For most people, video games are a harmless diversion. They play for an hour to two when they don’t have anything else to do or to relax at the end of the day. As with anything though, spending too much time playing video games can negatively affect your life. There are some reliable signs that […]
Tag: Addiction Advice
Do You Have Withdrawal Symptoms When You Quit Gambling?
Gambling Withdrawal Symptoms We typically associate withdrawal symptoms with addiction to substances. Your body gets used to the presence of a certain chemical and gradually adapts to it. You need the substance to feel normal, and when you quit, your system is out of balance. This causes various withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, irritability, nausea, insomnia, […]
Why Gambling is So Addictive
If you gamble regularly, the question, ‘Why is gambling addictive?’ probably seems absurd. Gambling is addictive because it’s fun and exciting. But plenty of things are fun and exciting without being addictive. What is it about gambling that is so compelling that otherwise responsible people will spend all their savings then steal money to gamble […]
What if I’m not Comfortable Sharing at 12 Step Meetings?
Sharing your experiences with addiction and recovery is a cornerstone of 12 Step programmes. It allows you to tell others your story and let them know they aren’t alone. It helps you get clarity on your challenges and applause for your victories. It keeps you honest when your thinking goes astray. It can also be […]
What to Share at AA Meetings
Sharing at meetings is an important part of recovery. Sharing makes you feel more like part of the group, creating a sense of mutual support. It allows you to get feedback on your problems so you don’t get lost in delusional thinking. It helps you feel better and get some clarity on your problems. Sharing […]
Alcohol is the Real Gateway Drug
Marijuana has typically been decried as a “gateway drug” that leads to more dangerous drugs like cocaine and heroin. This argument has resurfaced as legalisation of marijuana in the US has become more likely. The problem with this argument is that it ignores a far more obvious culprit–alcohol. Alcohol is the first substance used by […]
3 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress During Recovery
Stress is dangerous in recovery. It’s one of the most common causes of relapse. For many people, using was a way of avoiding problems. Learning to face problems without recourse to drugs or alcohol is hard. Worse, people are much more sensitive to stress early in recovery because their neurotransmitters are still adjusting. Even minor […]
How to Relax During Recovery
Relaxation is important for recovery. It reduces stress and anxiety. It improves sleep and makes you healthier. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Much of the tension and anxiety you feel during early recovery is chemical. Your brain has not quite sorted out its levels of GABA, dopamine, and glutamate. It might be a while […]
Why Relaxation is so Important for Recovery
With everything going on in detox, treatment, and recovery, relaxation is easy to overlook. We often talk about how recovery takes work. It takes self-discipline and facing uncomfortable truths. All this is true, but if you want to keep up all that hard work and self-discipline, you will need plenty of rest. Just as top […]
Why Humility is Important for Addiction Recovery
Humility is a part of recovery that is easy to overlook. People think about detox and meetings and therapy. They might even think about creating a healthier lifestyle, with friends who exert a more positive influence. However, none of this is possible without humility. More information on our addiction treatment Alcohol Drugs Gambling Humility is […]
Should You Exercise During Withdrawal?
Detox is not pleasant. Depending on what you’re quitting and how long you used, you might have headaches, irritability, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, aches, tremors, hallucinations, or seizures, and insomnia. Still, if you feel up to it, a bit of physical activity might help you feel better. Studies have shown that people who have quit […]
How to Keep Shame from Ruining Your Recovery
Guilt and shame are major drivers of addiction and relapse. They are difficult emotions to deal with because when you feel shame or guilt, you face a dilemma: you can either try to run from it, often by using, or you beat yourself up with it. Shame and guilt are hard to let go of […]