Rehab in South Africa: A Look at How the Process Works

Rehab in South Africa: A Look at How the Process Works

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 formidable reputation for being difficult and deeply challenging. Some may fear entering the process because of a prevailing perception that it requires 180 degree change, which for anyone, would be a daunting prospect. 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 in South Africa 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 others, 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. For many, it is a relationship that goes beyond the bounds of the initial treatment program. Many recovering addicts choose to see their counsellor on a private level for sessions after they leave treatment. 

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 is in search of help for addiction or alcoholism, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

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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