People presenting for addiction treatment at a drug rehab center report using a wide variety of substances. Some of them might say that their drug of choice is "safe" or "cleaner" than another drug, but is this justified?

The truth is that just about any substance is potentially harmful if it is abused. It seems silly to argue about which substance is more dangerous when they all ultimately lead to extremely negative consequences. Perhaps the speed at which the user arrives at rock bottom will differ between substances, but we have seen people arrive in rehabilitation facilities at rock bottom from using all manner of substances.

In a drug rehabilitation (rehab) program the patients should look for similarities and not differences. Comparing substances is a form of denial, comparing the patterns in which they are used and the emotions that accompany drug taking is a much more productive endeavour. Fostering a community spirit based on a shared experience of addiction and a common interest in finding lasting addiction recovery is an important goal of an addiction treatment center.

Often an addict will arrive at a drug treatment center with an ambivalent attitude towards finding addiction recovery. On one hand the consequences of using have grown to unbearable levels, but on the other hand the addict is afraid of withdrawing and afraid of living "clean". For many addicts using drugs has become such a way of life that their whole sense of identity is wrapped up within the ritual and lifestyle of using drugs. Addicts will often defend their using behaviour even though they may consciously want to stop using.

A medical examination and supervised detoxification (detox program) are usually indicated for discontinuing most substances. This helps to address some of the fears of the patient. The withdrawal effects are unpleasant for all substances to which the addict has become accustomed, a proper medical detox will help to make this difficult time manageable and less traumatic.

It can be part of the addicts denial to minimize how bad his/her drug is... by saying that there are "worse" drugs the addict hopes to reduce the perception of his/her own drug problem. For example an addict might say "I only smoke marijuana but Joe smokes Heroin which is a real problem".

It is dangerous to view any substance of abuse as safe or "less dangerous" than another. If you are concerned about your drug abuse problem or you have a loved one who is displaying problems associated with drug abuse please contact We Do Recover for expert advice in finding a drug rehab in South Africa.