At this time of year, as the seasons change, people start to talk about the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its links to addictive behaviour, particularly substance abuse. The two conditions can be treated concurrently. Symptoms of SAD should never be ignored. What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder and Addiction? SAD is a mental health disorder […]
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Trouble With the Law? How Addiction leads to Legal Problems
Addiction leads to legal problems in a variety of unexpected ways. Rehabilitation from an addiction of any kind should not be judgmental and help is available for those attempting to recover regardless of past legal problems. Legal Consequences Are Often Unforeseen Addicted people are especially at risk of falling foul of the law. Addiction will […]
Self-Care Does Not Mean Self-Medication: Coping Strategies for Addiction due to Stress at Work
Demanding jobs are the norm these days. They can be satisfying but are often highly stressful too. Anyone involved with the public, such as police, health or social workers, or teachers, might agree. Stress at work can lead to addiction because we sometimes learn to unwind from stress in inappropriate ways. In this article we shall […]
Understanding the Mind of a Gambling Addict
Much compulsive gambling behaviour is based on unrealistic thinking, to a greater degree than that found in other addictions. We are all conditioned to gambling by life, perhaps unknowingly, but it is how we respond that dictates if we will become addicted or not. At Smarmore Castle, admissions for Gambling Disorders increase yearly. In this article, […]
Can You Drink Alcohol While Breastfeeding?
There are many misconceptions about drinking while breastfeeding and scientific research on the subject over the years has been limited. For new mothers, it can be difficult to figure out if they can have a drink or should avoid alcohol completely. You can find out the latest HSE health guidance and research on this page. […]
90 Meetings in 90 Days and Their Surprising Benefits
As AA mantras go, this must be one of the most daunting, especially as its advice was often given to newcomers. You can imagine people reacting: “but you just told me to take it a day at a time…” Most certainly it is a big ask for anyone, but successful recovery from addiction is not […]
Can You Drink Alcohol With Ibuprofen. Is It Safe or Dangerous?
Can You Drink Alcohol With Ibuprofen and Alcohol, Is It Safe? Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory painkillers available. Its effectiveness in treating mild to moderate pain and fever makes it a go-to for many common ailments. Available without a prescription, it is strong enough to treat everything from fever and menstrual […]
Is It Safe Mixing Antibiotics With Alcohol?
Can You Mix Antibiotics With Alcohol? It’s generally accepted wisdom that you should avoid alcohol mixing antibiotics with alcohol because of potential side effects. While in many cases alcohol doesn’t actually make the antibiotics less effective, it can result in some unpleasant symptoms which, combined with the negative effect of alcohol on the immune system, […]
Using Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism for Denial
Denial as a Powerful Symptom of Alcoholism Chances are you likely have an idea of what coping is – we all have coping mechanisms we automatically use daily. But did you know that denial can keep you alive? Therapists and psychiatrists often talk of denial as if it is something terrible or unnatural. However often […]
10 Things I Don’t Miss About my Alcohol Addiction
Living an Alcohol-Free Life – Why It’s Better than Ever Things I Don’t Miss About my Alcohol Addiction From feeling constantly angry and depressed to being permanently broke, my alcohol addiction caused a series of bad decisions that I will always regret. Only the other day, someone asked me if I missed alcohol. Almost a […]
5 Lies I Told Myself About my Husband’s Drug Addiction
The Truth About My Husband’s Addiction that Took Years to Unveil If there’s one crucial thing I’ve learned is that addicts lie. It doesn’t matter how much they love you or your family unit; they lie cheat and steal. They lie to their bosses, families, friends, and themselves. It’s not personal. My husband hated himself […]
Side Effects of Cocaine and How to Dramatically Reduce Them
Understanding the Feelings of a Cocaine High Even the highest-quality cocaine carries the risk of overdose and poses numerous dangerous cardiac and neurological consequences. On top of that, cocaine is known to trigger mental illnesses or worsen the condition of someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or bipolar. Regardless of why you choose to do cocaine […]