WeDoRecover Aims to Alter the Stigma of Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, June 27, 2012 (Press-News.org) Did you know that one of the most common reasons why patients don't want to attend addiction treatment is because of the stigma that society associates to the terms 'alcoholic' and 'drug addict'?

Here at WeDoRecover, we think a little differently. Our aim is to change society's perception of these labels and ensure that they're not seen as degrading. WeDoRecover's Head addictions counsellor Gareth Carter says that the negative associations around addiction often delay people getting the treatment they so badly need and deserve.

"Society often views addicts as criminals or bad people. While addiction may lead some people to do illegal things, in most addicts it's simply not the case," said Carter. "Some of the people you least expect could be addicted to drugs or alcohol and these individuals could be famous, have high-end jobs in major companies or even someone you constantly speak to.

"We've treated high court judges, an ex-presidents bodyguard, high performance athletes as well as people who've lived on the streets and everyone in between.

"Becoming addicted isn't a reflection of poor character, lack of will power or intellectual prowess. Becoming addicted doesn't mean we're bad people who need to be good; it means we're sick people who need the right help in an effective treatment centre to get better," added Carter.

Carter says that because of the embarrassment and shame society attaches to addiction, it makes recovery harder to achieve.

"The stigma attached to being an addict is some of what makes it difficult for individuals to book themselves into a rehab centre. Once the stigma & personalised sense of shame, for both the addicted patients and their families, is dealt with treatment is more effective," said Carter.

"We want people to realise that by avoiding the addiction problem, you're actually making things worse. By adopting the right kind of support that recognises addiction as a brain disease, as the leading authorities now do, and holding the patient accountable for their recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs you may actually save their life," added Carter.

If you suspect that you or a loved one could be addicted to drugs or alcohol but are unsure of how to approach the situation, WeDoRecover provides a platform where you can call and get guidance from professional and qualified addiction counsellors.

WeDoRecover was started in 2007 by an internationally accredited addiction counsellor who had held the 'head of treatment' position in both the UK and South Africa. He realised that families struggling with an addiction needed to have a means to get professional guidance and help as well as access to the best rehab facilities available.

WeDoRecover gives families the opportunity to assess their loved ones needs and get them immediately admitted to the best quality, private alcohol and drug addiction treatment centres, within their price range, through South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban) as well as in the United Kingdom (London, Manchester and other towns) as well as exclusive Thailand rehab facilities.

For more information, feel free to contact us anytime on:
South Africa: 082-747-3422
UK: 0800 955 4357
Web: www.WeDoRecover.com
Email: hope@wedorecover.com

WeDoRecover is the largest group of private alcohol treatment and drug addiction rehabilitation centres in South Africa, the UK and Thailand.