Personalized Rehab Programs in South Africa

Recovery from substance misuse is an extremely personal process. Healing isn’t just a way of stopping unhealthy behaviors. It’s also the process of building a rich, fulfilling life in a more sustainable way. Because of this, many facilities aim to meet the unique needs of each of their clients. If you’d like to receive highly personalized treatment, you might consider attending a destination rehab in South Africa.

This country is a popular destination for many reasons. It not only has great historical and archeological significance; it’s also a beautiful place to explore. The diverse climate is home to 8 different biomes, including forests, deserts, and savanna. Clients who want to begin healing in a beautiful and natural setting are often drawn to South Africa.

Exploring South Africa

South Africa is located on the southern tip of Africa, bordering Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland. It entirely surrounds the country of Lesotho. Because of its position on the continent, South Africa has nearly 2,000 miles of coastline.

The country is also home to eight world heritage sites, including the Cradle of Humankind,¹ which is “one of the world’s most important fossil sites.” In fact, South Africa “boasts 40% of all hominid [fossil] finds on Earth.” The awe-inspiring history, temperate climate, and rich culture make this area a powerful place to begin healing.

Recovering From Substance Misuse in Nature

Connecting with nature can be great for people in recovery.² Outdoor adventures can improve patients’ mental health, increasing “self-efficacy, mindfulness and subjective well-being.”

This is especially important for clients with substance use disorders. According to a 2018 study, more time spent in natural environments “may be associated with lower cravings”³ for illicit or dangerous substances. And because of South Africa’s rich and diverse landscape, it’s easy for clients to reap the benefits associated with exploring the natural world.

However, inpatient treatment in an isolated, rural location isn’t a good fit for everyone. In South Africa, you can attend rehab in a more populous area while still spending time outside.

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s more famous cities. “Although it is a major political and economic center, its reputation still rests on its beautiful situation between mountain and sea, its cosmopolitan population, and the liberal outlook of many of its citizens.”⁴ It’s nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay, in the country’s Western Cape province.

Although Cape Town is a major city, residents can easily visit the surrounding area. At The Living House, for example,

“The majestic visage of Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain looms overhead, its beauty an excellent way to ground oneself during even the most troubling of times on the road to recovery. All life’s problems can be dwarfed by such awe-inspiring nature.”⁵

Cape Town has a temperate, Mediterranean climate. “The average high temperature is 70° F (21° C), in January and February, and the average low is 55° F (13° C), in July.”⁶ This beautiful weather makes it easy to enjoy time outside. For some clients, this may include going on off-site adventures during rehab.

Safari

Whether your rehab facility is located in Cape Town, another South African city, or a more rural area, you may have the opportunity to go on a safari. On these excursions, clients can see some of the world’s most stunning creatures up close.

Don’t think of this as a break from therapy; think of it as an opportunity to connect with the natural world in a brand-new way, says Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner of White River Manor:

“To have a safari as a part of your therapy process is very special. The company we use and the people who take our clients out really understand it from a therapeutic perspective. It’s not just about going to sit in a vehicle and view animals, it’s about really understanding our experience in nature and how we’re all a part of this world we live in. It’s also about, you know, the importance of preserving what we have and the heritage of South Africa, which is completely unique.”

A number of South African rehabs invite clients to go on safari, including White River Manor and Harmony Clinic Rehab Hospital. And in programs, these excursions are the primary focus of treatment. At Rebirth Wellness Safari, for example, clients experience “daily safaris, boat excursions and even tracking with the San people.” This is a place for you to “truly break free and rediscover the roots of your human experience.”

As exciting and inspiring as safari can be, they’re not the right fit for everyone. Fortunately, South African rehabs offer many different types of excursions and adventure outings.

Seaside Activities

Data suggests that proximity to the coast can improve health and well-being.⁷ Because of this, spending time at the beach during recovery can be deeply healing. The team at Compass Treatment Centre understands this and offers seaside therapy as part of their inpatient program.

In various programs, you may be able to go surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, or bungee jumping along the South African coast. These outings are not appropriate for all clients, and your eligibility for certain activities will depend on your physical health. Some programs, like Oasis Recovery Centre, also offer less physically strenuous seaside experiences, like whale watching.

Hiking

There are countless ways to observe the beauty of the landscape. Many programs take their clients on nature hikes, and offer varying levels of physical difficulty. In South Africa, it’s easy to access lush natural areas and observe creatures you might not encounter anywhere else in the world. You might be able to interact with elephants, monkeys, wildcats, and more.

These outings can certainly be fun, but they also serve a greater purpose. You’ll be guided through these excursions by a team of experts, likely including at least one therapist. And if you encounter triggers, or have a strong emotional reaction, a provider will be on hand to help you process that response. Experiential therapy can help you understand not only the world around you, but also the important role you play within it. This is an extremely personal process, and it looks different for every individual client.