The Rise of Digital Addiction: AI and Algorithms

More and more online platforms, from e-commerce websites to social media platforms, are exploiting the power of AI for the purpose of maximising user-engagement. The darker, more invisible side to this trend however is that increased user-engagement inevitably encourages addictive behaviours. From compulsively scrolling on social media to desperately shopping for the latest bargains, digital…

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Navigating the Nexus: Internet Addiction and ADHD Unveiled

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the mix of technology and human behaviour has seen a rise in the connections between internet addiction and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Screens have become ever present in daily life and now feature in virtually everything that we do. The lines between leisure and compulsion are starting to…

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Is Social Media Addiction Real?

Over the last decade, the use of social media has risen at an exponential rate. Along with the huge increase in usage comes a worry about people developing a social media addiction.  Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formally Twitter), and TikTok have become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s hard to…

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Matthew Perry & His Honesty With Addiction

Matthew Perry has been a household name since he graced our screens with his character Chandler Bing in Friends, when he was just 25 years old. Sadly, he died on Saturday 28th October at the age of 54. His death has shocked the internet, and there have been an incredible amount of celebrity tributes and…

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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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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.…

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Understanding the Role of Dopamine in 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

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?

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 Hidden Struggle of TV Presenter Richard Osman: Overcoming Food Addiction

Richard Osman is a well-known TV presenter and, more recently, best-selling author of The Thursday Murder Club.   Even though he’s been appearing on our TVs since 2009 on BBC’s Pointless, Osman has only spoken about his struggles with food in recent years.  It’s a daily struggle to deal with a food addiction for Richard Osman,…

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