What Are the Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men?

Gender bias and differences in addiction

Addiction affects each individual person differently, dependent on a variety of circumstances and factors, including but not limited to, family history, environment, mental health issues, or even genetics! This week on the New Leaf Recovery blog, we’re unpicking the relationship between gender and addiction. How exactly is addiction different between men and women, and why?  …

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The Importance of Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Week, April 2023

Stress is a common trigger for addiction relapse, making it crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress during addiction recovery. That’s why we’re highlighting the importance of stress awareness during the month of April: National Stress Awareness Month.  This Year’s Theme: ACT NOW This year’s theme takes a slightly different approach to previous…

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Easter, Excess, and Addiction

Excess in Addiction over Easter - easter eggs

Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and hope – a great time to commit to something like addiction recovery. However, for many people, it is also a time of excess, whether it be overeating, overdrinking, or overindulging in other ways. For individuals in addiction recovery, the holidays can be a challenging time and a…

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Leaning on Others: Building a Support System for Addiction Recovery

Building a support system in addiction recovery

Building a strong support system is an essential part of addiction recovery. The journey to overcome addiction can be difficult and challenging, and having a supportive network of people can make a significant difference in your ability to stay on track and achieve long-term recovery. Steps for Building a Support System: Identifying Supportive People in…

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Grief, Loss & Addiction: Navigating Triggers on Mother’s Day

addiction triggers caused by grief on mothers 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…

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Time to Talk Day: It’s Time to Change

it's time to talk and time to change

Time to Talk Day is an annual event that takes place in the UK, this year on the 2nd of February, to raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to start conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The awareness day and associated event is an opportunity for people to talk openly and honestly about…

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Record Alcohol Deaths From Pandemic Drinking: How to Overcome Addiction

covid pandemic alcohol related deaths help with addiciton

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we live our lives. From lockdowns and social distancing measures to job losses and other stressors, the past few years have been a difficult and uncertain time for many people. Unfortunately, some have turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to a record…

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The 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…

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The Post-Holiday Blues: Addiction & Blue Monday

fight blue monday, don't turn to addiction

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…

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What Should I Bring to Rehab?

Packing what to bring for rehab

If you’ve decided to enter a rehab facility to access addiction treatment and get the support you need, then you may be wondering what to pack. Here at New Leaf Recovery, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you decide what you should bring to rehab, and what’s best left at home. How Long Should…

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