There is not a set period of time that applies to everyone when it comes to rehabilitation. Programmes vary between 21 days to 1 year. However, some individuals benefit from longer treatment programmes to develop and maintain a steady recovery path.

Relapse should not be viewed as a failure, but should instead be seen as an obstacle to overcome one’s lifelong journey to sobriety. It provides an opportunity to re-evaluate one’s path and get back into a programme that offers the support and help needed to maintain sobriety.

Many individuals who are struggling with addiction, complete more than one stay in rehabilitation centres before they are able to find their footing in their recovery journey. The only person who can manage your addiction is you, and rehabilitation programmes will help you build the skills necessary to maintain sobriety.

Effective drug treatment requires ongoing support, with after care and relapse prevention measures designed to follow detoxification and behavioural therapy. After care support services are recommended in order to reduce relapses and support long-term recovery.

After care and Support groups can be highly beneficial in recovery, as they can provide individuals with a strong network of likeminded individuals all striving for the same ultimate goal of sustained abstinence.

The idea of giving up something you crave for the rest of your life can seem daunting at best and impossible at worst. People abusing substances must permanently abstain from using the substance they have become addicted to, and they must limit or stop a problematic activity (depending on what it is).

That is because these substances and behaviours powerfully affect the brain of someone who is addicted.

Through effective treatment, people abusing substances can and do recover and learn to seek pleasure through healthier outlets. Complete abstinence from habit forming substances is the only way to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

You do not need to be willing to stop or have “hit rock bottom” in order to move toward a life of recovery. Being forced into treatment by a loved one, your employer or even the court system is a source of external motivation. (The person does not attend a treatment programme because they want to. They attend because they have to.)

Treatment can still be effective if you are still unsure if you want to stop abusing substances.

If you are asking this question, it may be because you realise that your use of a substance or a compulsive behaviour is disrupting your life.

Answer the following questions truthfully:

1. Have you felt the need to Cut down on your drinking or using?
2. Do you feel Annoyed by people complaining about your drinking or using?
3. Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking or using?
4. Do you ever drink an Eye-opener in the morning to relieve shakes or to get going?

Should you answer yes to 2 or more of the questions go see a professional for a thorough assessment.

If you are struggling with substance abuse as well as a mental disorder, you are definitely not alone; many people are in the same situation.

If you decide to seek treatment, it is essential that the programme you choose address both issues. Treatment that factors in both substance abuse and mental disorders will give you the best possible chance for a successful, lasting recovery.

At the Aurora Centre, the multi professional team will do a professional assessment and refer the patient for further psychiatric assessment if necessary.

Yes, in fact this is common. Those who have an addiction are likely to have what is called a “co-occurring disorder,” such as depression or anxiety.

It is common for individuals to have more than one substance or process/behaviour addiction.

Research clearly links substance abuse to problems like gambling, video gaming, disordered eating, internet use and compulsive sexual behaviour. Not every person who is abusing substances has multiple addictions or a psychological problem, but in general, there is a lot of overlap between conditions.

One of two methods of payment must be arranged before admission. Payment by cash (EFT) or by means of medical fund is accepted.

The Centre also admits residents from the Free State who cannot afford the treatment fee as state subsidised patients as well as statutory referrals in terms of Act 70 of 2008.

Screening criteria apply, and only a limited number of beds are available.