Ritalin abuse in South Africa

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Ritalin abuse in South Africa

03 November, 2021Articles, News

Ritalin is a medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) defines ADHD as a chronic condition of a combination of problems including the difficulty to sustain attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The main medications used in South Africa to treat ADHD are Ritalin and Concerta. They have the same chemical structures (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and are similar in chemical makeup to stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. Ritalin can be just as addictive. Street names for Ritalin include diet coke, kiddie cocaine, kiddie coke, poor man’s cocaine, R-ball, rids, skittles, Smarties and vitamin R .

Ritalin is primarily used as a stimulant medication to increase attention span and decrease hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The medication seems to have a positive impact on the treatment of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD but at the same time has opened up a panacea for potential abuse and there is a lot of controversy around the use of medication to treat the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD. In fact, there is huge controversy about the very existence of the above mentioned disorders, with the scientific experts suggesting a clear neurological basis for the disorders and some other more holistic proponents saying they are not diseases in the chemical sense at all but rather behaviourally based maladaptions. The jury is still out.

The dosage prescribed is based on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. The drug slowly raises the users dopamine levels in the brain, achieving a therapeutic effect for those with proper ADHD (and similar) diagnoses. However, if individuals who do not have ADHD take these medications, the result will be hyperactivity and overstimulation. Though it helps many people, this medication can be addictive. The risk may be higher if you have a related substance use disorder (such as overuse of or an addiction to alcohol). If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as :

  • visual hallucinations,
  • suicidal thoughts
  • psychotic behaviour
  • aggression or violent behaviour
  • depression or other mood changes
  • paranoia
  • fatigue

Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if you have used methylphenidate for a long time or in high doses.

Signs of Ritalin addiction include:

  • Needing higher doses to feel the drug’s effects (tolerance)
  • Experiencing strong urges to use Ritalin
  • Finding new ways to obtain the drug—legally or illegally—in order to abuse it
  • Using Ritalin even if it’s causing issues with loved ones or responsibilities.

Those struggling with an addiction to Ritalin are advised not to quit taking the drug without medical supervision. At Crossroads we consult with our specialist medical provider as to the best method for detoxification for the individual. Some people use the drug recreationally—without a prescription—and those who take more than their prescribed dosage are at risk for developing an addiction to Ritalin. It is common for adolescents who are prescribed these types of medications to trade their drugs to other kids who are not in need of them and hence are using these substances illegally. This leads to very severe consequences in terms behaviour as adolescents and eventual addiction to the medication. When abused by older teens or adults – especially if it’s crushed or snorted or injected – the drug is more like other forms of amphetamine, including methamphetamine, that have damaging and addictive psychological and physical effects.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with Ritalin abuse in South Africa – 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.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • "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
    Read more
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BASIC REHABILITATION OPTIONS AND RECOVERY

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Home / Posts tagged "Rehab South Africa" (Page 2)

BASIC REHABILITATION OPTIONS AND RECOVERY

27 October, 2021Articles, News

Rehabilitation is a process that begins with abstinence and requires deep mental, emotional and spiritual change. For addicts struggling with substance abuse, entering rehab may be a daunting proposition but for thousands of people who go on to lead successful lives after active addiction, it is the beginning of a long-term solution. There are a number of rehabilitation options for substance abuse in South Africa. Some addicts turn to religion for the answer while others turn to psychiatry and alternative medicine for help. At Crossroads Recovery Centre, we believe that the most effective option is a combination of a number of therapeutic techniques and the integration of 12-step recovery.

A 12-step programme is a set of principles that assists people suffering from alcohol abuse and addiction by providing action steps, which will guide them into a life of recovery.

In 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous published its original 12-step method of recovery from alcoholism in the book Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism. Many programmes have started as offshoots of the original Alcoholics Anonymous programme. These problems include all addictions and support groups for families affected by addiction /alcoholism.

In 12-step drug treatment programmes, recovery is discussing the effects of addiction—physical, emotional, mental and spiritual—and responding with specific actions.

Dimensions of a 12-step programme:

  • Step work: Doing written work from a 12-step guide book, which will help you to progress through the 12 Steps.
  • Sponsorship: “A sponsor is simply another addict, who has completed the 12 Steps in his or her recovery process, and is willing to share their experience with another member and guide them through the Twelve Steps as they were guided.”
  • A group setting: The 12 steps of recovery are discussed and members share their personal experience strength and hope with each other.
  • Higher power: A personal concept of a power greater than yourself and your addiction that can help you to recover.
  • Service: Being of service to others as referred to by the 12th step.

The 12-step programme serves as a guide to spiritual growth and fills the void created by addiction and gives an opportunity for a better way of life.

The 12 Steps

  1. Admitting our problem: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
  2. Finding hope: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
  3. Surrender: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of a power greater than ourselves.
  4. Take personal inventory: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
  5. Sharing your inventory: Admit to a higher power, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
  6. Becoming ready: Were entirely ready to have a higher power remove all these defects of character.
  7. Humility: Having the humility to ask for help with our shortcomings.
  8. Making a list of amends: Make a list of all those we have harmed and make amends to them all.
  9. Make amends: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. Continue inventory: Take a personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
  11. Conscious contact with a higher power: Through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious and contact with ourselves, humanity and/ a higher power.
  12. Helping others: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps we try to carry this message to alcoholics/addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

If you or a loved one are seeking help with rehabilitation options, know that help is readily available. If you or a loved one needs assistance with an addiction – know that help is readily available. We have an experienced team which includes medical staff to assist with safe medical detox where necessary. 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.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

Reference
https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/read-the-big-book-and-twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions

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Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • "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
    Read more
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Rehabilitation from substance abuse

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Home / Posts tagged "Rehab South Africa" (Page 2)

Rehabilitation from substance abuse

08 October, 2021Articles, News

After some trauma and time, either you or a loved one has admitted that they need rehabilitation from substance abuse and now you find yourself in a situation where you need to choose a recovery centre. Choosing a recovery centre for substance abuse can be daunting. There are many different types of treatment centres : faith based programmes, 12-step programmes, SMART recovery programmes, cognitive therapy, dual diagnosis clinics, client-centred approaches, relapse prevention programmes….the choice can be overwhelming and confusing. Below we discuss how Crossroads manages rehabilitation from substance abuse.

Crossroads, Johannesburg is a primary care, rehabilitation from substance abuse centre, offering short-term treatment, (28 days to 84 months). It offers a client-centred approach, built around the 12-step model. Treatment is residential, meaning we offer an in-patient recovery programme, where food, individual counselling, group therapy, family counselling and detoxification are all included in our treatment fee. Although most of our clients come to us for problems with substance abuse, we also treat other forms of addictions, such as : gambling, food, and sex. We do work with most major medical aids, this means that we can manage the authorisations on your behalf before you check-in which minimises some of the stress for you.

As part of the individual therapy, we offer both trauma counselling and 12-Step counselling. Trauma can be defined as a deep psychological wound, one that has a profound impact on the emotional well-being and everyday functioning of the sufferer. Trauma counselling provides an outlet where people can discuss their experiences and develop strategies for dealing with the ongoing difficulties they face as a result. Trauma counselling is done to heal the wounds of the past and to aid the clients in achieving a successful recovery from substance abuse.

All of our counsellors at Crossroads Recovery Centre, Johannesburg have experience in working and living the 12-steps of recovery. Some of our counsellors have over 20 years experience in dealing with substance abuse. In the 12-step process, written step-work is used to inform a large part of the individual counselling process. Through processing step-work with a counsellor, our clients gain insight into their own addiction and how to live successfully once they leave treatment. The integration of the 12-steps in the counselling process means that the clients who leave Crossroads Recovery Centre, adjust well to a supportive, non-professional environment, such as the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Although we are primarily as 12-step based centre for the rehabilitation from substance abuse, we also make use of other therapy models such as : process groups, gender groups, exposure groups, life story groups, planning and objectives groups and spiritual groups. A bit about these groups is explained below :

1. Process Groups

The process group is the most common type of therapeutic group given at Crossroads Recovery Centre. An addictions counsellor is present and facilitates the running of the group while each client is asked to participate. Group therapy is an intensive process, clients are asked to be vulnerable and give feedback to one another. This process is incredibly beneficial as it is the best way for clients to bring the issues they may have to light and start to deal with them in a supportive environment.

2. Gender Groups

In gender groups men and women are separated. This gives each client space to address any gender-specific problems they may have. A counsellor facilitates the group and prepares topics for discussion and reflection. We find that separating the genders gives our clients an opportunity to talk about issues and concerns that they may feel uncomfortable addressing in front of members of the opposite sex. It is a format which encourages a deeper discussion about issues that may be gender-specific and gender-sensitive, for example; sexual abuse, love and sex addiction, marriage problems, sexual dysfunction and expectations set by gender roles.

3. Spiritual Groups

Spirituality is a cornerstone of a 12-step recovery programme. In these groups counsellors address a number of issues related to spirituality. These include topics such as meditation, spiritual principles and finding new ways to connect with a higher power of your own understanding. Though topics and thoughts from certain religions may be brought up, Crossroads Recovery Centre, prides itself on being inclusive of all religions and faiths, or lack thereof. These topics encourage discussion and exploration of new ideas related to each individuals spiritual practice so that they may gain a better understating of the 12 steps as a whole.

4. Planning and Objectives

Many people come into recovery lacking direction and discipline. Weekly planning and objective groups are structured in a way that encourages our clients to set meaningful, attainable, short-term goals in order to work up to achieving long-term objectives. Each week the clients give a report on whether they achieved their goals or not. They are then held accountable by their peers. This continuous process of goal-setting and reporting back, helps our clients learn how to go forward with planning and structure once they leave our facility.

5. Exposure Groups

From time-to-time it becomes apparent that a person may not be doing as well as expected in treatment. This may be for several reasons. It could be holding on to old ideas, refusing to participate, being dishonest or breaking rules in the facility. For whatever reason, the person may be confronted in a group therapy session. In this type of group, several counsellors may participate, and the clients’ peers are given an opportunity to address them directly. We have found that this type of confrontation can be very powerful in addressing problematic behaviours. Subjects of a sensitive or confidential matter are not handled in this type of confrontation.

6. Life Story Groups

As part of the therapeutic process at Crossroads Recovery Centre, all clients are asked to write a life story. This is presented to the group as well as the counsellors. The life story reveals past behaviour patterns and thinking, this combined with behaviour that has occurred in their time at Crossroads Recovery Centre, is processed and feedback is given. The client has an opportunity to hear what their peers and counsellors think. This feedback helps them in their recovery from substance abuse moving forwards, and often reveals what attitudes and behaviours may prove problematic in the long run. From this point our client can move forward with a better understanding of how they can better help themselves.

All of these groups have the primary aim of rebuilding an individual and getting them towards a place where they are able to reintegrate into society and function within their families, social circles and workplaces, harnessing their maximum potential.

The road to rehabilitation from substance abuse 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.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • "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
    Read more
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Rehabilitation Centres – what to expect.

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Home / Posts tagged "Rehab South Africa" (Page 2)

Rehabilitation Centres – what to expect.

01 October, 2021Articles, News

Addiction is a complex phenomenon characterized by a loss of control and compulsive, habitual behaviour. Since there is no single, specific cause for addiction, there is no single, standard treatment at rehabilitation centres for it. A variety of approaches are used, including counseling, psychotherapy, medications, and mutual help groups. The best known and most widely available approach to addiction is the 12-step programmes of recovery which is what we use at Crossroads Recovery Centre.

People with severe substance use disorders require long-term care at rehabilitation centres, even after the initial treatment. There is, however, a deficit in the availability of such care. This may be due both to inadequate medical coverage and insufficient use of community-based twelve-step programmes in rehabilitation centres.

Although there are many rehabilitation centres in Gauteng that use different modalities of treatment. One of the most successful forms of treatment for addiction disorders are twelve-step orientated ones such as that found at Crossroads Recovery Centre.

Twelve-step programmes are mutual aid organizations for the purpose of recovery from substance addictions, behavioral addictions and compulsions. Dozens of other organizations have been derived
from AA’s approach to address problems as varied as drug addiction, compulsive gambling and overeating.

The 12-step recovery programme is a cornerstone in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Started in the 1930s, it was the first popularized treatment methodology to acknowledge addiction as something other than a choice.

A 12-step programme like AA or NA provides a framework of steps in acknowledging the addiction, accepting the consequences of the addiction, ways to mend at least some of the damage done while using, and encourages the building of a network of support through a service-oriented 12th step. 12-step programmes can offer a life-line of much-needed support.

Evidence supports the effectiveness of AA and NA. One study, sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), examined the effectiveness of three different treatment types in reducing overall drinking, including the 12-step, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational therapy. While all three treatment types showed promise, the 12-step programme resulted in the most significant long-term impact.

12 Step recovery is unique in that it gives people the opportunity to find a long-term solution to their problem, not just for the duration of their professional treatment. At Crossroads Recovery Centre we make the 12 steps a cornerstone of the professional work done so that when our clients leave treatment they know where they can find help. This approach equips each person with the needed skills and resources to address their problem in a meaningful way without the need for lifelong therapy and professional intervention.

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is used as the ground work for treatment at Crossroads Recovery Centre. These are used in conjunction with group and individual therapy, as well as fellowship meetings, to educate and guide a person into their new life in sobriety and recovery.

Other group work includes : process groups, exposure groups (to counter denial as a defence), gender groups, spiritual groups amongst many others along with individual, one-on-one therapy.

Process group
Process group is the most common type of therapeutic group given at Crossroads Recovery Centres. An addictions counsellor is present and facilitates the running of the group while each client is asked to participate. Group therapy is an intensive process, clients are asked to be vulnerable and give feedback to one another. This process is incredibly beneficial as it is the best way for clients to bring the issues they may have to light and start to deal with them in a supporting environment.

Gender group
In gender groups men and women are separated. This gives each client space to address any gender-specific problems they may have. A counsellor facilitates the group and prepares topics for discussion and reflection. We find that separating the genders gives our clients an opportunity to talk about issues and concerns that they may feel uncomfortable addressing in front of members of the opposite sex. It is a format which encourages a deeper discussion about issues that may be gender-specific and gender-sensitive, for example; sexual abuse, love and sex addiction, marriage problems, sexual dysfunction and expectations set by gender roles.

Spiritual group
Spirituality is a cornerstone of 12 step recovery programmes. In these groups counsellors address a number of issues related to spirituality. These include topics such as meditation, practicing spiritual principles and finding new ways to connect with a higher power of your own understanding. Though topics and thoughts from certain religions may be brought up, at Crossroads Recovery Centre we pride ourselves on being inclusive of all religions and faiths, or lack thereof. These topics encourage discussion and exploration of new ideas related to each individuals spiritual practice so that they may gain a better understating of the 12 steps as a whole.

Planning and objectives
Many people come into recovery lacking direction and discipline. Weekly planning and objective groups are structured in a way that encourages our clients to set meaningful and attainable, short-term goals in order to work up to achieving long-term objectives. Each week the clients give a report on whether they achieved their goals or not. They are then held accountable by their peers. This continuous process of goal setting and reporting back, helps our clients learn how to go forward with planning and structure once they leave our facility.

Exposure group
From time-to-time it becomes apparent that a person may not be doing as well as expected in treatment. This may be for several reasons. It could be holding on to old ideas, refusing to participate fully, being dishonest or breaking rules in the facility. For whatever reason, the person may be confronted in a group therapy session. In this type of group several counsellors may participate, and the clients peers are given an opportunity to address them directly. We have found that this type of confrontation can be very powerful and can be a good wake-up call for problematic behaviour. Of course, subjects of a sensitive or confidential matter are not handled in this type of confrontation.

Life story group
As part of the therapeutic process at Crossroads Recovery Centre, all clients are asked to write a life story. This is presented to the group and the counsellors. The life story combined with behaviour that has occurred in their time at Crossroads Recovery Centre is processed and feedback is given. The client has an opportunity to hear what their peers and counsellors think will help them in their recovery going forward, and what attitudes and behaviours may prove problematic in the long run. From this point our client can move forward with a better understanding of how they can better help themselves.

Crossroads rehabilitation centres offer many options for recovery, including an outpatient programme. Contact us for advice on how to best proceed with your recovery. 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. 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.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

Resources :

https://vertavahealth.com/blog/pros-cons-12-step-programs/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program

https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/addiction-12-step-programs-and-evidentiary-standards-ethically-and-clinically-sound-treatment/2016-06

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00952990.2017.1306747

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311
Close

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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • 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
    Read more
  • "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
    Read more
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