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Why Do Recovering Addicts Shy Away from Rehabilitation Centers?

High Numbers of South Africans Struggle with Drug and Alcohol Addiction, With Few Seeking Treatment for Their Dependencies. Despite the Prevalence of Substance Abuse, a Minimal Portion of Affected Individuals Seek Professional Help.

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Rehab Evasion by Drug Addicts: The Reason Behind It
Rehab Evasion by Drug Addicts: The Reason Behind It

Why Do Recovering Addicts Shy Away from Rehabilitation Centers?

In South Africa, addiction to drugs and alcohol is a prevalent issue, with only a small fraction of those affected receiving treatment. This is often due to various factors, such as the stigma surrounding addiction, fear of withdrawal and detoxification, financial constraints, lack of trust in treatment centers, and limited awareness of available support services.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that addiction treatment is not something that can be self-managed. It requires professional care, support, and guidance. Society's stigmatization of addiction often causes individuals to hide their addiction due to the associated labels and embarrassment. This secrecy can lead to further harm, both to the addict and those closest to them.

Untreated addiction can cause severe damage to the health and wellbeing of the addict, as well as financial damage due to the high cost of drugs and alcohol, broken relationships, loss of marriages, and legal costs. It's essential to understand that addiction is a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or asthma, with no known cure. Recovery requires a lifelong commitment and hard work.

Fortunately, help is available. Effective ways to get addiction help include:

  1. Free self-help groups and helplines: Organizations like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Lifeline South Africa, and the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567) provide confidential support, counselling, and referral services at no cost. These services are widely accessible and can be the first step towards recovery.
  2. Private rehab centers that accept South African medical aid: Some private facilities, such as Changes Rehab in Johannesburg, offer integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They work with medical aid schemes and provide personalized treatment plans involving detoxification, therapy, and medication management. Private rehabs tend to have better resources and evidence-based programs, increasing chances of success.
  3. Online rehab programs: Programs like Recovery From Home offer flexible, affordable, and private online treatment options that accommodate a person’s daily responsibilities while providing tailored addiction treatment. These may be more accessible to those avoiding inpatient rehab due to stigma or geographical barriers.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are free self-help groups effective in helping alcoholics and drug addicts achieve long-term sobriety. These groups provide a supportive community and a structured approach to recovery.

It's crucial to remember that seeking help for addiction is a brave and important step. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

WeDoRecover provides expert and confidential advice on addiction treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their private rehab centres accept all South African medical aid schemes to cover the majority of rehab costs. Every staff member at the rehab clinic is dedicated to ensuring the best possible care for the patients.

In Part Two of this article, we will discuss the connection between alcohol abuse and domestic abuse, with a focus on whether sobriety stops domestic abuse. We will also delve deeper into the topic of alcoholism as a serious brain disorder and provide more information on how to get addiction help for oneself or a loved one.

  1. The World Health Organization underlines that addiction treatment isn't self-manageable; it necessitates professional care, support, and guidance.
  2. Society's stigmatization of addiction often compels individuals to conceal their addiction due to associated labels and embarrassment, which could lead to further harm.
  3. Effective ways to secure addiction help include free self-help groups and helplines, such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Lifeline South Africa, and the Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567).
  4. Private rehab centers that work with South African medical aid schemes, like Changes Rehab in Johannesburg, offer personalized treatment plans involving detoxification, therapy, and medication management.
  5. Online rehab programs, such as Recovery From Home, provide flexible, affordable, and private treatment options that accommodate a person's daily responsibilities.
  6. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are free self-help groups helping alcoholics and drug addicts achieve long-term sobriety by offering a supportive community and a structured approach to recovery.
  7. Seeking help for addiction is a brave and significant step, and it's crucial to remember that recovery is possible with the help available.

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