Giving Support Without Enabling Addiction

supporting without enabling addiction

Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be incredibly difficult, and it’s natural to want to help in any way possible. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential for co-dependency, a pattern of behaviour in which an individual becomes overly involved with their loved one’s addictive behaviours and loses sight of their…

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The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

trauma and addiction

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, often rooted in a person’s past experiences and emotional state. Trauma is one such experience that has been found to be closely linked to addiction. Trauma can cause a variety of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that may lead to self-medicating behaviours, including substance abuse. Research shows that…

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Patterns and Signs of Alcohol Dependence

A woman sat despondent on the floor: patterns and signs of alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterised by a strong and often uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol, even when it causes harm to one’s health, relationships, and overall life. If left untreated, alcohol dependence can lead to a range of negative consequences, including liver damage,…

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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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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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Understanding the Connection Between Eating Disorders & Addiction

Understanding the connection between eating disorders and addiction

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the serious and often misunderstood mental health conditions that affect millions of people globally. At the same time, it highlights the link between eating disorders and addiction, as both can have devastating effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. What Are Eating…

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Airing Our Dirty Sheets: 8 Common Signs of Sexual Addiction

valentines day love and sex addiction

Sex is a perfectly normal and healthy part of human nature. Indeed, an active libido can often be considered a positive sign of sound mental health. There is, however, a critical point where your sexual desires can overtake healthy levels and be classified as a behavioural addiction. Whilst most people enjoy a healthy, active sex…

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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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