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What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction is a physical or mental dependency on any illegal or legal substance or drug characterized by:
- A compulsive need and craving for one or several different drugs
- An inability to contain or limit one’s using
- Denial or aggression when these behaviors are questioned
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety when drug consumption has ceased
- A tolerance which requires greater amounts of drugs in order to get high
- Damaging consequences in one’s life which include financial ruin, family isolation and severe medical issues
Some may think that it’s just a matter of having the will to stop using but addiction severly compromises addicts ability to stop or control their using. Therefore the majority of addicts need help. With treatment and support from family and friends, many have been able to stop using and rebuild their lives.
Intervention can be a powerful tool to get the addict the help that they need. Often the denial and urge to use is so overpowering that the addict will continue using until forced to stop. The longer you wait for the addict to get help the greater the chances that they will have everlasting consequences. At Tabankulu we can help families and friends confront their loved ones in a supported intervention. The cycle of pain and destruction can end and recovery can begin. Please contact us directly for more information.
Tabankulu Programme for Chemical Dependence
Tabankulu’s bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach is designed to meet each individual's specific needs. The treatment for chemical dependency begins with a medical detox. Free of physical dependency the client can begin the programme which is designed to address not only the underlying issues but also ways of improving every aspect of an individual’s life for lasting recovery.
Meaningful Therapeutic Experience:
- The main component of Tabankulu treatment is daily group therapy. Group therapy is a powerful tool to help clients break free from their denial and shame and begin to make connections and relationships that challenge their distorted thinking and destructive behavior in a safe and supporting way.
- A Primary Counsellor specializing in addiction is assigned to each client, and will work on an individual basis with him or her throughout the course of his or her treatment. Many of our counselors have a personal experience of addiction themselves and are in recovery. All our counsellors have been formally trained in various therapeutic approaches.
- Our intergrated approach draws upon different psychotherapeutic techniques and is informed by Integral Theory, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and 12 Step abstinence-based philosophy. Along with a Psychodynamic approach we also draw upon Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Peer support that encourages healthy expression as well as learning how to express wants and needs in an appropriate way
Relapse Prevention:
- Learning about relapse and how to identify triggers and find other coping strategies.
- Workshops and Lectures about how to prevent relapse.
- Introducing clients to an Integrated Recovery Programme.
Education:
- Activities and expereintial exercises that stimulate understanding and learning about addiction and it’s consequences.
- Psycho-educational groups that introduce clients to various psychosocial life skills.
Family Involvement:
- Support around communication and expression that will begin to heal the family system
- Family conjoints with an experienced family therapist.
12 Step Foundation:
- The foundation of our programme is based upon Twelve Step philosophy. By introducing our clients into this support group we ensure that they have access to an outside support system.
Healthy Lifestyle:
- Individual advice around incorporating healthy exercise back into the client’s lifestyle as well as dietary education and nutritional supplements.
- Integrative therapies and activities that include art therapy, organic gardening, mindfulness meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, surfing, and caring for the horses on the property. Clients are introduced to a Integrated Recovery Lifestyle thereby given the oppertunity to start truly living and enjoying life again within the beautiful and spiritual surroundings of the Cape Peninsula.
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