Addiction and alcoholism affect people all over the world. This illness does not discriminate and strikes anybody regardless of socioeconomic status. There is still a social stigma attached to drug and alcohol abuse and some people see addicts and alcoholics as morally weak or criminal.

Our contemporary science views substance abuse as an illness that can be treated but never completely cured. This means that after completing treatment in a drug rehab in South Africa an addict or alcoholic will be free of the compulsion to use chemicals but has an extremely high risk of relapsing into full blown addiction if he/she decides to ever use again. Most professionals who work in a drug and alcohol rehab agree that moderation is not a feasible goal for addicts and alcoholics to work towards because this risk is so high. It doesn't mean that the addict or alcoholic can't live a normal life after finishing an addiction rehabilitation program in a clinic.

Addiction is a seperate concept from dependence. Dependence implies that a person's body has become so accustomed to having the chemical present that it is no longer able to function properly without it. Taking the substance away will result in withdrawal symptoms as the body struggles to readjust itself. Dependence is just one of the markers of addiction and it is possible to be dependent but not addicted. Detoxification is the process of weaning the body off the substance while making the withdrawal symptoms more manageable for the addict. A treatment in a detox center is usally just the first step in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

A person can be physically dependent on a drug as well as psychologically dependent. The phsyical dependence is dealt with in detox. Psychological dependency requires indepth therapy and usually occurs in a residential drug rehabilitation centre. These clinics try to help their patients develop new ways of living and interacting in a drug-free environment.

Drug rehabilitation (or drug rehab) is an umbrella term for a wide variety of therapeutic interventions. There are many schools of thought as to what consists of a successful drug and alcohol treatment but for the most part programs will include a mixture of medical and psychotherapeutic activities to address addiction. Some programs include a religious component as well.

Drug rehab centres in South Africa often introduce their patients to mutual help groups such as the 12 step fellowships of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. Many of the first successful rehabilitation programs were modelled on the principles of AA and the 12 step program as ongoing maintenance is still an important part of many drug treatment centre programs. There are alternatives to the 12 step programs such as SMART recovery and religious activities, but for most people the 12 steps are an effective way to ensure lasting sobriety and consistent improvement as a person.

There are a number of different drug rehabilitation modalities offered in South Africa including: residential treatment (in-patient), out-patient, local support groups, extended care centers, and sober houses. There is a wide range of drug and alcohol addiction treatment available which can make choosing a facility difficult. Please contact us and we will give you expert advice on finding an effective drug rehab in South Africa.

Drug and alcohol abuse has been around for as long as there is recorded history. It shows no sign of going away. If you want to live a fulfilled life free of the obsession to drink or use drugs then a clinical intervention can help break the cycle of addiction. Drug rehabilitation centres in Cape Town and South Africa offer a high quality of care which the favourable exchange rate makes an extremely competitive alternative for foreign clients to consider.