"I believe that the majority of individuals suffering from the illness of addiction have the capacity for recovery, if given the proper foundation to begin their life-changing journey We help provide that foundation"
- Justin Villiers (Director)
1st Step Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programme is based in Kommetjie and Somerset West, Cape Town. We offer 8,12 & 16 week one on one, addiction treatment programmes. For all addictions. Zoom/Skype sessions are available upon request.
Addiction / Recovery / Working the 12 Steps
Justin Villiers
I was born in the UK and have lived in Cape Town since 2001.
I have studied both in South Africa and the UK. I have worked in Primary Care treatment centres and also several other rehab centres in Cape Town.
I have great passion and enthusiasm for the work I do. My own personal journey in addiction, coupled with professional training, has given me an in-depth understanding when supporting my clients to start the process of recovery.
I find that by challenging and inspiring a person to awaken within themselves a desire and commitment to change, he or she can build the foundation necessary to begin the journey of self-recovery, as I have done. 1st Step was established 2005.
My Story
My addiction drove me to the depths of despair; a place called Hell. I felt so alone, lost, not knowing who or what I was, nor what I had become. I had lost everything; my home, my work, my family, yet I could not stop. I blamed the world for doing me an injustice. I justified my drug-using by any means I could. I was in immense denial; my whole world came crashing down, yet I still continued to use. I was totally powerless over my illness.
Due to my addiction, I was in and out of hospital. I was told that I might not walk again due to the damage I had inflicted on my body through drug abuse. Yet on leaving hospital, and in spite of this, I still continued using.
I found myself homeless, living on the streets, a disheveled, shell of person; the sort of person that as a kid, I would look at with horror. I was spiritually bankrupt and devoid of all emotion, and it was at that point that I asked for help.
Being in recovery has given me a life beyond my wildest dreams. I have choices now, and I can face all my fears and stay clean and sober a day at a time and change.
I did not have to let it go this far, but I was too scared to ask for help.
The illness of addiction lies in the addict's thinking, behavior and feelings and spiritual self. Unless these change, nothing changes.
I live my life now to the full, one day at a time. It's not always a walk in the park, but I know I am POWERLESS and can never have just one drink nor one drug, because, if I do, I will not be able to stop.