Addiction and Holidays
St. Patrick’s Day & Binge Drinking Culture
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 17th to honour the patron saint of Ireland. It’s a time for parades, green beer, and merriment. However, for many people, St. Patrick’s Day has become synonymous with binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. For individuals in addiction recovery, St. Patrick’s Day and its associated…
Read MoreGrief, Loss & Addiction: Navigating Triggers on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and honour the women who have played an important role in our lives. However, for individuals who have experienced loss, whether through death, estrangement, or other means, Mother’s Day can be a difficult and triggering time. The Complexities of Grief and Loss Grief and loss can be complex…
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Seasonal Affective Disorder & Addiction
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SADs, is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons, typically in the autumn and winter months. It is believed to be caused by a lack of sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and decreased energy. SAD is…
Read MoreThe Post-Holiday Blues: Addiction & Blue Monday
The time of year, when the highs of the holiday season have worn off, and the Christmas comedown sets in. We may begin to search elsewhere to find that holiday thrill. Synthetic highs, such as drugs and alcohol, begin to look like an easy replacement to restore that buzz. What Makes January So Tough? For…
Read MoreNew Year, New You: Overcoming Addiction in 2023
As the new year approaches, many of us make resolutions to better ourselves in various ways. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the new year is a perfect time to make a change and take control of your life. We are now over one week into the New Year, with ‘Quitter’s…
Read MoreWhy Not Try Dry January?
As we approach the end of another year, we all start to look ahead towards the festive season and January. The question is…will you be considering Dry January? Dry January originated in the UK as a public health campaign in 2013 and has since become a global phenomenon for Alcohol Change UK, the charity heading…
Read MoreNavigating the Festive Season in Recovery
Alcohol consumption in the UK raises by 41% in December, making the festive season an extremely challenging time for many in addiction recovery. Excessive alcohol consumption is unfortunately embedded in UK culture, and all too often, especially during the festive season, many feel pressured to drink. This is not an ideal situation for those vulnerable…
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