Rehab – it’s a word that has the potential to conjure up a range of mixed emotions. Rehabilitation centres are portrayed by the media in different ways, some of them more accurate than others. Unfortunately, due to the stigma around addiction, rehab can have a negative perception attached to it, which may deter people from initiating the process. What we aim to do in this article is to outline some of the aspects of an in-patient program as a way of preparing potential clients and their families for the recovery process.
Detox and Withdrawal
Depending on the type and quantity of the substances that a client has used, he/she will undergo a detox process as the body withdraws from the effects of drugs and alcohol. The extent of this detox varies from person-to-person. What you can expect is that a medical physician will be appointed to the client, to monitor their wellbeing and ensure that the physical side effects of withdrawal can be overcome.
Information Sessions
Clients who book into rehabilitation centres will be empowered through knowledge around aspects such as the disease theory of addiction, what life in recovery entails as well as the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual impact of addiction. During these sessions, clients will have a chance to engage with their peers and ask questions in an open and inclusive forum. Awareness alone however, is not the key to long-term recovery, which is why rehabilitation centres take a multi-pronged approach to treatment.
One-on-One Counselling
Every client is assigned a counsellor at the onset of his/her treatment process. That counsellor will guide the client through the recovery process, talk about deep-seated issues and help to unpack their addictive thought patterns. Clients respond differently to counselling. While some may be resistant to the process, it quickly becomes clear that opening up and sharing with someone who can be trusted, is integral to getting and feeling better.
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves a counsellor or group facilitator hosting a session in which clients are invited to participate. Active participation is encouraged. In this environment, clients can challenge each other, share their experience and learn from the experience of others. Group therapy has proven extremely effective in the treatment of addiction.
Introduction to the 12-Step Fellowships
After treatment, one of the most effective ways of staying clean and sober and finding a new way of life, is found in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. South Africa has strong fellowships within NA and AA, with members who are readily available to provide free support for people who have entered recovery. Rehabilitation centres will ensure that clients attend these meetings during treatment in order to start building valuable connections with others in recovery.
These aspects of the rehabilitation process are not exhaustive. Our programme is comprehensive and based on years of experience and collective expertise in the field. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment from drug or alcohol addiction, contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your recovery journey.
