“Just stay positive.” It’s the slogan of self-help books, recovery groups, and well-meaning friends who don’t know what else to say. But when you’ve lived through addiction, trauma, or loss, those words can land like a slap. Because sometimes, things aren’t fine, and pretending they are doesn’t make healing happen...
The Relapse Nobody Talks About
Recovery is supposed to feel like relief, a light at the end of a long, brutal tunnel. You picture freedom, peace, clarity. But when it finally arrives, it doesn’t feel like joy. It feels like loss. This is the relapse nobody talks about, the emotional collapse that happens not when...
The Psych Ward: What is a Psychiatric Hospital Really Like?
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...
What Is Detox?
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...
An Insight from Allen Carr’s Approach
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...
Nurturing the Self -The Role of Self-care in Recovery
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,...
The Link Between Childhood Trauma And Addiction
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...
The Notion That All Addicts Need To Follow The Same Treatment Path
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...
Peer Support In Modern Addiction Treatment
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...
Shame And Guilt In Addiction Recovery
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...