addictive behaviours

My Journey Through Treatment and Recovery

Dealing with an addiction or addictive behaviours are some of the most difficult to process, accept and work through. Our guest, Kevin Repass is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and has written many articles to help others. Here, he briefly shares his journey through treatment and recovery in the hopes to encourage others who are experiencing a struggle with drugs and/or alcohol to seek support.

From the age of 14 until 30, I struggled with drinking and drug use – for half my life basically! A lot of people tried to tell me I had a problem, but I always failed to listen and regardless of the consequences, I didn’t care. Ultimately, it was an idling and failed three-year relationship, a battle with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, my family watching me drink myself to death, an overdose of pills and a trip to the emergency room that led me to agreeing to go into a detox and treatment centre. My drinking and drug use had already ruined half my life and it almost ended me for good. [Read more…]

5 Signs You’re Training Too Hard

In this ‘sit down’ world, I know only too well the determination and routine that must be found to keep physically active and attain relative fitness. In recent years, I have enjoyed yoga which opened up joints thus resulting in more flexibility and less pain.

I also currently play 'walking football' in my local community and walk regularly with Arthur (our rescue Lurcher) and just last week clocked up 38 miles during our walks. Click To Tweet

All this physical activity obviously has benefits to overall wellbeing but what happens when we get carried away?  Our guest, Stella Evans, here shares some of the signs we can watch for when we lose some balance…

Those who are into fitness, and being physically active, are an inspiration to others who want to start their own fitness routine. It takes self-discipline and hard work to achieve a comfortable routine of training regularly. After a time, a high percentage of people reduce their routines but for others who continue with their regular training, the strenuous physical activities and workouts become a breeze. [Read more…]

5 Steps to Choosing an Addiction Rehab Centre

Addictive behaviours are one of the most concerning challenges we may ever have to overcome and a few include overuse or dependence on alcohol, drugs, food (too much or not enough), gambling and abuse (of ourselves and others).

 

It is a misconception that addicts are unemployed as certainly when it comes to alcohol, you are more likely to drink if you are in employment than if you are looking for work or you aren’t in the job market… Although adults with the lowest incomes are most likely to abuse drugs, particularly Class A substances, the pressures of poorly paid work can be just as significant as having a demanding job. – Workplace Stress and the Role of Addiction

 

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Tips to Identify Mental Health Issues When Feeling Exhausted

Is exhaustion starting to get the better of you? Our guest, Amanda shares tips to identify some of the underlying reasons why we may be feeling inexplicably exhausted.

Wherever you live, mental health issues are likely prevalent. There are so many who are tormented by symptoms which often seem to appear out of nowhere and even though there is much more awareness, many still feel ‘shame’ which hinders them seeking help to deal with a difficult situation.

If you feel like you, or someone in your family, is possibly going through a mental health issue, here are a few things you need to know when it comes to identifying mental illness in its early stages and seeking the appropriate help sooner rather than later. [Read more…]

Key Signs to Know if Your Casual Drinking is Turning Into an Addiction

We are, once again, approaching that time of year when partaking in the festivities allows us to enjoy special food and drink and provides us with a much needed change in routine. However, are we mindful of our activities or do we find ourselves mindlessly ‘following the crowd’? Also, consider the rest of the year, not just the festive times. Are we mindful of our habits and behaviours?

Joel Curtis, a registered Psychologists with Endeavour Wellness has over 17 years of experience. Joel also holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and owns a number of private practices in Sydney and provides expert content for several national TV and Radio programmes. Here, Joel looks at the subject of casual drinking and addiction. [Read more…]

Why I can’t get no satisfaction!

I can’t get no… satisfaction.

What a great song from the Rolling Stones, and how apt for this blog! We spend much of our existence wanting for things to be different, waiting for that next thing. In fact, being anywhere but the only place we can ever really live our life, here and now, in this moment. So how does this manifest, and what does it mean for us?

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5 Signs Your Loved One Has a Drug Problem

Drug addiction can be a tough topic to address. This is particularly difficult if you feel that your loved ones may be suffering from a certain type of addiction. Guest author, Tess Young, is a freelance writer and blogger and her writing covers a wide range of different topics. She also writes for Pyramid Healthcare on topics such as alcohol and drug treatment programs.

Drug issues can happen to anyone, and contrary to popular belief it is not just illegal drugs that are causing this. Addiction to prescription medication is also an issue. Drugs can end up being both psychologically and chemically addictive, and addiction can end up governing a person’s entire life. As a result, it is a good idea to check for the signs that may indicate a dependency problem. Some of these signs are quite difficult to pick up, but by looking closely you may be able to find out what the issue is so that you can get it sorted as soon as possible. [Read more…]