Addiction to heroin or prescription opioids can happen to anyone. It doesn’t depend on where you’re from or what your life looks like. These drugs are powerful. They change how the brain works and how a person feels. What might start as pain relief or curiosity can quickly turn into something hard to walk away from.
At White River Recovery, we help people take that step. Our treatment programme offers structure, medical support, and therapy in a peaceful space. We work with individuals who are ready to find a way forward — even if they’re not sure where to begin.
Contact us today to find out more about our heroin and opioids addiction treatment programmes and to begin your recovery today. You can can contact us on WhatsApp, call us on +27 87 250 2843 or email us at booking@whiteriverrecovery.co.za to find out more.
White River Recovery Centre is fully accredited by the South African Department of Health and has been rated as a 3-star rehabilitation facility by the Rehab Grading Council of South Africa (RGC).
Heroin, along with medications like morphine, OxyContin, or Vicodin, comes from the same source: the opium poppy plant. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain. They dull pain, slow down breathing, and create a strong sense of calm. But that calm doesn’t last.
Over time, the brain adjusts. A person may need more of the drug just to feel normal. Cravings grow stronger. It gets harder to stop — not because of weakness, but because of how these substances change the brain.
Here are a few signs someone might be struggling:
- Small pupils, drowsiness, or changes in breathing
- Mood swings, secrecy, or pulling away from others
- Falling behind at work or avoiding responsibilities
- Money problems or missing belongings
- Ongoing health issues, including chest problems and low immunity
Many people start with prescription medication and eventually turn to heroin. It’s often cheaper and easier to get. But both create the same cycle, and both can be treated.
These drugs trigger a strong rush of pleasure, but the effects are short-lived. The more a person uses, the harder it becomes to feel good without the drug. Daily life starts to feel flat. Stress becomes harder to manage.
After a while, many people experience:
- Withdrawal that includes shaking, nausea, and restlessness
- Deep depression or anxiety
- Slower thinking and difficulty making decisions
- A high risk of overdose, especially if breathing slows too much
This is why treatment is so important. Quitting on your own can be dangerous. But with medical support and emotional care, recovery is possible.
We don’t offer quick fixes. Recovery from opioid addiction takes time, care, and support — and that’s exactly what we provide.
Safe medical detox
If you’re physically dependent on heroin or opioids, you’ll begin with a supervised detox. We use medication when it’s helpful to ease the symptoms and make withdrawal more manageable. You’ll be supported around the clock by people who understand what you’re going through.
Therapy that meets you where you are
Once your body begins to stabilise, we focus on the emotional and psychological side of recovery. You’ll work one-on-one with a therapist. You’ll also have the chance to connect with others in group settings.
If you’re living with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, we’ll help you work through that too.
If you’ve experienced trauma, we move gently. You won’t be rushed, and you won’t be asked to share anything before you’re ready.
Restoring everyday health
Addiction can wear down your physical and emotional strength. While you’re here, you’ll eat balanced meals, spend time outside, and take part in movement that feels good for your body. You’ll also learn practical ways to manage stress without turning back to old habits.
Support for your family and future
If your family has been affected, we can involve them in the healing process. That includes counselling and conversations that help rebuild trust.
Before you leave, we’ll help you create a plan that makes sense for life after treatment. You won’t be expected to figure it out alone.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If you or someone close to you is struggling with opioids, there is help. We’ll walk you through what treatment looks like and answer your questions, no pressure.
You’re not expected to have it all figured out. Just reach out — and we’ll take the next step together. You can call us on +27 87 250 2843 or email us at booking@whiteriverrecovery.co.za to find out more.
Many people start by taking pain medication after surgery or injury. Over time, some begin to rely on it in ways they didn’t expect. When prescriptions run out, heroin sometimes becomes the next step — not because it’s stronger, but because it’s easier to get.
Heroin slows everything down — breathing, heart rate, and brain activity. That’s why overdoses are so dangerous. Over time, it also affects memory, mood, and focus. Some of these changes can be reversed with time and support. Others may take longer to heal.
Yes. With proper care, it’s absolutely possible. Medical detox helps with the physical side. Therapy helps with the emotional and mental side. And long-term support helps you stay steady after treatment ends. We’ve seen people come back from very dark places. Recovery can be real and lasting.
