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 […]
At Changes Rehab in Johannesburg, we understand that overcoming addiction is more than just breaking a physical dependency. Our holistic approach addresses every aspect of an individual’s being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. This comprehensive guide explores how our unique methodology at Changes Rehab offers a path to lasting recovery. Holistic Treatment Embracing Total […]
GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system depressant that is often used as a recreational drug due to its euphoric, relaxing and sedative effects. Although it was originally developed for medical purposes, including as an aesthetic and sleep aid, it is now mainly used illicitly for non-medical reasons. It is a very dangerous drug […]
Understanding addiction is not easy, especially when you are the family of an addict. The more you learn, the better you can respond to your loved one without losing yourself in the process. This guide explains what support for families of addicts in Johannesburg looks like in practice. It also covers how to find help […]
Here are the four stages of an alcohol treatment centre programme: Treatment Initiation Early Abstinence Maintaining Abstinence Advanced Recovery. Few alcoholics’ recoveries are this direct. We move back and forth between the four stages, some alcoholics more than others. Knowing where you are in the 4 stages of an alcohol treatment centre programme can help […]
It’s common for family members to unknowingly adopt one of six dysfunctional family roles in addiction that can perpetuate the disease and impede the treatment process delaying or stopping the recovery journey. A respected specialist in the field of addictions and codependency, Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse, identified the six primary roles in a family suffering from addiction […]
Introduction Yes, medical aid in South Africa is required to pay for inpatient rehab under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), but the day count and co-payment depend on your scheme. How Medical Aid Pays For Rehab In South Africa: Your 2026 Step-By-Step Guide If you’re limping from crisis to crisis due to your own or […]
Addiction is a family disease, everyone plays a role and is affected by the addiction, whether you’re a parent, child, spouse, sibling or even a close friend. Families often go through overwhelming emotions related to their loved one’s addiction including guilt, hopelessness, anger, frustration and helplessness. Here are the 3 C’s to addiction recovery that […]
Despite many signs indicating an alcohol addiction in a friend or relative, many families wait until the consequences are extremely severe before they take action. If you are asking the question Does my loved one have a drinking problem, there are probably already strong indicators of addiction. But to help you clear up any confusion, […]