Where to get help in South Africa for someone living with an addiction 

Living with someone with an active addiction can be traumatic and isolating. It can also be extremely frustrating and soul destroying to try to handle it on your own. You need to know that you’re not alone and you can reach out to us at the Recovery Center for help. Recovery Center at White River provides a safe, drug-free environment for both adult men and women living with a range of addictions. This includes alcohol and drug addiction as well as behavioural addictions such as Internet, porn, gambling, sex and dieting addictions. Many addictions are accompanied by a mental disorder which is why we offer dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental disorders. Our services includes a medical detox at a private clinic if required, and different types of therapy that are proven to be successful for addiction treatment.

How can Recovery Center at White River help you? 

Recovery Center at White River has a multi-disciplinary team of addiction professionals with extensive experience in the field of substance and behavioural addiction. This includes experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction counselors, behaviour therapists and professional nurses. We work closely with each client to find the best approach to begin a life of lasting recovery. We offer a comprehensive inpatient 3-month recovery programme that is built on a foundation of respect, dignity and compassion. Depending on the severity of the addiction and your insurance cover, you have the option of a shorter or longer stay. However, a 90-day drug treatment programme is best for those who have relatively severe or long-standing addictions. The recovery journey usually starts with a medical detox which is essential to manage withdrawal symptoms for substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe which is why someone with an active addiction needs  be in the care of a professional medical team in a hospital environment. Once the medical detox is done, your loved one returns to Recovery Center at White River and begins their treatment programme under the care of our addiction specialists. Patients stay in comfortable shared accommodation, attend individual and group therapy and enjoy healthy meals and daily exercise as part of our holistic approach to recovery. 

Where is Recovery Center at White River? 

Recovery Centre at White River is located in Mpumalanga in the northern region of South Africa. The treatment centre lies nestled in lush gardens in a beautiful 7-hectare property. White River is the gateway to the famous safari hub of South Africa and is only a 30-minute drive from the iconic Kruger National Park. The location of our treatment center is perfect in many ways. The beautiful countryside setting is peaceful and tranquil and offers an idyllic place to concentrate on recovery. We’re a short drive from some of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa which means we have a choice of wonderful places to visit for day excursions. We’re also located close to the region’s main airport which makes the Recovery Center easy to reach by plane; and we’re about a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg if you’re arriving by car or would like to be collected from OR Tambo International Airport or the city. 

We’re only a phone call away

We’re here to help as you travel the road to recovery alongside a loved one. Start by talking to us about different addiction treatment options and what therapy we offer.We’ll also help you with the paperwork and planning needed to be admitted. We keep in close contact with you during the treatment programme and provide valuable advice on supporting your loved one in recovery. 

Give us a call or WhatsApp: +27 (0) 76 350 9868

Send us an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit our website:  Recovery Center at White River

Find us at: Jatinga Road, Plaston, White River 1240, South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa – Drug addiction in South Africa is twice the international norm and a major contributor to crime and early deaths. Hypnotherapy experts are addressing the issue of addiction with the introduction of a new masterclass to empower experienced hypnosis practitioners to become part of the solution.

Addiction takes many forms. Alcohol and cannabis are the two major addictions in South Africa, followed by cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, opiates and ecstasy. It is estimated that some 60% of all crimes committed in this country involve the use of substances. Cigarettes are another major addiction; with about 7 million South Africans over the age of 15 smoke some 27 billion cigarettes every year. Gambling and internet gaming have both been recognized as official addictions. Other compulsive habits such as shopping, sex, food, TV, and social media have not yet been peer reviewed, but are growing problems. It is expected that the Covid-19 pandemic will aggravate the problem and the United Nations is predicting a dramatic rise in addictions in the near future because of it.

Hypnotherapy has been scientifically proven as an effective method to both prevent and solve addictions, but has largely been ignored because of the many misconceptions that exist about hypnosis. This is a problem that the experienced and respected South African hypnotherapists Thomas Budge and Yvonne Munshi are determined to rectify. According to South African hypnotherapy guru Thomas Budge: “Addiction is one of the most feared aspects of the hypnotherapist’s practice, simply because they do not possess the in-depth knowledge and skills to successfully help their clients.”

Thomas has taken it upon himself to rectify this problem and share his knowledge built up over many years. Together with Yvonne Munshi, herself an expert in this field, they have written a book called Addiction: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. This work forms the basis of the masterclass that will address the neurobiology of addiction, the rules of the mind, and effective and tested methods to address this growing problem. Registrations are open for suitably qualified and experienced hypnosis practitioners, whether they are working in the clinical or non-medical fields. This is the first course of its kind that will soon be presented around the world.

The masterclass will be held at Pretoria Ranch from 2 – 6 September 2021. It is limited to a maximum of 18 participants who will benefit from the expert information that will expand their practice. Those who have completed the course will become part of an online community where they receive support and regular updates. A referral system will be implemented to ensure that clients who need these specialized services get to the right practitioner.

This masterclass is a unique opportunity for hypnotherapists to gain expert information, which includes the 450-page course book Addiction: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Bookings are now open on http://hypnosismasterclass.pro

Luxury rehab centers started popping up in the 1980's and yes, for a long time they were the domain of the rich and famous. If you were fabulously wealthy or enjoyed celebrity status, you could slip away discretely and spend time recuperating at a high-heel rehab center. If you weren’t, you more than likely found yourself subjected to a punishing regime at a facility that favored a boot camp approach to treating addiction.

The no-frills approach where inpatients find themselves making their own beds, peeling potatoes and washing dishes has its roots in the 12-step program that advocates the need to humble an addict; to cultivate resilience and gratitude in a physically-demanding or uncomfortable environment to get them to acknowledge their addiction and make them take responsibility for it.

The hard-core boot camp approach works for some but certainly not for the majority, if you take a look at the historically low success rates of complete recovery. It perpetuates the notion that addiction is a ‘punishable’ offence and fuels the stigma associated with seeking treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. It certainly does nothing for the men and women who already battle with low self-esteem and chronic self-depreciation. 

Why luxury rehab is growing in popularity

Luxury rehab emerged to meet the demand for more privacy and comfort but today the resort-like addiction treatment centers have a far more serious role to play. This is because there has been a striking shift from ‘punishment’ to compassion when it comes to understanding and treating addiction. And don’t be mislead into thinking compassion is a weaker approach.The true meaning of compassion means “to suffer together”. It’s defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. It’s not the same as empathy or altruism, though the concepts are related.If you pick out the dominant emotion “feel motivated to relieve that suffering”, you’ll understand why compassion is such an integral part of the philosophy that underpins the new-age approach to treating any addiction. Compassionate treatment means treating the whole person; mind, body and soul.

Luxury rehab: is it worth the money you pay?

Kit Harington who played Jon Snow in the legendary Game of Thrones television series recently booked himself into a luxury rehab for stress and alcohol use, reportedly spending $120 000 for the month. Both Britney Spears and Ben Affleck have paid more than one visit to the posh Promises Treatment Center at a cost of about $36 000 for a 30-day stay; and David Hasselhoff and Stephen Baldwin both paid $40 000 for four weeks at the Passages Rehab Facility.

These are some of the figures you’ll hear bandied about when the press pick up on a celebrity discreetly slipping off to the California rehab highway. And when you look at those price tags, it’s no wonder luxury rehab centers like White River Manor in South Africa are growing in popularity as an international destination for addiction treatment.

A 30-day all-inclusive stay at White River Manor costs you in the region of USD$7 000 (about R100 000), which is roughly $250 per day (about R3 650 pd). That’s the basic price and increases if you book into the Presidential Suite or one of their private executive villas. It excludes your return flight to South Africa and the medical detox if needed.

If these figures leave you feeling somewhat gob smacked, you may wonder if luxury rehab is worth the price you pay.

Firstly, luxury is relative. Each stand-alone executive suite at White River Manor is stylishly decorated and the grand manor house has been elegantly refurbished. The 100-year old garden is gorgeous and serene and healthy meals are prepared by an executive chef. However, all this is the norm for the type of client that arrives at White River Manor; who’s opted for an addiction treatment center that promises exclusivity and anonymity.

The real cost lies in the rehabilitation service offering. White River Manor approaches addiction treatment or executive burnout with a multi-disciplinary team that ranges from a psychiatrist, psychologist and counselors to a trained nursing sister, executive chef, cognitive behavior therapist, music and art therapist, physiotherapist and professional life coach.

Everyone is specialized in the field of addiction treatment and has years of experience in treating addiction, executive burnout and mental disorders that co-occur with addiction.

White River Manor advocates an open-trust approach to addiction therapy so clients have access to free Wi-Fi and a fully-equipped business center which allows them to continue with their daily lives relatively uninterrupted. There’s also a deli onsite that provides clients with delicious coffee and healthy snacks between the main meals of the day.

A luxury vehicle is available to take clients to Akeso Hospital for their medical detox, for daily excursions and round-trip transfers from Johannesburg and the local KMIA airport. White River Manor is fenced and fully secure, with 24-hour security and guards patrolling the property.

A laundry service and turn-down service are standard and a beautician and masseuse visit White River Manor when needed. There’s a sparkling pool for refreshing swims and daily sports and recreational activities in the garden. 

More than luxury and exclusivity

 If you take luxury and exclusivity as a given at White River Manor, it’s location is what sets it apart and offers clients more for their money. Located in the lush Lowveld (Mpumalanga Province in northern South Africa), White River is the gateway to the iconic Kruger National Park and the premier safari destinations in Greater Kruger. It’s ideally located to the major tourist attractions in the region, including the famous Panorama Route, Kaapsehoop and Hazyview.

When White River Manor’s clients are ready to join in on the daily excursions, they have the choice of a full-day safari tour in the Kruger Park, elephant interaction at Elephant Whispers, helicopter rides over Blyde River Canyon, adventure sports in Hazyview, horse riding or Sedgeway rides in Kaapsehoop, golf at the legendary Leopard Creek golf course, mountain biking and wonderful day hikes in the stunning Lowveld surrounds.

The best that the Lowveld has to offer is all a reasonable drive away in a luxury air-conditioned car. And if you’d like to venture further as an extension to your stay; White River Manor is a 2-3 hour drive from the popular coastal resorts in Mozambique and the Big 5 premier game reserves in Swaziland.

So, what do you get for the price you pay for 30-days at White River Manor in South Africa?

A multi-disciplinary team dedicated to your full recovery; healthy eating, exercise and daily excursions to restore mind, body and soul; compassionate and caring staff committed to making your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible; an opportunity to explore one of the most scenic regions of  southern Africa; and luxury accommodation and facilities that take the ‘punishment’ out of rehabilitation and boosts self-esteem.It’s hard to put a price tag on your recovery but it does sound like luxury rehab at a destination like White River Manor is worth the cost. Visit our more affordable option here 

Speak to us if you need help treating an addiction or executive burnout

 Your journey to recovery starts with a private consultation with a counsellor at White River Manor.Contact us on:+27 (0) 82-731-5939 (South Africa)1-800-205-5961 (Toll-free)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Recovery Direct is one of the most exclusive psychological and addiction treatment centres in South Africa. Nestling in a quiet Constantia road, flanked by rolling vineyards, ancient oaks and the breath-taking grandeur of the Constantiaberg mountains, the centre offers a perfect and tranquil environment for recovery. Stunning multi-functional suites, each decked out in Victorian colonial style with en-suite bathrooms, balconies and panoramic views, offer outstanding accommodation for guests who want an upmarket and comfortable rehab experience.

Recovery Direct was founded by Vaughan Pankhurst, who recognised the need for a novel approach to addiction treatment after he had successfully completed his own nine-year own journey into long-term recovery. Vaughan realised early on that trauma lies at the heart of addiction, and his centre is unique in that it consciously addresses the underlying traumatic issues on which addiction feeds. As such, it challenges the stigmas surrounding addiction and substance use by focusing its treatment approach around the belief that the effects of trauma lead people to become addicts.

This approach contrasts with other rehabilitation centres in that Recovery Direct does not follow a 12-step programme in its treatment methodology. This non-punitive approach is intentional – it enables the centre and its healthcare workers to focus on resolving clients ‘problems by addressing the trauma and pain that drove them to addiction. It also carefully dismantles the destructive forces driving their addictions. Patients are required to see their counsellors every day, as opposed to once or twice a week. This regularity fast-tracks the healing process and enables recovery goals to be achieved sooner.

The centre is eco-friendly and environmentally conscious – electricity is produced by energy-efficient solar panels, and water is provided by a natural spring.

The exclusive rehab treats a wide spectrum of conditions, from alcoholism, drug addiction, anxiety and mood disorders to depression, gambling and food related addictions. It also helps clients who have eating disorders, issues related to sexual addiction, codependency, narcissistic abuse, trauma and PTSD. Its programs also cover panic disorder, pain management, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, grief, personality disorders, relationship issues, stress and burnout.

The centre also directs its efforts at ensuring sustainable recovery and life outside of rehab, which is why the aftercare and the outpatient programme are particularly strong.

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