I’m going to take a closer look at this pernicious problem, but here’s what you need to know to start… There’s good news, at last, for the many people affected by gambling. Some of the proposals set out in a recent white paper here in the UK might finally come into effect, following the admission […]
All you need to know about gambling Read More »
Alcohol takes its toll, but the longer you go without drinking, the stronger you’ll feel physically and mentally. Everyone will tell you, you’ll feel better once you stop drinking. Exactly what happens and when is explained in this timeline of quitting… The first 24 hours Typically, symptoms of withdrawal appear the very first day
What happens to your body when you stop drinking Read More »
Phones use can easily become problematic. Nearly every app has been engineered to produce responses in the brain that can lead to addictive behaviour. The jury is out as to whether it’s technically an addiction, but if you’re using mobile too much, you’re not alone. Some of us can remember a time before the internet,
Are you addicted to your phone? Read More »
Breakups are no joke. Just ask the neuroscientists. In the same way that addiction and withdrawal disrupt brain function, so too does the end of a relationship. Your brain registers that inevitable drop in oxytocin. And the pain isn’t limited to your head. When you split up with your partner, you physically feel it. Break
How sober people survive breakups Read More »
It’s complicated but setbacks are a frequent feature of recovery. You shouldn’t let a relapse define you, but you must reach out for help to get you back on track. The path to recovery is never straight. People face obstacles and setbacks. Sadly, a lapse or a relapse is not uncommon. The numbers aren’t clear, but
Why do some addicts relapse? Read More »
Being the parent of an addict is very, very tough. From the minute you find out, you’re never quite the same again. You carry with you a level of worry, fear, guilt and sadness that never quite disappears, even if your child finds sobriety. And in the midst of all that emotional overwhelm, you still
A survival guide for parents of addicts Read More »
Recovery from addiction will be challenging and sustaining long-term sobriety is always a work in progress. There are patterns to break, habits to ditch, new skills to learn. Your body and mind will need some care and attention to heal. That\’s exactly how running fits in. You may have been told about the importance of
Why running can help you stay sober Read More »
Recovering from addiction is hard. You can’t do it alone. Friends will get you through the rough patches and help you grow in the good times. Much has been written and said on the topic of female friendships. Jane Fonda put it well when she said at the 2015 Sundance Women in Film brunch,
The power of female friendship in recovery Read More »
For those in addiction, admitting you have a problem and getting physically free from your addiction are essential first steps. But that’s just the start. The recovery process is long and full of challenges. But when you’re in therapy, when you have a safe place to go, to off-load, to think, to work it
Why people in recovery must be in therapy Read More »
What is co-dependency? Put in a nutshell, it is an unhealthy way of relating, in which one person has extreme physical or emotional needs that they struggle to deal with, but they have a co-dependent partner who devotes most of their time trying to meet those needs, even at the detriment of themselves. Co-dependent relationships
All you need to know about co-dependency Read More »