Help Is Available When You’re Ready.

You know you’re addicted to drugs and/or alcohol when you continue to drink and use despite the negative consequences. When you know it’s damaging the most important things in your life, and despite this awareness, you just keep drinking and using.

You keep using, even as your health breaks down, your family is in turmoil, and your future slips through your fingers. You tell yourself you’ll stop tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes.

Deep down, you know you’re trapped. But you don’t have to stay there. We can help.

At Changes Rehab, we know that addiction is a complex brain disease, not a personal failure. You’re not weak willed or deficient in some area. You’re not a bad person trying to be good. You have an illness that needs professional treatment to get better.

Call us today. Medical aids pay for rehab. Let’s get you back to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Need to help a loved one?

Am I Addicted – Self Test.

This checklist is designed to help you see how drug use may be impacting your health and life.

When you read “drug,” focus on the alcohol, drug or the substances that concern you most. Think about your experiences over the last 12 months only. Then, answer “yes” or “no” to each question.

Did you have strong desires or cravings for the drug?
Did you want to cut back or stop using the drug, but couldn’t?
Did you spend a lot of time trying to get the drug, using the drug, or recovering from using it?
Did you have times when you used the drug more or for longer than you wanted to?
Did using the same amount of the drug have less effect than it used to? Or did you have to use more to feel the effect you wanted?
Please answer “yes” if either question is true for you.
Did you have withdrawal symptoms when you weren’t using the drug? Or did you use the drug to avoid having these symptoms?
Please answer “yes” if either question is true for you.
Did you continue to use the drug even though you thought it might be causing mental or physical problems — or making them worse?
Did you use the drug even though you thought it might be causing problems with your family or other people?
Did using the drug make it harder for you to keep up with your responsibilities at work, school, or home?
Did you spend less time working, enjoying hobbies, or being with others because of your use of the drug?
Did you do something dangerous more than once after using the drug — like drive a car or operate machinery?
1 Yes answer: You’re showing little to no signs of a substance use disorder.

2 Yes answers: Your results suggest you are showing signs of a mild substance use disorder.

3 Yes answers: Your results suggest you are showing signs of a mild substance use disorder.

4 Yes answers: Your results suggest you are showing signs of a moderate substance use disorder.

5 Yes answers: Your results suggest you are showing signs of a moderate substance use disorder.

6 Yes answers onwards:- Your results suggest you are showing signs of a severe substance use disorder.

This isn’t a diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your drinking or drug use, contact us now. Speak to our addiction specialists. They’ll help build a recovery plan that works for you.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), known as “addiction” are chronic, relapsing disorders defined by compulsive drug seeking and use, even when faced with negative consequences. Alcohol and substance use disorders can range from mild to severe, and the addiction is often a symptom of a deeper problem.
Addiction is persistent, prone to relapse, patients have overwhelming cravings and urges to use, and a disregard for harmful consequences. This problematic pattern of drinking and using affects your health and well-being.

  • Chronic:

    Addiction is not a temporary condition. It’s is a long-term, ongoing disorder. It persists over time and needs to be managed over many years, even a lifetime.

  • Relapsing:

    Even after periods of abstinence, individuals with addiction may relapse, returning to compulsive drug or alochol use. 

  • Compulsive Drug Seeking and Use:

    This refers to the often irresistible urge’s to drink and use drugs, regardless of the negative consequences. 

  • Adverse Consequences:

    The wide-ranging harmful effects of addiction on a person’s physical and mental health, career, relationships, and overall life.

We know that drug and alcohol is a treatable mental health condition, and Changes Rehab is with you for the duration. We have the full continuum of care and aim to be the last treatment centre you’ll ever need. Addiction deeply impacts your quality of life. We know so much more about addiction today than we used to. We can see on brain scans how addiction affects the brains reward, learning and memory systems.
Drugs and alcohol release huge amounts of dopamine that used to create a feeling a well-being. Towards the end of addiction, people are drinking and using just to feeling normal. This powerful, unhealthy cycle can be stopped and a return to health living is possible.

Whether you have mild, moderate or severe addiction, help is available. Many of our patients have polysubstance use disorder, where more than one substance is being used at the same time.

Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction vary based on the substance used, but generally fall into two categories: intoxication and withdrawal.

  • Intoxication: The immediate effects of a substance on your body:
    • intense emotions
    • impaired judgment
    • changes in physical functioning
  • Withdrawal: The unpleasant symptoms that occur when the substance leaves your body:
    • nausea
    • sweating
    • difficulty sleeping
    • mood changes

The exact cause of SUD is not fully understood, but it is a complex condition influenced by genetics, family history, and emotional factors. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) can contribute to someone becomeing addicted. Take the ACE test here and take the “Am I Addicted” test here.

Substance-Use vs. Substance-Induced Disorders

Substance-related disorders fall into two main categories: substance-use disorders and substance-induced disorders.

  • Substance-use disorders involve a cluster of symptoms that develop from continued use of a substance, even when it causes significant problems in health, relationships, or daily functioning.

  • Substance-induced disorders are conditions that result directly from the physiological effects of a substance. These include intoxication, withdrawal, and other substance/medication-induced mental disorders. (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Substance/Medication-Induced Mental Disorders

These disorders develop in individuals who did not have a prior mental health condition before substance use. They include:

  • Substance-induced psychotic disorder: Involves delusions, hallucinations, or both, occurring within one month of substance use or withdrawal (alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications).

  • Substance-induced bipolar and related disorders: Characterised by manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes associated with substance use or withdrawal.

  • Substance-induced depressive disorders: A depressive episode following substance use. For diagnosis, symptoms must not be attributable to intoxication or withdrawal.

  • Substance-induced anxiety disorders: Anxiety or panic symptoms triggered by substance use. Diagnosis requires that symptoms are not explained by intoxication or withdrawal.

  • Substance-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: Onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms linked to substance use, causing distress and impairment.

  • Substance-induced sleep disorders: Insomnia or other sleep disturbances caused by alcohol, drugs, or medications.

  • Substance-induced sexual dysfunctions: Impairments in sexual desire, arousal, or performance linked to substance use.

  • Substance-induced delirium: Acute disturbance in attention and awareness resulting from intoxication (e.g. alcohol, medications, illicit substances).

  • Substance-induced neurocognitive disorders: Mild or major cognitive impairment that persists beyond intoxication and withdrawal.

DSM-5-TR Update

The DSM-5-TR expanded criteria for substance-induced mild neurocognitive disorder to include symptoms caused by prolonged stimulant use (e.g. methamphetamine, cocaine). Research shows that chronic stimulant exposure may cause lasting deficits in learning, memory, and executive functioning.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How Is SUD Diagnosed?

There isn’t a single test to diagnose an SUD. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a thorough evaluation of your medical and mental health history. This may include blood or urine tests to assess substance use, but these are primarily for monitoring and are not a diagnostic tool for addiction itself. Your provider will use the criteria in the DSM-5 to determine if your condition is mild, moderate, or severe, which helps us to create a tailored treatment plan for you.

Can Addiction Be Cured? The Truth About Relapse

Like other chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes, addiction is a lifelong condition that can be managed successfully. It’s not a cure, but a way to help you counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on your brain and behavior to regain control of your life. For many, relapse can be a part of the recovery process. A relapse does not mean treatment has failed; rather, it is a sign that it may be time to resume, modify, or try a new form of treatment.

The Principles of Effective Treatment

Research shows that effective treatment should be a holistic, personalized approach that addresses the needs of the whole person, including their medical, mental, and social problems. Treatment often combines both behavioural therapy and medication.

Treatment Options: Therapy & Medication

  • Behavioral Therapies: We use a variety of proven therapies to help you modify your attitudes and behaviours related to substance use. These include:
    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you recognize, avoid, and cope with situations that trigger substance use.
    • Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Uses strategies to increase your motivation to change your behaviour and engage in treatment.
    • Family Therapy: Involves family members to help them develop better communication skills and be supportive in your recovery.
    • 12-Step Facilitation (TSF): Prepares you to engage in 12-step support programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which provide social and complementary support.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For conditions like alcohol use disorder and opioid addiction, certain medications can significantly help by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some common medications include naltrexone and buprenorphine.

Why Choose Changes Rehab?

At Changes Rehab, we are a leading inpatient drug rehab Johannesburg centre dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Our unique, patient-first approach is designed to give you the highest chance of achieving lasting recovery.

Your Multidisciplinary Care Team

Our team is what sets us apart. As our Resident Specialist Psychiatrist Dr. Van der Merwe says, “It became my passion to look at a patient as a whole, using medication, supplements, therapy and some lifestyle changes.” This philosophy is the foundation of our work. Our team includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors who work together to address your needs.

Medical Aid & Admissions

One of the biggest questions is about cost. We are proud to say that our comprehensive residential programme is fully covered by most medical aids in South Africa. Our admissions team will work directly with your medical aid provider to ensure you can access treatment without financial stress. If you are seeking emergency rehab Johannesburg or same day rehab admission, our team is available 24/7 to provide confidential assistance.

Inpatient Care, Detox & Aftercare

For individuals in urgent need of help, we offer a safe, medically supervised environment for drug and alcohol detox Johannesburg. Our 24 hour addiction treatment and residential programs are designed to provide a high level of care in a compassionate setting. But stopping substance use is just the beginning. Our goal is to be the last treatment centre you’ll need. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on a comprehensive aftercare plan. We will help you develop new coping skills and a strong support system, including family therapy and connections to support groups like Narcotics Anonymous.

Living With and Preventing SUD

Living a Life in Recovery

Recovery is a rewarding journey, but it requires a persistent effort. Ongoing treatment and support can help prevent relapse. Following up with your counselor, attending regular group sessions, and reaching out to a support group are all essential parts of a successful long-term recovery. Remember that you may need continuing care throughout your life, as SUD is a chronic condition, and your care team will be with you every step of the way.

When to Seek Help

If you’re using a substance regularly and are concerned it’s becoming a habit you can’t stop on your own, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. Taking the first step towards getting help may be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but remember, help is available when you’re ready.