Choosing the right substance abuse rehabilitation centre

Substance abuse has always been a problem in all societies throughout the world.

Most people have a relative or friend who suffers from addiction.

Treating substance abuse has become more complex and requires specialised treatment.

Ms Laetitia Goosen, the deputy manager of the Wedge Gardens treatment centre, said there has been a change in the profile of addiction in South Africa and there is a growing demand to find suitable treatment centres.

“Tragically, the onset age for children experimenting with drugs has dropped from 12 to as young as eight.

“Unfortunately, people may believe that there is money in treating substance abuse, with the result that unregistered treatment centres have been popping up like mushrooms lately. Family members are desperate and are prepared to pay a fortune in order for their loved ones to stop their drug use,” said Ms Goosen.

She said research has shown that 75 percent of patients in treatment present with a dual diagnosis. About 50.9 percent of patients with mental disorders have a substance abuse problem.

“Thirty to 50 percent of patients have a co-morbid disorder. Alcohol/cannabis patients are 3 to 4.5 percent more likely to have co-occurring mood disorders. Data shows that people diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are about twice as likely to also suffer from a drug use disorder. Twenty to 30 percent of users experience intense anxiety and panic attacks,” said Ms Goosen.

Addiction has a physical and psychological leg. Detoxification forms the first part of the treatment, treating the withdrawal symptoms when deprived of the substance. Addressing the psychological leg of addiction requires an in-depth intervention, identifying and treating the underlying causes of the addiction problem.

“Addiction changes the brain in fundamental ways. Obsessive behaviour occurs that overrides the ability to control impulses. Wrong choices are consequently made despite the severe consequences,” said Ms Goosen.

She said a multi-disciplinary team with a holistic and professional approach is required in the successful treatment of addiction. According to Ms Goosen, the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, psychiatric and medical needs must be addressed.

“In order to identify all needs, personality disorders and the underlying causes of the addiction problem, a thorough assessment involving all professional staff must be carried out. Treatment programmes should be scientifically based and individual treatment plans should be drawn up, based on the therapeutic assessment,” said Ms Goosen.

Ms Goosen and the Wedge Gardens team are adamant that patients should not be treated in isolation.

“Family members, or any person who plays an important role in their lives, should form part of the programme. The cycle of addiction can only change if co-dependency is addressed. Therefore, a relapse prevention plan, based on their individual needs, should be drawn up for each patient before they are discharged from a centre. Research has shown that the success in recovery lies in active involvement in after-care services,” she said.

Legislation requires that all treatment centres treating substance abuse have to be registered with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health.

Unregistered treatment centres operate illegally, which implies that there is no control over the services being rendered. All professional staff must be registered with a professional council. Staff should have the skills, knowledge, right attitude, insight and ability to treat each person with respect and dignity. Confidentiality is one of the most important ethical factors that should be adhered to by every staff member.

She explained that there are two types of treatment; voluntary and involuntary treatment.

She said involuntary treatment can be considered if the person is in denial and is a danger to him- or herself and others. Family members or close acquaintances can request a rehabilitation order through the court.

However, Ms Goosen said the success rate increases should a person decide for him- or herself to go for voluntary treatment.

“It means that they acknowledge they have a problem and admit that they cannot address it by themselves in isolation and need some form of help,” said Ms Goosen.

In matching a service to the service user, the following factors need to be considered: Motivation, support system, substance abuse history, employment history, recovery environment, financial history, physical health, support system, emotional condition and psychiatric condition.

“Despite the severity of addiction, it can be successfully treated in registered treatment centres rendering scientifically-based programmes by professional and skilled staff. People who suffer from substance abuse should never lose hope. They are often special people with great potential and must always remember that they can add value to their family life and society after successful treatment,” said Ms Goosen.

Wedge Gardens is a registered treatment centre, run by the non-profit organisation Rand Aid Association, and can be contacted on 011 430 0320.

Alternatively, visit www.wedgegardens.co.za for more information.