I’ve had a lot of people tell me how 2016 was not their year. But for me, it was one of the most exciting and enlightening years that I’ve ever had.
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t filled with overseas trips or big fancy events, and it certainly wasn’t smooth all the way.
But last year, was a year of self-discovery and inner growth.
The festive season is a time to eat, drink, and be merry.
But if you’re a recovering addict, the cocktails, parties, and good times can be a tough to try navigate.
Additionally, increased family time during the holidays can be emotional for many, especially those recovering from addiction. And for those without close family ties, loneliness may set in.
Therefore, we have gathered a few tips on how to stay sober this festive season.
It’s no secret that your local drug dealer cares very little for you or any of their other loyal customers.
This becomes evident when you start looking at the quality of the drugs they sell, where they sourced them from and how much each substance is ‘cut’, in order to make more profit off each.
It’s the 1st of December, and a lot of us are relieved that in just a few days, we’ll be on holiday. Soon we’ll be relaxing in the sun, celebrating the fact that we made it through 2016 in one piece.
Unfortunately, the holiday season is a time that often sees drug addiction and alcoholism flaring up.
People with substance abuse problems, may end up drinking or using drugs more often to cope with the pressures and stress of this time of the year.
There are very few places in the world, where you will find more honesty, support and courage than in an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting.
Attending a 12-step meeting is one of the most life-changing experiences you can have.
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centres. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional response, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them.” – Psychology Today
A study dating back to the 1970’s explains how changing an addict’s environment can help them overcome addiction and avoid relapsing.
The study, which was heavily contested in its time, is now regarded as significant to current concepts about how we can change behaviours and how addiction can be cured.
Often, we overlook the true impact of our emotions. We forget that our emotions are the things that drive us, whether it’s happiness, sadness, fear or anger.
We overlook the significance of our emotions, refusing to recognise why we felt that way or how that negative experience and its attached feeling has impacted our lives.
Because of this, we are never able to fully seek closure on a negative experience, allowing that experience to ripple out, inevitably affecting our lives for years to come.
Today, is International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.
In light of today, our team at Step Away Rehabilitation Centre felt it was necessary to address the severity of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and the impact it has on our children and country.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome occurs when women abuse alcohol during pregnancy. Children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy then develop physical and mental disabilities, which severely affect their capabilities later on in life.
Addiction and emotional immaturity are closely linked, with many addicts turning to using or drinking in order to escape their realities. The lack of emotional maturity is usually explained in terms of an attachment trauma or “relational” stress during childhood.
When there is a lack of appropriate direction and support from parents during childhood, a person cannot internalise suitable emotional controls, meaning they do not learn to control their internal emotional responses.
During addiction recovery, addicts begin to develop emotional skills they never had before.
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