Blogs

  • Kick your habit

    Kick your habit

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  • Drink responsibly during the coronavirus

    Drink responsibly during the coronavirus

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    Wedge Gardens rehab centre social worker Karen Griessel has issued a word of caution to South Africans, following the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol. “For many, being able to enjoy a drink now and again is good news but for others, alcohol use creates problems,” she says. She explains that alcohol… Read more

  • Resilience – being psychologically and emotionally tough

    Resilience – being psychologically and emotionally tough

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    No person goes without adversity, trials and tribulations and even more so those who dabble in addiction. “Often, their challenges are self-inflicted,” says Karen Griessel, a social worker at Sanca-affiliated Wedge Gardens rehab centre in Johannesburg. “Being able to bounce back sooner than later is what matters. It must also be said that it takes… Read more

  • Self-care, an essential service to yourself

    Self-care, an essential service to yourself

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    Making time for yourself in today’s busy world is often a challenge – and this is even worse for active addicts whose entire focus is on finding their next drink or hit. Karen Griessel, a social worker at Johannesburg’s Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, says an addict’s life is consumed with not only finding and using… Read more

  • Increased addiction challenges ahead?

    Increased addiction challenges ahead?

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    #Sanca #WedgeGardens Addiction expert Adél Grobbelaar is concerned that the unavailability of legal cigarettes and alcohol during the lockdown will worsen the challenges faced by people living with addiction. Adél, who holds honours degrees in social work and psychology, has dedicated over three decades to assisting alcoholics and drug addicts in an attempt to reintegrate… Read more

  • The power of positivity

    The power of positivity

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    #SancaWedgeGardens #Rehab During these testing times of COVID-19, many people are struggling with depression and anxiety. This poses particular challenges to people already battling substance abuse problems, especially those who have a dual diagnosis and also battle mental health issues. “It is said that we win over negativity with positivity. Good feelings and thoughts will… Read more

  • The nudge you need to stop smoking

    The nudge you need to stop smoking

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    It is difficult to stop smoking. You will have intense cravings, be irritated, may feel depressed and anxious and may even have slight flu symptoms such as a headache, cough, sore throat and even nausea. “There is no magic pill,” says Karen Griessel, a social worker at Sanca rehab centre Wedge Gardens, based in Johannesburg.… Read more

  • Wedge Gardens cares for its caregivers

    Wedge Gardens cares for its caregivers

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    Valentine’s Day at Wedge Gardens treatment centre was all about showing the staff that they are cherished for the important work they do in combating substance abuse. “Each staff members was responsible for decorating the office door of a colleague, with a draw being done to determine who decorated each door. The theme was obviously… Read more

  • Wedge Gardens pays tribute to volunteers

    Wedge Gardens pays tribute to volunteers

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    Volunteers who give of their time to help Wedge Gardens rehab centre patients reclaim their place in society are owed a huge debt of gratitude. This is according to Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of the Rand Aid-run treatment centre in Johannesburg. Wedge Gardens hosted a thank you function on December 6 at which tribute was… Read more

  • Addicted to your recovery during the festive season

    Addicted to your recovery during the festive season

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    During the festive season, it is especially challenging to stay clean or sober. “Emotions, stress and exposure leave those suffering from a substance abuse disorder vulnerable and loved ones should be extra supportive,” says Karen Griessel, a social worker at Wedge Gardens rehab centre. “For many families, this time of the year is even more… Read more