The Benefits of Journalling in Addiction Recovery

Journalling in addiction recovery

Addiction recovery is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and self-discovery. While professional treatment and support are integral to this process, there’s an often-overlooked tool that can significantly enhance the healing journey: journalling. The act of putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, offers a therapeutic outlet that complements traditional recovery methods. In this…

Read More

World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide prevention day

The Power of Compassionate Conversations in Addiction Recovery At New Leaf Recovery, we provide a safe space for individuals on their journey to addiction recovery. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of the language we use when discussing sensitive topics like suicide, especially within the context of addiction…

Read More

National Recovery Month 2023

National Recovery Month

What Is National Recovery Month 2023? In September 2023, we’ll be celebrating National Recovery Month for the 34th time. It’s an annual event where we dedicate the month to raising awareness for people in the recovery journey of their mental health and substance use struggles. National Recovery Month was started in 1989, by the Substance…

Read More

The Impact of the War in Ukraine on Addiction

war in Ukraine impact on addiction

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the country, and the effects are being felt around the world. For people struggling with addiction, the war has created additional challenges, such as displacement, financial hardship, and mental health problems, which can make it difficult to maintain addiction recovery. Displacement Millions of people have…

Read More

The Healing Power of Nature in Addiction Recovery

As it’s the height of Summer, now is the perfect time to explore the therapeutic benefits of immersing yourself in nature during addiction recovery. From lush green trees to the fresh air, gentle walks, and the nurturing embrace of the sun, the natural world has a remarkable ability to support and enhance the healing process.…

Read More

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:…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

Nutrition and Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that affects both the mind and body. While traditional addiction treatments such as therapy and support groups can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, proper nutrition is often overlooked in the recovery process. However, the truth is that good nutrition is critical for recovery from addiction. A balanced…

Read More

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?  …

Read More