting clean is the beginning of a new, more fulfilling life. In this article, we break down the process of rehab in South Africa into four main components.
Detox
The first step in the process of rehab in South Africa, is to detox. The process of detoxing will vary from person-to-person because different substances have different effects on the body and mind. Each person’s detox process will be guided by a medical practitioner, who will be able to administer any form of treatment that may be required. Those who are entering rehab for a process addiction like porn addiction, may not need to go through the detox process but may enter the next phase of treatment immediately. Every patient’s needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Group Therapy
Learning to talk about feelings in an open and honest forum is an important step in the process of rehab in South Africa. Group therapy has proven to be an indispensable tool for personal development. Facilitators or counsellors will guide each group by suggesting a topic or by stimulating discussion and sharing. Some patients engage immediately with the process of group therapy, while for some, trusting others may take time. The most important thing to remember is that group therapy meets individuals where they are, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace.
One-on-One Therapy
Each patient will be paired with a counsellor upon entering the treatment process. Individual counselling sessions tend to go deeper than group therapy sessions in that counsellors may wish to help the individual to unearth some of the deep-seated issues that may be unresolved. Over time, each individual, forms a valuable connection and bond with their counsellor. Apart from being qualified, specialised addiction counsellors – all our counsellors are in recovery from addiction themselves and thus have personal knowledge of where addiction is capable of taking a person. This facilitates the process of trust between client and counsellor.
12-Step Fellowships
What happens after rehab is just as important as what happens during treatment. For this reason, at Crossroads Recovery Centres, we introduce recovering addicts to 12-step fellowships like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous in the hopes that after treatment, clients will decide to immerse themselves fully in the recovery journey. These fellowships provide an indispensable support network that helps to guide the individual towards finding a new way to live without the use of addictive substances and behaviour.
These four stages are some of the bastions of the rehab process, but the list is in no way exhaustive. There are other components that may form part of treatment, including life skills workshops, yoga, meditation, craft classes and similar forms of therapy.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with substance abuse or alcoholism – 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 possible 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 only 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
