Navigating Early Addiction Recovery

Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction can be both challenging and rewarding. Early recovery is a critical phase where individuals establish the foundation for their long-term sobriety. It’s a time filled with hope, but it can also be overwhelming. Setting realistic goals and managing expectations are essential elements in navigating this transformative journey.…

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Understanding the Role of Dopamine in Addiction

Dopamine & Addiction

Addiction is a complex neurological process that is driven by the brain’s reward system, specifically the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of addiction, making it challenging to quit without professional help and support. When we think about addiction, we often focus on the negative consequences of drug use:…

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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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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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What’s The Connection Between Cocaine and Memory Loss?

Cocaine and Memory Loss

The use of cocaine can cause many short-term and long-term health effects on individuals including memory loss. What does cocaine do to the brain? It is important to understand the effects and dangers of cocaine and how it specifically effects your brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that plays a role in the pleasure received from…

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