New rehab centre fills growing need for treatment
A new rehabilitation centre has opened in Musgrave to meet increasing demand.
THE escalating number of alcohol and substance abusers in KwaZulu-Natal has created the need for a holistic, full-time addiction rehabilitation centre.
Choose Life Specialist Recovery Centre which opened on Durban’s Windmill Road in January, has already proven itself a vital rehabilitative service for a population that is becoming ever more reliant on addictive substances.
A report released by the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) for the period from January to June 2017, revealed that there had been an increase in alcohol-related admissions to treatment centres. In people below the age of 20 years, there was an increase from eight per cent to 24 per cent in the six-month period. And, according to 2018 statistics, cannabis remains the primary narcotic, particularly among those under 20 years, while whoonga, heroin and cocaine are prevalent in the 20 to 35-year age group.
Choose Life, originally established as an extension of the renowned Riverview Manor Rehabilitation Centre based in the Southern Drakensberg, is now operating as a full-time private specialist clinic under the watch of Alicia Ghiroo and her team.
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“Through our specialist staff, co-ordinated approach and intimate groups, we are able to provide clients with the tools to address their addiction,” she said.
Malcolm Young, General Manager, said that they had identified a growing issue with alcohol and narcotic abuse in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly among the youth, adding that the centre would assist the growing need for treatment by providing a full-time rehabilitation programme.
“Choose Life offers clients a comprehensive assessment, using the ASAM Criteria, to ensure correct placement and individualised treatment for people in recovery,” explained Young. “It is an affordable rehabilitative option that encourages clients to remain for a minimum of 21 days, but preferably 28 days, partly covered by medical aid. This ensures the treatment becomes part of the individual’s daily routine so as to avoid a relapse. The team also offers secondary care for those who have completed an in-patient programme.
Contact Malcolm Young on 033 701 911 or Alicia Ghiroo on 031 201 2181.
