Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction – also called substance use disorder – involves an inability to control or moderate the use of substances despite experiencing negative consequences as a result.

It occurs when a person uses drugs excessively and repeatedly, to the point that they become dependent on them and feel they cannot function without them.

Much like alcohol addiction, drug addiction is a mental illness and a complex, chronic brain disorder characterised by:

• Compulsive drug-seeking.
• Continued drug use despite harmful consequences.
• Long-lasting changes to the structure and functioning of the brain.
• Physical withdrawal symptoms if drug use is reduced or stopped.

Substance Use Disorder Complications

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, often starts with the experimental use of recreational drugs in social situations.

However, it can also begin with exposure to prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.

The drugs may be used (or misused) to produce pleasure, alleviate stress and alter or escape reality.

With continued substance abuse, our ability to exert self-control becomes seriously impaired.

For instance, brain imaging studies from people addicted to drugs show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical for decision-making, judgement, memory, learning and behaviour control.

These changes alter the way our brain works, leading to the compulsive and destructive behaviours often associated with drug addiction.

If left untreated, drug addiction can quickly become a severe problem, affecting all areas of your life. It can devastate your work, family life, relationships, health and overall quality of life.

Fatal overdose is also possible with many commonly used drugs.

Therefore, early intervention and comprehensive drug addiction treatment are crucial to avoid the long-term complications of chronic substance abuse.

Drug Rehab in South Africa

White River Manor is the leading provider of drug addiction treatment in South Africa.

Our luxury residential treatment centre provides personalised treatment programs, including evidence-based treatments, wellness therapies, individual therapy sessions, behavioural therapy, group therapy, and many other treatment options for those seeking recovery from drug addiction and other mental health issues.

We also offer a range of other treatment options for individuals with substance use disorder issues, including:

• Inpatient addiction rehab.
• Alcohol rehab.
• Outpatient support.
• Mental health treatment programs for depression, anxiety, and trauma.
• One-on-one therapy sessions with a specialist counsellor.
• Wellness programs, including mindfulness music and art therapy.
• Dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring disorders.
• Relapse prevention.
• Aftercare and support.

Our Holistic Approach

Our luxury rehab centre in South Africa offers a holistic approach to substance abuse recovery, focusing on your specific needs, symptoms, background and history, and not just mere symptom management.

Contact our professional recovery centre today to learn more about your treatment options and kickstart your recovery process.

What Does Dual-Diagnosis Mean?

Dual diagnosis, also called co-occurring disorders, is when an individual has an addiction and mental health issues at the same time.

For instance, someone may have an alcohol addiction and a mental health condition like depression simultaneously.

It is common for co-occurring mental health disorders to be present alongside drug addiction.

For instance, the following mental health issues frequently co-occur with substance abuse issues such as drug addiction:

• Anxiety disorders.
• Moderate to severe depression.
• Personality disorders.
• Mood disorders.
• Schizophrenia.

In many cases, the symptoms of the mental health disorder appear first, and drugs are used to ‘treat’ those symptoms; this is often referred to as self-medication.

In other cases, drug addiction comes first, and mental health issues develop as a result of chronic drug use – as drugs can alter your brain structure and function over time.

How Successful is Drug Addiction Treatment?

There is no known cure for drug addiction.

However, the condition can be managed and treated. 

Evidence-based treatment programs – under specialist supervision can significantly improve your chances of making a full recovery from substance abuse and regaining control of your life.

Nowadays, most inpatient rehabilitation centres provide alcohol and drug rehab services like a supervised medical detox to help rid your body of substances such as alcohol and drugs.

Where co-occurring disorders are present, a dual-diagnosis treatment program will increase the quality and effectiveness of recovery and prevention of relapse.

Research has shown that when an inpatient treatment centre treats both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring disorder simultaneously, this increases your chances of a successful, long-lasting recovery.

Contact our recovery centre in South Africa today to discuss your treatment options and begin your journey to lasting sobriety and wellness.

What Types of Drugs Can People Become Addicted to?

One of the reasons drug addiction is so complex is because people can become addicted to such a wide variety of substances, and their effects on each individual can vary.

The most commonly used drugs people can become addicted to include:

• Depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines, tranquilisers, Xanax, Valium).
• Stimulants (e.g. amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA).
• Opioids (powerful painkillers, such as heroin, morphine, codeine, Vicodin).
• Cannabinoids (e.g. marijuana, hashish, K2/spice).
• Inhalants (e.g. cleaning fluids, glues and solvents, aerosol sprays, nitrous oxide).
• Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD/acid, PCP, ketamine, mushrooms).
• Anabolic steroids (e.g. oxandrin, stanozolol).
• Prescription drugs.
• Over-the-counter drugs (e.g. diet pills, sleep aids, cold and flu remedies).

What is Polydrug Use?

Mixing drugs, or taking multiple drugs together, is known as polydrug use. It is common in those attempting to self-medicate. 

Some of the most common reasons for polydrug use include:

• Wanting to intensify or prolong the pleasurable effects of an individual drug.
• Wanting to balance or control any adverse effects of individual drugs.
• Wanting to substitute sought-after effects.

Combining drugs in this way is extremely dangerous and carries extra risks. When combined, the effects of the individual drugs can be highly unpredictable.

Polydrug use is known to multiply the rewarding effects of drugs in the brain, significantly increasing the likelihood of becoming addicted.

Because of this, polydrug use presents specific obstacles to recovery, but these are not insurmountable. 

With proper addiction treatment and support, you (or a loved one) can gain the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to free yourself from drug addiction and create a more stable and fulfilling life.

If you are concerned that you (or a loved one) may be engaging in polydrug use and would like to learn more about drug treatment at our rehab centre, do not hesitate to get in touch.

What are the Stages of Drug Addiction?

People who become addicted to drugs tend to pass through various predictable stages. Awareness of these stages can help you recognise a problem and seek help sooner rather than later.

These stages include:

1. Experimentation.
2. Regular substance use.
3. Problem or risky use.
4. Dependence.
5. Addiction.

Not everyone who tries drugs will become regular users and move through these stages.

There are a wide range of factors involved in whether a person becomes addicted to drugs or not, including genetics, personality traits, family history and personal circumstances. 

The characteristics of the drug type used will also make a difference in the outcome.

Each person’s experience is unique. 

However, recognising the signs as early as possible and seeking professional help can significantly increase your chances of reversing the damage and fully recovering.

Most drug rehab programs provide customised treatment plans to meet the specific needs and preferences of each individual, whether you have a problem with alcohol abuse, recreational drugs or prescription drugs.

Early intervention is crucial and can prevent some of the long-term complications associated with chronic substance abuse. We know how daunting considering addiction rehab can be.

However, once you begin treatment, you will start to see the benefits of having addiction and/or mental health treatment at a rehab facility.

With decades of knowledge and experience, our South African team at White River Manor are equipped to assist you in breaking the chains of drug addiction, allowing you to see beyond your current circumstances and enjoy a life of health and wellness.

Are you or your loved one ready to get sober?

Call our helpline for a confidential discussion today.

What are the Causes of Drug Addiction?

While the reasons for using drugs differ from person to person, it is common for people to start using drugs recreationally, to experiment, to ‘escape’ or to mask pain.

In many cases, the onset of drug use can be due to untreated mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Not everyone who uses drugs will become addicted. 

Drug addiction is a highly complex condition, and there is no single cause that can be used to predict if a person will become addicted or not.

However, there are several risk factors known to play a role in the development of substance use disorders, including:

• Genetic vulnerability.
• Psychological vulnerability
• Gender.
• Personality traits, such as high impulsivity and sensation seeking or low self-esteem.
• Underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD.
• Family history of substance misuse and /or addiction.
• Poor coping skills or lack of social support structure.
• A history of trauma, including childhood abuse.
• Social pressure, for example, substance use among peers, is perceived as ‘normal behaviour.’
• Stress – such as a sudden life change, job loss, serious illness, death of a loved one or financial pressures.
• Sociocultural or environmental factors, including easy access to substances, low socioeconomic status or community poverty and media influence.

The characteristics of the drug type itself will also play a role in whether or not a person becomes addicted.

For example, certain drugs, such as heroin, cocaine and painkillers, can form addictions exceptionally quickly.

By seeking support and treatment to get to the root cause of our addiction – and address any co-occurring disorders – it is possible to recover and enjoy long-lasting sobriety and wellness.

What are the Effects of Drug Addiction?

Prolonged drug dependence interferes with almost every organ in the human body, in addition to altering brain chemistry and function. Different drugs have different damaging effects.

However, some of the most common effects of a substance use disorder include:

Physical

• Damaged immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness and infection.
• Heart conditions, including collapsed veins and heart attacks.
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain / gastrointestinal damage.
• Liver damage/liver failure.
• Kidney damage/kidney failure.
• Lung disease.
• Seizures, strokes and brain damage.
• Withdrawal symptoms if the drug is reduced or stopped.
• Fatal overdose.

Mental

• Changes in memory and learning.
• Reduced concentration and decision-making abilities.
• Brain changes that lead to (or exacerbate) mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
• Permanent brain damage.

Social and behavioural

• Decrease in performance at work/loss of employment.
• Social or recreational activities given up or reduced.
• Mood changes.
• Social withdrawal.
• Relationship problems/divorce.
• Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene.
• Incarceration.
• Homelessness.
• Legal/financial troubles.
• Increased impulsiveness and risky behaviours, including unprotected sex.

It is essential to recognise that without expert help and support, whether that be inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment, the effects of drug addiction will become increasingly worse, resulting in various adverse outcomes across all areas of your life.

Many of these impacts can be reversed or minimised by getting sober and engaging in a residential rehab program.

The best way to prevent permanent damage is to seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible to overcome your addiction and improve your chances of long-term recovery.

What is the Main Problem of Substance Abuse in South Africa?

Drug addiction is a prevalent and growing issue in South Africa, affecting individuals and communities across the country.

The problem is multifaceted, involving a range of substances from alcohol and marijuana to more dangerous drugs like methamphetamine (locally known as “tik”), heroin, and cocaine.

Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and social disintegration, contribute to the prevalence of substance abuse, creating a complex challenge for policymakers and health professionals.

One of the most troubling aspects of drug addiction in South Africa is its impact on the youth.

Many young people turn to drugs as a means of coping with the harsh realities of their lives, including violence, lack of opportunities, and broken family structures.

This not only jeopardises their health and prospects but also perpetuates a cycle of addiction and crime within communities.

Schools and social programs need help to address these issues adequately, and they often need more resources to provide effective prevention and intervention.

The government and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are working to combat the drug addiction crisis through a combination of law enforcement, education, and treatment initiatives.

Efforts to crack down on drug trafficking and distribution are ongoing, but they are often met with challenges, including corruption and the adaptability of criminal networks.

Rehabilitation programs and support services are crucial, yet access to these services remains limited, particularly in rural and impoverished areas.

Addressing drug addiction in South Africa requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that includes strengthening the social safety net, improving access to education and employment opportunities, and expanding support and rehabilitation services.

Community involvement and awareness are also critical components in creating sustainable solutions.

By tackling the root causes of addiction and providing the necessary support for recovery, South Africa can hope to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and its devastating effects on society.

Can Drug Addiction be Treated?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease. However, it can be managed and treated successfully.

The complex nature of the disease and the multiple variables involved in each case mean that there isn’t one treatment approach that works for all people with an addiction.

Research shows that combining personalised behavioural therapy with medications is the treatment approach most likely to ensure a successful recovery.

This combination – known as medication-assisted treatment – is tailored to address each individual’s drug-use patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric, environmental and social problems.

The above treatments may include the following:

• Behaviour therapy and counselling.
• Individual treatment with specialist counsellors and therapists.
• Medical detox.
• Group therapy.
• Dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health issues.
• Medication and drug-based treatment.
• Community support, including sober living communities.
• Long-term follow-up and relapse prevention.
• Outpatient treatment, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
• Aftercare and support.

The length of time needed for addiction treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of your condition, the type of substances you are addicted to and the presence of any co-occurring mental health disorders.

Drug Addiction Treatment at White River Manor in South Africa

Through mixed therapeutic methods, a strategic approach, and staff with decades of experience, White River Manor provides the setting, resources, and tools necessary for a full, successful recovery, providing the best drug addiction treatment in South Africa.

Using a combination of traditional methods, ancient philosophy and cutting-edge science, the team at White River Manor treats the whole person and not just the addiction.

This holistic approach ensures deep transformational healing and a full recovery.

We understand that recovery is a lifelong pursuit of positive habit-building, maintaining mental wellbeing and avoiding triggers, which is why we also include a complete aftercare plan to support you following treatment.

Admitting you have a problem and deciding to get professional help is the first step to building an improved and more fulfilling life.

If you are struggling with drug addiction or are worried about a loved one, please get in touch with us to talk about treatment options. 

We are here and ready to help.