12 Step Programme South Africa: How Changes Integrates 12-Step Recovery
The 12 step programme in South Africa runs through Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and dozens of related fellowships across the country. At Changes Rehab in Johannesburg, the 12 step framework sits inside our person-centered, abstinence-based primary care model, supported by a clinical team with over 120 years of collective experience. This page explains what the […]
Unraveling Co-occurring Disorders in Opiate Addiction Recovery
Often people trying to find recovery from opiate addiction, find themselves grappling with other mental health challenges. These Co-occurring Disorders in Opiate Addiction Recovery are not mere coincidences but are part of the complex web of factors that contribute to addiction. This is also referred to as a dual-diagnosis. Just as British actor and comedian […]
Realistic Expectations in Around Rehabs and Addiction Treatment
Setting realistic addiction treatment expectations is a crucial part of the initial treatment phase. As an addiction counsellor with 25 years experience, I’ve seen how essential this is, and I want to share some insights to help you and your loved ones navigate this process with understanding and compassion. Understanding Addiction Treatment Expectations Addiction treatment […]
4 Stages of an Alcohol Treatment Centre Programme
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 […]
6 Dysfunctional Family Roles in Addiction
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 […]
The 12 Patterns of Denial: #12 The Democratic Disease State
People with addiction or substance abuse problems use different forms of denial to keep themselves in the addictive cycle. One such denial strategy is called the democratic disease state. Denial can be a dysfunctional protection mechanism which you may use to protect yourself from having to recognise, deal with and accept the reality of what […]
The 12 Patterns of Denial – Manipulation in Addiction
People with addiction or substance abuse problems use different forms of denial to keep themselves in the addictive cycle, for example manipulation in addiction. Denial can be a dysfunctional protection mechanism which you may use to protect yourself from having to recognise, deal with and accept the reality of what is occurring in your life. […]
The 12 Patterns of Denial & Comparing in Addiction
People with addiction or substance abuse problems use different forms of denial to keep themselves in the addictive cycle. Comparing in addiction is one example. Denial can be a dysfunctional protection mechanism which you may use to protect yourself from having to recognise, deal with and accept the reality of what is occurring in your […]
Does Medical Aid Pay for Addiction Rehab in South Africa?
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 […]
How Long Do Alcoholics Stay In Rehab?
Research shows that, on average, 35% of people will relapse in the year after treatment if their rehab programme was less than 90 days long. This drops to 17% for those who were in rehab for 90 days or longer. Relapse rates are even lower for those in treatment for a year or more.