Cocaine Addiction: Long-Term Effects of Cocaine
Despite being glamorised by celebrities, the side effects of cocaine use can often be deadly. Cocaine is a well-known party drug often associated with the elite stratum of society — celebrities, fashion models, even politicians and CEO’s. But despite cocaine’s high price tag and celebrity media hype, its use extends throughout society and the effects of cocaine are not so glamorous. What is Cocaine? There is a misleading notion that because cocaine is derived from the coca pl
Are Sober Bars the Start of a Sober Revolution?
Are alcohol-free ‘dry bars’ the next big thing to hit the nightlife scene? Why do people turn to a glass of wine after a long day at work? Or spend the weekends getting wasted in clubs? Yes, alcohol can help many people relax after a stressful work week, but there are many other activities that also relieve stress, including exercising or delving into your favourite hobby such as reading, painting or photography among many others. So why is it, then, that so many people turn
Understanding Process Addictions
What are process addictions? Process addictions occur when someone becomes addicted to a rewarding behaviour that does not involve an addictive substance, such as gambling, sex, or eating. Sometimes referred to as behavioural addictions, or compulsive behaviours, process addictions involve compulsion to perform an action despite negative consequences. In this way people can suffer from dependence on certain processes — they are reliant upon and/or controlled by the addiction
How to Rebuild Trust in Addiction Recovery
During any substance abuse disorder it is almost inevitable that you will break the trust of those closest to you, and often the relationships that you care about the most will be left in pieces. The initial dishonesty and lies you resorted to, to keep your drug addiction a secret, often manifest into other areas of your life, and you may have found that your everyday activities became a tangled web of lies and secretiveness. You may have stolen money or items to buy drugs, y
Having Fun in Addiction Recovery: Eight Activities worth Trying
Has boredom struck in addiction recovery? Check out these eight great activities to ensure you are having fun – while avoiding addiction relapse! Addiction recovery, no matter what kind, is one of the hardest and most trying processes that a person can go through. Addicts often feel like every day is a struggle to stop themselves from using again, and this can be stressful and trying for the addict as well as their family and friends. Life in addiction recovery may feel like
Having Fun and Staying Sober at Social Events
Social events pop up frequently and many a time our calendars are filled with them. It may be your best friend’s birthday, your niece’s christening or simply a back garden barbeque. Whatever it is, most of us have some sort of social engagement to go to every now and then. Now, this really is not a big deal to the average person and in fact these events are something we generally look forward to. However, for a recovering addict these social events can be the bane of their ve
What Happens to Your Brain When You Blackout from Being Drunk?
Do not know how you got home after a night of drinking? Have a complete blackout? You are not alone. Alcohol causes these dangerous changes in your brain when you are drunk, giving you temporary amnesia. After a night of drinking, have you ever woken up unable to remember how you got home? Had a tear or stain on your shirt that you cannot figure out where it came from? End up in a prison cell for reasons unknown? Has your partner been livid with you about an argument you do n
Sober Living Guide: Meeting People and Finding Flatmates
Getting treatment for addiction is only the first step on the long road to successful addiction recovery. Once you complete treatment, learning to live in recovery is like finding your way in a whole new world. Early recovery can be lonely, confusing and stressful at times. In this early stage, it’s especially important to make the right choices that will push your life in a positive direction. Two important aspects of this are finding a new group of people to hang out with
Supporting a Loved One during Addiction Recovery
If you have a loved one struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, or a process addiction, you probably feel overwhelmed and at a loss as to the best ways you can support them through their stay in a drug or alcohol rehab and beyond as they enter addiction recovery. It is normal to be anxious about the treatment outcome, but it is important to remember that by entering addiction treatment your loved one is in good hands. And, even if they have tried and relapsed in the past,
How do Pets make a Difference in Addiction Recovery?
See how simple pet therapy can increase the chances of a successful addiction recovery. From easing distress in the early stages of alcohol or drug rehab through animal assisted therapy programmes, to being a solid support for those who have entered addiction recovery, animals have a lot to offer those struggling from addiction. Through all stages of treatment and recovery, pet therapy is becoming more and more common and for good reason. Benefits of owning a Pet in Addiction
