Rehab describes structured programs designed to help people stop using drugs or alcohol and learn to live a healthy life.
Rehab provides the opportunity for mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Talk therapy and medical care are certainly essential to the treatment process. But sometimes a change in environment can be helpful, too. A new atmosphere full of fresh sights, sounds, and feelings can shift your perspective to inspire your recovery journey.
For many people, rehabilitation centres in South Africa offer the chance for personal rebirth and renewal.
This country is rich in history. And in addition to its awe-inspiring sights, South Africa offers an abundance of activities that luxury rehabs here take full advantage of. Greek rehabs’ approach to holistic health, emphasis on community connection, and experience with celebrity clientele make this destination a viable option for people who are seeking all-around wellness, or who need an escape from the public eye.
Renew and Refresh in South Africa
Memorable Outdoor Excursions
South Africa is graced by the Mediterranean’s sought-after climate, which lends itself nicely to the variety of outdoor-based activities offered at programs here.
Outdoor access can be a boon to the rehab experience. Mental health experts find that exposure to nature and outdoor activities can improve your mental wellbeing. ((Buckley, R. C., Brough, P., & Westaway, D. (2018). Bringing outdoor therapies into mainstream mental health. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 119. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00119/full))
Rehabs in South Africa provide ample opportunities for rejuvenation in nature:
- fitness by the sea
- farming and gardening
- fishing
- golf
- hiking
- horseback riding
- outdoor adventures
- rock climbing
Participating in these and other outdoor activities as part of treatment can reduce stress, help you connect with others, and allow you to shift your focus to learning something new.
Activities and Experiential Therapies
There’s no shortage of things to do in South Africa. Clients have unique opportunities to learn and heal through the variety of activities and experiential therapy programs available in the country. Engaging in these activities in a therapeutic setting can help you discover new ways of being and stimulate meta-awareness. ((Meta-awareness | meta lab | psychological & brain sciences | uc santa barbara. (n.d.). https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/schooler/jonathan/research/meta-awareness))
Meta-awareness can help you overcome triggers that may lead to substance or alcohol use by learning to regulate your emotions so you’re less reactive to distressing thoughts or scenarios. It can also make you more aware of spontaneous reactions you may not have thought of before—for example, automatically reaching for a drink in stressful situations.
Complementary Therapies
It’s common to find rehabs in South Africa that include nutrition therapy, physical activity, lifestyle change strategies, and complementary therapies in their treatment programs. These treatments combined can help you heal in ways that may not be achievable through talk therapy alone.
Our rehabs treat clients using a wide range of complementary therapies:
- music therapy
- swimming and water activities
- sound therapy
- dance therapy
- yoga
- art therapy
- recreation therapy
Finding Community and Rebuilding Relationships
Rehab opens the door not just to healing yourself, but also to restore your relationships. It provides an opportunity to form connections with like-minded people, which can help you learn to relate to others in healthier ways.
Strong communities are central to South African culture, and this comes across at many treatment centres. Multiple programs have a warm, community atmosphere that reflects the country’s social culture. Staff are often personable, helping clients feel attended to and cared for.
Another key aspect of South African culture is family bonds. Certain centres recognise the impact of involving family in the recovery process and offer family therapy programs. Addiction usually affects the entire household. However, it’s common that clients and their loved ones haven’t acknowledged past traumas that may have fractured family dynamics. Family therapy in rehab can help facilitate healthier family ties, which is an important component of sustainable recovery.