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Reply from Houghton House
Thank you for the five-star rating, Ntsako. We're grateful for your support and wish you well.
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
Reply from Houghton House
Thokozani, thank you for taking the time to leave a five-star rating. We appreciate your support and wish you all the very best.
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
I am writing this letter with a heart full of relief and deep gratitude.
When our son informed us that he was struggling with drug abuse and had decided to enter rehab, it came as a complete shock to us as parents.
We were entirely unaware of what he was quietly going through. Though he caught it at an early stage, taking that step on his own required immense courage.
We researched and found a few rehab houses, but through God's grace we viewed and liked what Houghton House offered. Savanna was with us throughout the process.
From the moment he walked through your doors, your team embraced his decision with compassion, respect, and exceptional care. The receptionists, Rob, Siphokazi, the nurses and everyone involved went an extra mile to serve him, provided him with the guidance, clarity, and tools necessary to stop this struggle in its tracks before it could take a heavier toll on his life.
Seeing him take ownership of his future and having the dedicated staff walk alongside him has meant everything to us as parents.
As I write this my son has completed his 12 steps and he is busy with 3 sponsees. He attends both in-person and online meetings and heavily involved in service.
You saved my son from sinking deeper into addiction, and for that, our family will be forever grateful.
Thank you for the incredible, life-changing work that you do every day.
With warm regards and deepest appreciation.
Ndleleni
Today I celebrate 6 months clean. Recovery is not perfect and neither am I. Determined to keep working on my recovery and to freely give away what has been and is being freely given to me daily.
Thank you to those people at Houghton House for the lessons, love and encouragement, in particular, Meryl and Siphokazi, I’m so very grateful having encountered the both of them on my path to recovery.
I cannot thank Houghton House enough for the incredible work they do in changing lives. A member of my family spent more than three weeks in your care, and we were impressed by the professionalism of your team, the excellent communication, and the cleanliness of the facility. Most importantly, my family member felt respected, supported, and genuinely cared for throughout the programme. They left with a renewed sense of hope and a strong commitment to making positive changes in their life. Thank you to everyone at Houghton House for the compassion and dedication you show every day. I highly recommend your services.
My experience at Houghton House was... mixed. On a positive note, the facility provides an excellent foundation in the AA program and equips patients with valuable recovery tools, which I have successfully utilized to maintain my ongoing recovery on the outside (currently over a month clean). The classes, lectures, and group sessions are of high quality, and the food is excellent. Unfortunately, these benefits are heavily overshadowed by profound administrative, communication, and operational flaws.
I chose to leave the 21-day program after just four days due to the facility's failure to honour a documented pre-admission agreement. Prior to admission, I negotiated a strict 30-to-60-minute allowance during my lunch hour for essential work and non-deferrable university examinations. This was formally approved and signed on my patient agreement. After admission, however, this arrangement was completely disregarded. I found myself repeatedly explaining the agreement to confused staff members, which wasted more time during this allotted time-allowance.
More concerningly, before I even had a formal session with my therapist, the facility altered my treatment plan based on discussions with my next-of-kin, entirely bypassing me. I was handed a severe ultimatum regarding my electronics agreement by a counsellor who inaccurately judged my "commitment" after only one full day of formal treatment - despite my intense, proactive engagement with the program materials (Big Book, journals, stories, etc.) throughout the weekend. A subsequent follow-up call from ownership after my RHT offered no accountability or acknowledgment of the breached contract. This was particularly frustrating as I witnessed several other patients utilizing similar working arrangements during their lunch hours.
If you are considering Houghton House, also be aware of several other significant operational issues:
- Substandard Weekend Intake & Hygiene: Admissions processed over the weekend suffer from a severe lack of coordination. I was assigned a bed with unwashed linens from a previous patient. Despite raising this issue twice with the nursing station and documenting it in my daily journal, it was ignored for two nights until standard scheduled cleaning occurred (all rooms/beds).
- Inconsistent Rule Enforcement: Management demonstrates rigid adherence to certain policies while completely neglecting other fundamental rules. Regulations such as smoking areas and food in rooms are rarely enforced. Furthermore, when patients actively avoid their assigned duties, staff fail to enforce accountability.
- Facility Maintenance & Safety: The physical upkeep of the premises presents serious safety and comfort concerns. During my stay, patients experienced electric shocks from the showers, alongside persistent issues with blocked drains & broken lighting. When mentioned in "room ratings", these issues are only addressed days after.
- Unprofessional Staff Conduct: While the meals are fantastic, the demeanour of some kitchen staff is lacking. Hearing derogatory remarks (such as calling patients "cookoos" under their breath for not knowing where utensils are) just one day into a vulnerable recovery period is unacceptable and sours the environment.
- Inadequate Medical Monitoring (specifically within the detox unit): I witnessed a deeply concerning incident where a patient collapsed from withdrawals and was left unmonitored. The patient was discovered unconscious in a smoking area by peers before nursing staff were alerted. The lack of proactive monitoring and the subsequent disregard for the incident caused unnecessary trauma among the patient community.
Ultimately, while Houghton House offers strong clinical content, their poor internal communication, weekend hygiene oversights, facility hazards, and, ultimately, failure to honour written agreements made my stay untenable. I strongly advise against choosing this facility if your admission relies on any pre-arranged, or specialized accommodations.
Reply from Houghton House
2026.06.29
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care. To protect confidentiality, we’re unable to discuss individual situations on this forum, but we welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly and address your concerns. Please contact us at 0117879142 to discuss further.
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
I can highly recommend Houghton House. This month I’m celebrating 16 months clean from drugs, and I’m truly grateful for the support and care I received there.
The counselors helped me heal from years of trauma and guided me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Robert and the staff were always friendly, supportive, and encouraging. Dr Ali showed so much compassion and dedication, with daily check-ups and genuine care for my recovery journey.
I struggled with addiction for several years, and Houghton House helped me rebuild my life and heal emotionally. I will always be thankful for the role they played in my recovery. Highly recommended.
Reply from Houghton House
2026.06.29
Dear Lizmari,
Thank you so much for sharing this, and congratulations on 16 months. That milestone reflects the work you've put in, and we're proud to have played a part in it.
We'll make sure Robert and Dr Ali see your kind words. The daily care and compassion you describe are exactly what we aim for, and it means a lot to know it made a real difference for you.
Wishing you continued strength going forward, and thank you again for taking the time to write this.
The Houghton House Team
Thank you so much for sharing this, and congratulations on 16 months. That milestone reflects the work you've put in, and we're proud to have played a part in it.
We'll make sure Robert and Dr Ali see your kind words. The daily care and compassion you describe are exactly what we aim for, and it means a lot to know it made a real difference for you.
Wishing you continued strength going forward, and thank you again for taking the time to write this.
The Houghton House Team
2 years ago I came to Houghton House feeling lost, broken, and hopeless because of my addiction. However, through inpatient treatment, aftercare, RM, and the unwavering support from all the staff at HH I found hope, faith, and courage even when I struggled to find it in myself.
I was comforted when I needed support, but I was also called out on my dysfunction, unhealthy patterns, and even my delusions when I couldn’t see reality clearly.
At times it was difficult to hear, but that tough love helped ground me and pushed me toward growth.
Aasiyah especially had a way of speaking sense to me even when I resisted it, and today I’m deeply grateful for that honesty and care.
Along the way, I found meaning in life again, rebuilt relationships with loved ones, and regained control of my life. The way my life is today, 2 years ago I would’ve never imagined it possible to recover, heal, and forgive myself, especially because recovery has never been linear for me. There were moments of resistance, fear, chaos, growth, while all learning to slowly chose myself along the way.
Recovery is possible🤍
Reply from Houghton House
2026.06.29
Dear Zandile,
Thank you for sharing something so personal, and congratulations on two years. Reading how far you've come is exactly why we do this work.
We'll make sure Aasiyah sees this. Her honesty clearly stayed with you, and it's powerful to hear how the harder conversations helped you grow.
Thank you for trusting us with such a difficult chapter, and for being so open about how non-linear the process was for you. We're incredibly proud of you, and we wish you continued strength.
The Houghton House Team
Thank you for sharing something so personal, and congratulations on two years. Reading how far you've come is exactly why we do this work.
We'll make sure Aasiyah sees this. Her honesty clearly stayed with you, and it's powerful to hear how the harder conversations helped you grow.
Thank you for trusting us with such a difficult chapter, and for being so open about how non-linear the process was for you. We're incredibly proud of you, and we wish you continued strength.
The Houghton House Team
In my personal experience, this facility was not a good fit for me as a patient receiving treatment for chronic mental health challenges together with substance-use issues. I transferred to Akeso Parktown.
Reply from Houghton House
2026.04.21
Dear Ridwaan,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care. To protect confidentiality, we’re unable to discuss individual situations in this forum, but we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly and address your concerns. Please contact us at 0117879142 to discuss further
The Houghton House Team
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care. To protect confidentiality, we’re unable to discuss individual situations in this forum, but we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly and address your concerns. Please contact us at 0117879142 to discuss further
The Houghton House Team
I had a wonderful experience with Ash the occupational therapist. She is incredibly professional, patient, and genuinely caring. She took the time to understand my needs and created a personalized approach that made a real difference. I felt supported every step of the way and saw great progress. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for dedicated and compassionate care.
Reply from Houghton House
2026.04.20
Darshan, thank you for your amazing review!
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
Houghton House taught me so much about myself. Understanding the disease of addiction is one thing learning about yourself and the power of the 12 step program is something else entirely.
Its one of the best decisions I made for myself. Theres magic and healing in those four walls! 🔥
Reply from Houghton House
2026.04.20
Thank you so much for your review Siz, we wish you well on your recovery journey!
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
Houghton House,
Please excuse me if this all sounds overly earnest.
Today I am 90 days Sober, looking back I recall my first few days wondering how I would ever last the 4 week programme.
I made it!!
Long may it continue.
For anyone considering admission into HH and recovery - it is a tough path and choice, cushioned with tough truths but, continued drinking for me was always going to be a tougher road.
You will meet many different people, just like yourself - just 'normal' like you and I.
We are not bad people, just normal people with a uniqueness of character that makes us different.
Learning how to feel normal is the thing I am most grateful for today as I celebrate with another cup of tea.
Doing normal stuff around the house for my family.
Thank you.
Regards,
Kieran Hoban
Reply from Houghton House
2026.04.21
Dear Kieran,
Thank you for your review! We wish you well on your recovery journey
The Houghton House Team
Thank you for your review! We wish you well on your recovery journey
The Houghton House Team
A short review cannot capture what my time at Houghton House means to me.
When I arrived, I was broken, disconnected, and unsure if recovery was even possible. What I found here was not just treatment for substance abuse, but a space where real healing and self acceptance could begin.
One of the biggest shifts for me came through understanding that recovery is not a quick fix. It’s a life long process. And for me, continued and long-term treatment made all the difference. Staying, working through the layers, and not rushing the process is what allowed something real to take root in my life.
A very special mention to Aasiyah, her care, consistency, and ability to hold space without judgment changed the way I see myself and my recovery. She challenged my views and saw in me the potential to recover long before I believed it was possible myself. She helped me understand that this isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, staying honest, and doing the work every day. She has saved my life and I am forever grateful.
Houghton House is not just about getting clean. It’s about learning how to live again. It’s about rebuilding a relationship with yourself, finding meaning, and reconnecting to something deeper. It is a place where the hopeless find hope again.
To anyone out there struggling, there is hope. Even if you don’t believe it right now. Even if you’ve tried before.
We do recover.
And places like Houghton House make that recovery possible.
Reply from Houghton House
2026.04.21
Dear Phillip,
We value your review immensely and we wish you well on your recovery journey!
The Houghton House Team
We value your review immensely and we wish you well on your recovery journey!
The Houghton House Team
Dear Rob and Houghton House Family,
Heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional service of your compassionate team.
The environment is not only safe and clean but also accessible and friendly, making it an ideal space for healing. We're thrilled to have experienced the remarkable rehabilitation work you do, utilizing the Dual Diagnosis methodology.
Our loved one has returned home calm and thriving, a testament to your team's dedication and expertise. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and we're grateful for the encouragement to stay committed to the journey.
The family support program was a game-changer, awakening us to new perspectives on addiction, its roots, and impact. The multidimensional approach taught us so much, revealing new paradigms and understanding. We're truly grateful to see transformation in our lives, step by step.
We commit to sharing our learnings and experiences, and we're honored to refer others to your care. Your work is making a lasting difference.
Highlights of our journey include understanding:
- The intersection of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Disorders
- Addiction as a family disease and its brain impact
- The crucial role of family in treatment
- The power of 12-Step Programs in recovery
- Self-care as a necessity, not a luxury
- Effective communication strategies for healing
- The value of group support and community (like our family group chat .)
- The impact on children of addicts
- Risk factors and more
Wishing Houghton House continued success and blessings for many years to come. May God bless you abundantly 🙏.
Forever Grateful,
Busisiwe
16 February 2026
Reply from Houghton House
2026.02.17
Dear Busisiwe,
Thank you for your amazing review and for taking the time to give us feedback! We wish your loved one and family, a special time ahead in this recovery journey.
The Houghton House Team
Thank you for your amazing review and for taking the time to give us feedback! We wish your loved one and family, a special time ahead in this recovery journey.
The Houghton House Team
My name is David and I'm an addict!
I left Houghton House a year ago having be a patient for over a year. Initially i was supposed to be admitted for 3 months but I kept relapsing due to not putting in the effort to stay clean.
I was not the easiest of patients and yet none of the counselling team gave up on me culminating in breaking my stubbornness and denial. I received first class support during some very dark times.
My love and respect for Houghton House is immense and I am now over one year clean which I never thought would be possible.
A big thank you to all the staff at Houghton House who all played a role in turning my sense of hopelessness into hope! 😅
DB
Reply from Houghton House
2026.02.16
Well done on achieving 1 year David! We wish you many more years of serenity and strength.
The Houghton House Team
The Houghton House Team
Hello Alex and Dan ... just a note to thank you once again. I started my sobriety journey back in January 2003 and I've just celebrated my 23rd Thanksgiving last month.
I still attend meetings but only on Zoom. I thank God every day for my gift of sobriety. With much love ❤️.
Reply from Houghton House
2022.07.12
Congratulations on your upcoming 20 years Judith. You are fantastic proof that following the suggestions work. Lovely to hear from you.
I am currently a patient at Houghton House and I would like to express my appreciation to Rob Beck. Rob’s lectures are an exceptional part of my rehabilitation experience. He demonstrates a remarkable ability to present psychological concepts with clarity, depth, and genuine passion. His teaching style is both engaging and empathetic, creating a learning environment that encourages openness, critical thinking, and personal reflection. Rob possesses a rare balance of professionalism and warmth, allowing us all to feel safe, respected, and understood. His insights consistently connect theory to real-life application, making each session meaningful and transformative. It is evident that he has a deep understanding of human behavior and a sincere commitment to helping others grow. I believe that Rob’s knowledge, communication skills, and empathy will make him an outstanding psychologist in the future.
Reply from Houghton House
2025.11.07
Lungile, thank you so much for your review! We wish you many more days and years of freedom!
Houghton House Team
Houghton House Team