Drug-induced psychosis is a break from reality triggered by drugs. Someone in it may hear voices or see things that are not there, and hold fixed beliefs that cannot be true. For most people it clears within days to a few weeks of stopping the substance. While it lasts it is a real medical emergency, […]
Codeine addiction in South Africa rarely begins with a decision to use drugs. It usually begins with genuine pain and a pharmacy product that helped. Maybe it was a migraine that Myprodol finally touched, or a cough that only a codeine syrup could settle. The shift from taking codeine for pain to needing it to […]
Mandrax is the South African street name for tablets containing methaqualone, a sedative drug banned internationally in the 1970s but still produced in clandestine laboratories around the country. The drug acts as a central nervous system depressant. It slows breathing and dulls consciousness to a level that can cause respiratory failure, especially when combined with […]
Relapse is a process, not an event. By the time someone in recovery picks up a drink or a drug, the relapse has usually been underway for two to four weeks. The earliest signs are emotional rather than behavioural, and they appear long before anyone reaches for a substance. This article describes what to look […]
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is split into mild, moderate and severe and more extreme cases need detox and rehab for alcoholism. Alcoholism is chronic and marked by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol despite harmful consequences. It’s not mild abuse; it’s a severe disorder. The brain undergoes changes making resistance to drinking almost impossible. This […]
Changes offer a range of drug rehabilitation centres in Johannesburg to help individuals struggling with substance abuse. These facilities provide comprehensive and professional treatment programmes tailored to address various types of addiction. You’ll find detox, outpatient, inpatient and long-term rehab options, allowing you to choose the level of care that best suits your needs. Changes […]
Methamphetamine goes by many names in South Africa: Tik, crystal, “ice.” It doesn’t just disrupt a life, it rewires it. It speeds up the mind and burns through sleep. It hollows out appetite and leaves people swinging between frantic energy and emotional collapse. But here’s the part families rarely hear: Tik addiction is treatable. The […]
Understanding Addiction Relapse Addiction relapse is a complex process that often occurs in stages. Recognising the signs and understanding how relapse unfolds can help people in recovery take steps to prevent it. The Process of Relapse Relapse doesn’t happen suddenly. It’s a gradual process that can begin weeks or months before a person actually uses […]
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the chances are high that there is someone playing the role of an enabler. Often, this person isn’t even aware of it. Enabling is a term you might have encountered quite frequently while dealing with addiction, but do you understand what it means and the […]
Understanding the distinctions and overlaps between sobriety and recovery is crucial for anyone navigating the path of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. While both terms aim at freedom from addiction, their meanings and implications differ significantly, shaping the approach and outcomes of treatment. Defining Sobriety Sobriety is fundamentally about abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It […]