FInd A Place For Sustainable Recovery From Heroin Use

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Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin is synthesised from morphine, a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the seeds of the poppy plant. However, this is the base form of heroin, and there are many diluted forms which only add further harmful chemicals to the drug and increase the possible risks involved.

Heroin is an opioid, and the addiction is an intense physical addiction, one that is very hard to resist. While heroin users may understand the damaging effects of consistent drug use, many addicts continue taking heroin just to avoid the effects of withdrawal.

Since the effects of heroin give the user a brief, false sense of freedom from their reality, anxiety and pain, it can keep you in a constant cycle of repetitive use.

There are several methods by which heroin can be ingested:

  • Snorted
  • Injected
  • Smoked (referred to as chasing the dragon)

If you, or your loved one, are currently struggling with a heroin addiction, you are not alone. Every year new cases of heroin dependency are reported in South Africa; sadly, very few seek out treatment immediately.

Seek out help for Heroin

Heroin is a powerful drug and can be highly addictive while notoriously hard to resist once regular use has been established.

It not only begins to affect your mind but has visible effects on internal organs and even your physical appearance.

The drug goes by many names and can be referred to as one of the following by those who use slang terminology:

  • H
  • Smack
  • Brown Sugar
  • Rock
  • Slow
  • China White
  • White
  • Junk
  • Dragon
Addiction Treatment

Side effects of heroin

Treating an addiction to heroin is usually a multi-faceted approach that involves therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. To improve the chances of rehabilitation, it is best to monitor the process with professional help. Those who can gauge which parts of the treatment would be most effective and how to give the addict the greatest chance of recovery.

Regardless of the type of heroin addiction you are battling, you can get professional help through our private rehab facility at one of The Cedars rehabilitation facilities across South Africa.

We specialise in treating a wide variety of addictions, especially addiction to heroin and illegal drugs, as well as prescription medication. To help you fully recover, we will first carefully assess your condition before providing an individualised course of treatment in our comfortable facilities that offer a tranquil place for you to work through our program.

Treating your heroin addiction

Medical supervision is an important part of in-patient rehab. Because Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be intense, many people will use the drug to relieve their pain even if they are serious about quitting. 

Medication-assisted stabilisation and withdrawal management helps lessen withdrawal symptoms, which is often accomplished with the help of a medical professional that can manage symptoms and allow the addict to reduce their dependency with time gradually.

Along with a comprehensive rehabilitation programme that will care for your overall mental health and identify the root cause of your addiction, and tackle it. 

During rehabilitation, you will also be provided with various tools to help you achieve long-term sobriety so that once you’re back home, you have the mental clarity and recovery information to avoid relapsing.

Post-treatment for heroin addiction

Once you are discharged from our facility, if you wish, you can continue treatment. We are open to providing additional post-treatment support. Studies have shown that recovering addicts who take advantage of aftercare stand a better chance of avoiding a relapse.

Don’t let your heroin addiction rule your life. Take control today by getting in touch with us for professional help.

The pros and cons of heroin rehab

The advantages of seeking addiction treatment in a private rehab like ours are numerous. We are equipped with some of the top addiction counsellors in South Africa, with years of experience in helping those battling heroin addiction to achieve a full recovery in a safe environment.

Other benefits of getting your addiction treated in our facility include the following:

  • Quick admission
  • Medical supervision
  • Personalised treatment
  • Private care
  • 24-hour supervision
  • Safe and peaceful environments
  • High-quality facilities
  • Aftercare services

These benefits, along with tailored solutions for your specific case, are available to anyone seeking out private rehab treatment with The Cedars in South Africa. Reach out to us today and start your journey towards recovery.

behavioural addictions

  • Eating Disorders
  • Exercise Addiction
  • Gambling Disorder 
  • Gaming Addiction
  • Pornography Addiction
  • Sex Addiction
  • Shopping Addiction
  • Social Media Addiction

treatment phases & length

Primary Phase

This initial treatment phase forms the foundation of our highly effective addiction treatment program. Our primary treatment programme covered by medical aids is 21 days. The recommended treatment term at The Cedars is 90 days for the best possible outcome. True behavioural change takes time and practice, and it is our fervent belief that adhering to the recommended treatment term offers the client the best chance at sustained recovery. However, we have no rules about length of stay and our program is customized per individual. After abusing substances over a period of years, it can take the brain at least a month to return to the best possible cognitive functioning, where treatment efforts can be of maximum benefit.
After a physical health assessment, a customised medication assisted stabilization plan will be drawn up by our medical doctor and nurse to help clients abstain from substances safely and as comfortably as possible. The client begins one-on-one counselling, 12-Step treatment, group therapy and benefits from a healthy diet and regular exercise. Clients will usually complete the first three steps of the 12-Step program in primary care.

inclusions

  • Medication assisted stabilization and withdrawal management
  • Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion
    and focus groups
  • Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
  • Introduction to 12-Step program and written Step work
  • Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
  • Educational workshops about addiction related topics
  • Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
  • 12-Step Meetings
  • Community outings involving fun sober recreational activities
  • Healthy meals prepared by our in-house chef, regular aerobic exercise and yoga classes offered by a personal trainer, excursions

Secondary Phase

In the secondary phase, clients undergo a deeper exploration into the root cause of the substance abuse and other compulsive, self-defeating behaviour. They work hand-in-hand with our expert team to work through the balance of the 12-Steps, using the steps to process the damage and unmanageability their behaviour and substance abuse have caused in their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. They rely on their counsellors and the therapeutic community to identify their self-defeating behaviour and work towards change.
Clients are gradually given more responsibility in the community and given the opportunity to become role models and help the newer clients in their early process. Focus is put on discipline and routine, growth and responsibility, all to develop connection and self-worth. At the end of this phase, discharge planning and relapse prevention tools are explored, and short and long term goals are determined for when the client leaves treatment.

inclusions

  • Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion and focus groups
  • Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
  • Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
  • Educational workshops about addiction related topics
  • Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
  • 12-Step Meetings
  • Community outings involving fun, sober recreational activities

Tertiary Phase

During this final phase, our clients learn how to maintain their life in recovery, prevent relapse and reintegrate into society. Counsellors help the client prepare for a return to employment and family life. Important choices may need to be made that are most beneficial to sustaining long-term recovery. It’s also an opportunity for the client to take up a senior role in the therapeutic community, explore employment options and resolve any persisting behavioural addiction issues in the safest possible environment. Clients are given more freedom and responsibility and are able to work during the day and return in the afternoon.

inclusions

  • Accommodation and meals
  • Weekly check-in groups
  • Check-in sessions with their counsellor, by appointment
  • Weekly 12 Step meetings

Addiction Treatment

post treatment support

When a client completes treatment, we are very sensitive to the fact that life in recovery is filled with challenges. At The Cedars, we have a number of structures in place to ensure the safest possible transition for clients from treatment and back into life.
We offer family workshops to educate families about the realities of addiction, and how to help their loved ones on their journey. We offer the client deep insight into the 12-Step fellowships, meetings and sponsorship – all vital to an ongoing recovery.
Our multi-disciplinary professionals are available to you when your loved one is ready to move into the next chapter. We are here to help you learn and grow throughout the process.

If you require post-treatment counselling, please click here