Addictions

With frequent gambling, alcohol use or drug consumption there is an increased risk of addiction. Addiction is marked by physical and/or psychological dependency which can take over your life at the expense of normal daily activities. If you feel like you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – our trained professionals stand ready on 021 541 0643 to support those who need it most.

Addiction occurs when you have intense cravings for something – it can be a substance or a behaviour. You lose control over its use or involvement despite the negative repercussions and consequences. 

Your addiction slowly takes over your life and becomes your main focus. The things that were once important have faded into the background.  But, it is never too late to take back control, contact our team at 021 541 0643

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to resist the temptation of substances or other behaviours? If so, it’s possible that addiction is taking hold. It can be difficult to recognise when you’ve lost control over your own use and are beginning to prioritise these activities at the expense of daily life.

Fortunately, help is available! Call Connection 021 541 0643 for guidance towards recovery from substance dependence before matters get worse.

Connection Mental Healthcare is a private rehab. Our rates vary depending on the length of treatment and on what kind of accommodation you prefer.

We offer shared room accommodation, and private room accommodation depending on availability. The minimum length of treatment is 28 days; however, 42 days is advised. Please contact us for more information and we will make sure that we respond to you within 24 hours.

To help you kick the habit, at Connection Mental Healthcare, we look at both the physical and mental aspects. When your body releases the substance you have become addicted to, withdrawal symptoms sometimes occur. Managing these on your own is exceptionally challenging and far easier with the support of a qualified and experienced team.

Detox

During this detox, your body gets rid of the addictive substances. In principle, you are clean, but the mental addiction has not yet disappeared. You need to start living your life again, but this time without the substance or behaviour to which you were addicted. Connection helps you with this, we are with you every step of the way.

Symptoms addiction:

• Loss of control over use of the drug or other substance.
• Mood swings and irrational behaviour.
• In drug addiction: painful or red eyes with dilated or constricted pupils; irregular breathing; shaking hands; itchy or runny nose; nausea.
• Drug withdrawal symptoms include cravings, depression, restlessness, yawning, sweating, and goosebumps.
• Someone needs more and more of a substance to get the same effect (tolerance).
• When someone stops immediately, depending on the substance, physical withdrawal symptoms occur. The type and severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the substance.
• People use longer or more than they had planned in advance.
• Someone is unable to stop or cut back, despite attempts to do so and the knowledge that the substance or behaviour has more disadvantages than advantages. For example, continuing to drink alcohol despite alcohol-induced liver problems.
• The use of the substance causes a person to no longer function socially or at work, or to suffer seriously from its side effects or consequences (for example, feelings of depression).

The development of an addiction can be attributed to many different factors: 

• Psychological factors like depression and anxiety often play a significant role.
• Environments, whether stressful or monotonous can also play a critical role.
• In addition, hereditary influences may increase your risk. 
• Even on a biological level, there is evidence linking dopamine release with addictive behaviour: the brief pleasure associated with taking the substance or engaging in activities triggers strong physical cravings leading one down this negative path.

If you’ve been struggling with a dependency on substances, gambling or gaming for some time and find yourself unable to break free from their hold on your own — it’s time to reach out. 

Addiction can have devastating consequences from health issues to financial difficulty and unemployment. 

Take that brave step and seek help from a team dedicated to your recovery on 021 541 0643 – take back control of your life. Our team is here to help you.

At Connection Mental Healthcare, we understand that addiction can be caused by a variety of factors

Our treatment staff are experts in all types of addiction no matter what stage; whether you’re experimenting with substance misuse or suffering from chronic dependency issues, our team is here for you. 

For more information on how we can help, please call us: 021 541 0643.

Supporting a loved one through addiction can be an emotionally draining experience, so it’s vital to stay informed and find sources of help. Communication is key; speak with the addict in a non-accusatory manner at appropriate times when they are sober and ask for their preferred way of being supported. Positive reinforcement goes a long way to – show appreciation for any progress that has been made!

If seeking more extensive outside assistance seems necessary, Connection Mental Healthcare will provide you with all the support and guidance needed during these difficult times — reach out today by telephone on 021 541 0643.

Addiction has been extensively researched and the results are clear – it is a mental disorder. Science identifies areas of the brain that become involved in its progress, such as reward centres, memory storage sites and neocortex sections.

Furthermore, long-term usage leads to permanent changes within those locations including decreases in dopamine receptors which heighten predisposition levels for addiction relapse. All evidence points towards addiction being classified as an illness/disease due to these biophysical facts about how our brains function under the influence of addictive substances or activities.

According to studies, drug use appears to be hereditary. However, it does not necessarily mean that you will also become addicted if one of your parents is or was. It is important to remember that environmental conditions can reduce the effect of increased susceptibility.

Addiction can be labelled as a ‘family disease’. Addiction does not only affect the addict but also their loved ones. That is why Connection Mental Healthcare believes it is crucial to interact with the client’s family and friends so that we can help them learn how to deal with the effects of addiction.