Our views of inpatient mental health care are often shaped by disturbing portrayals in movies and TV shows. But here’s what you can really expect from a psychiatric ward or “mental hospital.” What is a Psych Ward? In the United States, a psychiatric ward, psychiatric unit, or behavioral health unit...

Detoxification, commonly referred to as detox, is often the first step in an addiction treatment plan, particularly for substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Detox is the process by which the body eliminates drugs or alcohol when someone stops using them. This phase is crucial because it addresses the physical...

Allen Carr, renowned for his unique take on addiction, often highlighted that the true struggle isn't in the substance itself, but in our perception of it. His methods, centered on changing our beliefs and attitudes towards addiction, offer a fresh perspective on how therapy can play an instrumental role in...

In the face of trauma and addiction, the path to recovery may seem daunting, especially when the wounds are deeply embedded in the psyche. As a medical practitioner, I've borne witness to countless brave souls who've embarked on this healing journey. Your experience, your pain, and your challenges are unique,...

Childhood trauma leaves indelible marks. You might have felt its echo in silent moments, in behaviours you couldn’t understand or in reactions that seemed out of proportion to the situation. As South Africans, with a history steeped in trauma, this connection takes on an added depth. To many, the link...

Navigating through the muddled waters of addiction and finding your way to the shores of recovery is a deeply personal journey. If you or a loved one is grappling with addiction in South Africa, you've likely heard countless stories and testimonies, each unique in its own right. And yet, there's...

If you or a loved one is navigating the turbulent waters of addiction, understanding the integral role of peer support in modern addiction treatment is essential. It’s been widely recognized, especially through the work of Dr. Nora D. Volkow, that addiction isn't merely a lapse in willpower but a complex...

In the journey of addiction recovery, one of the most profound and transformative challenges you may face is dealing with the emotions of shame and guilt. These feelings can weigh heavily on your spirit, hindering progress and causing emotional distress. Dr. Lance M. Dodes' work emphasizes the importance of self-compassion...

Navigating the waters of recovery is a journey laden with a myriad of emotions, and among them, negative emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming. Based on Anne M. Fletcher's nuanced understanding of addiction, it becomes evident that managing these feelings is not about suppressing them but about understanding and integrating them...

The importance of recovery coaches, who are gradually altering the face of addiction therapy, cannot be overstated. The recovery community recognizes their worth more and more with each passing day. It's a relatively new field that's changing the addiction treatment industry for the better. If you or someone you know...