Mention the words “rehab” or “treatment”, and you’ll find people have completely different ideas and views of what they mean. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about addiction and recovery that are entirely untrue.
These falsehoods keep millions of people with substance abuse disorders from receiving the treatment they need. In 2023 alone, only 11% out of 21 million people with substance use disorder got the professional help they needed.
Due to social stigma, shame or false information, for many people, the perception is that addiction treatment is a scary, overwhelming experience that should be shrouded in secrecy. These ideas are damaging and discourage people asking for help who desperately need it.
With so many myths circulating about rehab, it’s time to debunk the ideas about rehab, addiction and recovery.
Big reputations
Privacy is of utmost concern for executives entering rehab. Indeed, many put it off out of privacy fears.
With all of the secrecy and stigma surrounding addiction, it’s easy to understand why executives and working professionals are fearful of letting peers know they have an addiction problem and are considering rehab.
Society at large doesn’t consider addiction as a disease, and many view those with substance abuse disorders as untrustworthy and lacking in discipline. After all, for decades, the message has been “Just say no.”
With this societal lack of understanding, it’s no wonder those with addiction issues don’t want to open themselves up to vulnerability and scrutiny from investors, clients and competitors. One false move and your company could be compromised.
These are big reputations on the line and in the high stakes business world, reputation matters.
Myth 1: Rehab is only for those with severe or extreme cases
While movies and sensational news stories might make it seem like only those who have hit complete rock bottom and lost everything in their lives are candidates for rehab, this is entirely untrue and unfounded. There are a great many “high-functioning” addicts in treatment.
Rehab is for everyone, no matter the level from mild dependence to severe addiction. Rehabilitation and early intervention can be crucial to those suffering from substance abuse disorder. You absolutely don’t have to lose it all to take positive steps for your future.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “rehab helps individuals by using a variety of interventions to aid them in developing strategies to overcome their challenges, and supporting them to return to drug- and alcohol-free, healthy, productive lives. Drug and alcohol rehab is intended to help individuals with addiction issues stop the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol.”
White River Manor’s drug and alcohol rehab helps ALL individuals with addiction issues stop their compulsive use of drugs and alcohol. Whether you are dealing with severe addiction at rock-bottom levels or need treatment for co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety or executive burnout, our personalised programmes are designed exclusively for you and your unique situation.
Myth 2: Rehab is too expensive and only for the wealthy
While it’s true some rehab clinics are incredibly exclusive and expensive, there are even more that are high-quality and of excellent value.
Thanks to the depreciation of the South African Rand to the Sterling and US Dollar, White River Manor can offer world-class care at a much more reasonable cost compared to similar rehab facilities in the UK or USA. For our international clients, this means there’s no obstacle to obtaining high-quality, luxury treatment for a fraction of the cost ‘back home’.
At White River Manor, our clients benefit from high-end accommodations complete with en-suite bathrooms, spacious relaxation areas, and private workspaces with Wi-Fi, all with the security of a 24/7 dedicated team of onsite nurses. In addition, you’ll have access to a wide range of traditional therapies such CBT, EMDR and trauma-specific therapy as well as holistic treatment methods such as equine therapy, yoga, forest bathing, art and music therapy, meditation, and mindfulness.
With 28-day programmes starting from only £12,500.00/€14,000.00, our clients can take advantage of our extended 90-day personalised treatment programs.
These savings alone are one of the most compelling reasons to choose South Africa for your rehab stay!
Myth 3: Rehab is like a boot camp and overly strict
The days of strict, stark boot camp-like conditions are a thing of the past. Hollywood loves to portray treatment facilities like in the movie “Girl, Interrupted”, but these depictions are old-fashioned and dated. Modern rehab facilities are luxurious, supportive centres, not punitive, overly regimented block cells.
You’ll find a warm, welcoming and luxurious atmosphere at White River Manor. From the moment you enter our expansive and lush 100-year-old garden, you’ll be in an environment focused on healing, comfort, and personal growth.
Our clients often remark on our relaxed yet structured approach to therapy and treatment. With plenty of downtime for personal pursuits or simply quiet contemplation in surrounding nature, we’re here to help you heal your body, soul, and spirit.
Myth 4: Rehab is only about detoxing and substance abuse
The truth is some clients need medical detox, and we offer a private facility specifically for this need. However, a quality rehab centre treats a variety of addictions and is far more than a “place” for only detoxing and substance withdrawal.
A sustainable recovery should have a holistic approach where the physical and emotional needs of clients are met through various therapeutic methods. Our comprehensive care plan focuses on the issues beyond substance abuse such as dual diagnosis, mental health issues and more.
At White River Manor, we blend various methods such as trauma therapy, mindfulness practices and holistic treatments to design an individualised treatment plan just for you. We understand that without addressing the underlying causes of addiction, we can’t give you the tools for long-term sustainable recovery.
Myth 5: Going to rehab means you’ve failed or are weak
Who is telling you this? The high-stakes world of business where you can never show any weakness?
The truth is that asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not failure. It takes a brave, strong person to admit help is needed and take the necessary steps to check into rehab.
Thankfully we are living in a rapidly changing world with more awareness and acceptance about mental health matters and addiction than ever before. Instagram and TikTok are bursting with therapists and counsellors getting the message out that we aren’t perfect and it’s okay to admit you need help. Musicians are cancelling music tours because it’s too stressful and detrimental to their well being, artists are writing songs about addiction, movies depict the struggle of just trying to keep it all together and celebrities write books about the struggle to get and stay sober.
Getting help is being normalised, and that’s a beautiful thing.
At White River Manor, our expert team understands how the physical dependence and psychological impact of addiction can overwhelm even the strongest individual. We are here to help you take responsibility for your actions, restore your self-confidence and self worth. Most of all, we help you understand there’s nothing weak about taking back control.
Myth 6: Rehab won’t work if you’re notfully committed from the start
Just because you don’t enter rehab full force doesn’t mean your time there won’t be successful. Very few people enter rehab with 100% motivation. Not all start their rehab willingly, and most arrive with great hesitation and a ton of uncertainty. Any way you start rehab is normal because there is no correct way other than to get there and begin the process.
The professional and compassionate team at White River Manor has decades of experience dealing with all types of clients. We are well aware that not everyone arriving at our facility will be particularly thrilled. That’s okay.
We understand that a supportive environment helps clients build up motivation and a commitment to the recovery process.
Take your time. Let us show you the way. For now, all you truly need to start your recovery process is the courage to say, “I need help.”
How White River Manor can help
High-powered people face different challenges when it comes to rehab and addiction recovery. White River Manor’s luxury treatment centre is geared towards busy executives, so you can go through it with privacy, discretion and respect—achieving sobriety and maintaining it no matter what pressures you face.
At White River Manor, we understand the fear of the unknown. Whether this is your first time considering rehabilitation or you’ve unsuccessfully tried other options, putting yourself out there with all your vulnerability and flaws is a beautiful leap of faith.
We’re here to catch you. You’ve got this. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, please get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you discover your true self.
About Larissa du Plooy
Larissa du Plooy is a registered Addiction Counsellor with BAPSA and holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Potchefstroom. With nearly five years of experience, she specialises in helping individuals navigate the social, emotional, and developmental challenges of substance and process addictions. Larissa has managed a female programme at a rehabilitation centre and raised awareness about addiction's complexities through media, including CapeTalk. She is passionate about community outreach and empowering women, while continuing her psychology studies. Larissa believes in the power of sharing stories of trauma and resilience as a key part of the healing process.
