So, you’ve made the decision to turn your life around – kudos to you! But now’s the time when taking the right next step is crucial.
Your choice of recovery centre is the key to lasting sobriety.
If you’re looking for addiction treatment this winter, South Africa has absolutely everything you need.
Here are six reasons why it should be your number one choice.
1. It’s summer in South Africa
Beautiful sunshine, mild weather and bright skies… If you live in certain parts of northern Europe or America, this feels like a distant memory right now, doesn’t it? But it needn’t be.
In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s summertime. That means the days are longer, and there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, increase the body’s release of the feel-good chemical serotonin, and decrease blood pressure.
The effect that sunshine or, more specifically, vitamin D can have on your physical and mental well-being is well documented.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is increasingly common at this time of year. And, as we know, depression is often a gateway to substance abuse as we may turn to drugs or alcohol to escape feelings of despair.
Those experiencing this, and many other types of depression or even anxiety, can benefit greatly from spending time in the sunshine available during the winter months in South Africa.
So, shake off those winter blues and start your journey to recovery in beautiful South Africa.
2. A festive escape
The holiday season can be challenging for those with addictions or mental health issues.
It’s a time of year when there’s a lot of exposure to stressors, whether in the form of being obliged to see certain family members and/or friends, being alone, or simply a pressure to enjoy yourself.
Pair that with easy access to alcohol or other substances, and you could find your addiction issues escalating.
So, why not take yourself out of this environment entirely?
Come to White River Manor, right in the heart of South Africa. A chance to put yourself and your future first could be the best gift you’ll receive this year.
3. A winter adventure in stunning surroundings
To fully disconnect and escape from the environment that is trapping you in a vicious cycle of bad habits, a change of scenery can go a long way.
South Africa has plenty to offer in this regard. It has an abundance of diverse and wonderful nature that will take your breath away.
White River Manor is at the heart of it all. Nestled along the river of the same name and set within a beautiful 100-year-old garden, our recovery centre is surrounded by an agricultural farmscape and rolling hills, with the tropical African Lowveld forests in the distance.
What’s more, it’s also within a stone’s throw of the Kruger National Park – one of South Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, where you can encounter ‘The Big Five’.
During a stay at White River Manor, as you remove yourself from your work or worries, not only can you go on a safari or other day trips, but you can also engage with the vibrant, local culture.
The town of White River itself is home to many creatives, including several globally recognised artists. Immersing yourself in the experience can allow you to learn something new, like African dancing, and help you to get new perspectives on life.
One thing’s for sure, the rich history and culture of South Africa are something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Ultimately, choosing a destination far removed from your status quo will help you gain clarity and regain control over your choices.
4. Get out and experience the outdoors again
Turning your back on city life and immersing yourself in nature has been shown to have remarkable healing powers.
Being in a natural environment can be essential for reconnecting, reducing stress levels and clearing the mind.
What’s more, the outdoors presents many opportunities to exercise, which, during the cold winter months, is not always possible – nor particularly desirable. However, in the South African summer, it is!
At this time of year, South Africa enjoys a lovely, temperate climate with plenty of sunny, dry days, making White River an ideal rehab destination.
Here we offer many incredible outdoor activities and adventures. We encourage all our guests to enjoy experiences such as hiking, mountain biking, yoga, horse trail riding, and white-water rafting – and take daily advantage of our swimming pool and spa.
Trading short, grey days in the northern hemisphere for long, sunny days in the outdoors can go a long way towards aiding your recovery.
Research shows that recovery can go a lot more smoothly when a structured schedule is in place that combines intensive therapy with fun experiences and activities outdoors. This helps to promote a relaxed physical and mental state that will help you get the most out of your treatment plan and reduces the risk of relapse or swapping one addiction for another.
5. World-class luxury treatment at a great price
As well as all the fun experiences and lifestyle benefits, South Africa is a pioneer when it comes to medical research.
It has an abundance of world-class rehab centres, with English-speaking staff providing exceptional expertise in substance abuse and burnout.
At White River Manor, we’re proud to have a world-class team that includes clinical and counselling psychologists, a professor of psychiatry, a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) expert, a behavioural specialist, and an on-site dietician and personal trainer who work in tandem with a dedicated team of nurses 24 hours a day.
With decades of experience, we also recognise that one size doesn’t fit all and that creativity and self-expression are essential parts of the recovery process. That’s why our program incorporates art and music classes, which are given by a registered art counsellor and music therapist.
All of this is available for just a fraction of what it would cost in Europe or the US.
This is partially because the South African Rand has depreciated enormously against the US dollar, Pound Sterling and the Euro in recent years.
As a result, at White River Manor, we are currently offering an all-inclusive 28-day stay in our five-star South African lodge for just over $15,000 (around €14,000 or £12,000).
Alternatively, our most luxurious private open-plan villa with a private bathroom, private garden with plunge pool, flat-screen TV with satellite and outdoor shower currently costs a little over $32,000 (around €30,000 or £26,500) – significantly lower than comparable American and European luxury treatment centres.
Our tailor-made treatment programs offer excellent value for money, and you don’t have to miss out on home comforts – even if you’re on the other side of the world.
6. Anonymity guaranteed
Most people who seek treatment for drug or alcohol dependence would much prefer to keep this information to themselves or among close friends and family. This is especially the case with high-flying individuals whose reputations could be affected if their struggles came to light.
The required discretion is difficult to achieve when you look for treatment locally. By contrast, choosing a rehabilitation centre abroad, especially if it’s in a different hemisphere, can practically guarantee that.
South Africa is a fantastic option, somewhat off the beaten track, making it highly unlikely that you’ll bump into any friends or associates here.
At White River Manor, confidentiality is paramount, and we treat each of our guests with the absolute professionalism they deserve. Set in a private, secure location, we can guarantee confidentiality, safety and peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
Start your journey to recovery now!
South Africa is a special place. It really has everything in terms of quality of care, location, and affordability.
If the dreary winter of your home country can’t inspire you to get clean, consider White River Manor. The climate, culture and nature make it the optimal place for rehab.
If you’re suffering from burnout or addiction, in addition to top medical support, you’ll feel safe, nurtured and supported during your stay with us.
To find out more about our made-to-measure treatment plans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Head to South Africa this winter for the best value and lasting results.
