Most people who buy Ibuprofen as an over-the-counter medication to relieve pain or muscle aches do not think that it can be dangerous or addictive. Yet, too much Ibuprofen can have damaging side effects and Ibuprofen dependency does exist as a health condition. It is not just illegal or prescription drugs that can cause problems […]
Addiction Resources
UK Cough Syrup Could Be Prescription-Only Over Addiction Fears
The accessibility of cough syrup in the UK may soon face significant changes due to growing concerns over misuse and addiction. Currently, cough syrup containing codeine can be purchased over the counter without a prescription and there are worries that this easy availability is contributing to the rising rates of codeine misuse 1, especially among […]
Video Gaming – Loot Boxes and Beyond
Understanding Developments in Video Gaming and Loot Boxes Loot boxes are virtual mystery items in video games that players can acquire, often through gameplay or in-game purchases, to obtain random rewards. The function of loot boxes can vary depending on the game and its design, but they are generally seen as a form of gambling. […]
King Baby Syndrome and Immature Patterns of Behaviour
The term “King Baby” describes a pattern of behaviours that can emerge when someone struggles to develop healthy adult coping skills. Originally referenced by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud in his 1914 essay on narcissism, this concept highlights how some individuals may rely on childhood-like responses to manage adult challenges, often leading to difficulties in relationships and […]
I’m Going on Holiday – How Can I Stay Sober?
Vacations for the Newly Sober Can Be Risky If you are relatively new to sobriety or someone who is trying hard to achieve it on a lasting basis, then holidays – especially those involving trips to places that are associated with drinking alcohol, such as the beach in Spain or a ski resort – can […]
Is EMDR Therapy Dangerous: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
Are you curious about the potential dangers of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy? Have you heard conflicting information about its effectiveness and safety? It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to EMDR, as there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this therapy. In this article, we will debunk these myths […]
The Link Between Workaholism and Mental Health
Do you prioritise work above everything else in your life? Have you ever worked to soothe feelings of guilt or anxiety? Do you ever work so hard that you neglect basic self-care such as getting enough sleep or exercise? If that sounds like you, or someone you know, you’re not alone. It’s believed that around […]
Can Hospital Medications Lead to Relapse? How Big Is the Risk?
Hospitals are places where people go to get better, but they often dispense powerful medications and anyone at risk from addiction should take precautions to protect themselves from situations that could lead to relapse. Hospital staff are well aware of the dangers inherent in the drugs they use (which are powerful because they need to […]
Does Harm Reduction Promote Drug Use?
Harm reduction programmes in relation to drug use have been controversial since they first came to prominence in the 1980s. They tended to be a response to the rise in HIV infections and growing unease at the criminalisation of drug use. Governments had begun to realise that prosecuting drug users simply filled up the prisons […]
Coping with Addiction – 6 Dysfunctional Family Roles
Family dynamics are always important because children observe and learn behaviours there that they can keep for life. Families become dysfunctional for a number of reasons – bereavement, immoral behaviour and serious illness, especially addiction, are common causes. Understanding what happens within a family can be the key to making successful life changes later on. […]
I’ve Finished Rehab – How Do I Keep My Recovery on Track?
Understanding the Role of Social and Community Networks in Addiction Recovery Addiction produces many negative consequences. It often worsens a person’s behaviour resulting in damaged relationships and diminished social connections. Feelings of isolation and loneliness result. Successful long-term recovery comes from establishing a strong social support network so that new healthy habits become embedded. A […]
Is a bottle of wine a night too much? Understanding your relationship with alcohol
Is a bottle of wine a day too much? The honest answer is ‘yes’. UK Chief Medical Officers advise that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days. They also say that women should have no more than one a day. […]