Our human control centre, the brain, is one of our largest and most complex organs with more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connections, called synapses. It is the commander for our nervous system and is responsible for regulating all of our bodily functions. The interpreter of information, our creativity, our emotions, [...]
“29 years ago today, I was a broken man. I finally summoned up the courage to say 3 words that changed my life, I need help. Thank you to all the selfless people who have helped me on my journey through sobriety.” Last week Sir Elton John shared a public post celebrating 29 years of [...]
Cancer to diabetes, strokes to heart disease and now... burn-out. Although not yet classified as a ‘medical condition’ this year we saw burn-out being included in the 11th revision of the Classification of Diseases, under ‘Occupational Phenomenon’ by the World Health Organisation. Burn out is defined by WHO as.. ‘A syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic [...]
Fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid claiming the lives of many. It’s often used knowingly, but in some cases unknowingly by the user. Fentanyl use has increased dramatically. In 2014 (USA) Fentanyl related deaths were around 4223, two years on that’s rocketed to 18, 335 in 2016. In Canada, 10 deaths a day are related to [...]
Addiction replacement or transference is classified by an individual in recovery substituting one addiction for another. This typically occurs during or after the treatment process for the original addiction. When a person enters treatment for addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling etc. the general assumption they should be ‘cured’ of all compulsions. In reality many who’ve [...]
New research in the United Kingdom confirms a steady rise of addiction across society. As levels of substance abuse soar, it is estimated that half of Britons know someone who suffers from addiction. An even greater proportion of the public say there should be more support for all those affected by addiction, highlighting awareness of [...]
The basis of a holistic addiction treatment and rehabilitation service or the holistic approach to recovery from addiction, is to treat the suffering individual as the whole person they are. This may seem like a straight forward statement, but what does that mean in terms of treatment? First of all, those suffering with addiction of [...]
The word ‘alcoholic’ often typically invokes many stereotypes, however it is important to understand that it is a complex disorder and in truth every alcoholic is different; from their reasons for drinking, to their methods of trying to cope with life as they drink. Because of this, the treatment of alcoholics must be adjusted according [...]
It is a commonly accepted norm among rehabilitation professionals that smoking is less detrimental and dangerous to one’s health than substance abuse addiction and therefore it is often not deemed a priority during treatment. However recent studies are beginning to paint a clear picture of the danger smoking presents to addicts and the recovery process. [...]
As we know, addiction disrupts all areas of an individual’s life, and sleep is no exception. Research has shown that individuals suffering with addiction are 5 to 10 times more likely to develop sleep disorders. Long-term substance abuse physically changes an addict’s brain sleep architecture generally leading to sleep deprivation. The following are various substance [...]
