Denial keeps us locked into the behaviour we are trying to change by convincing us that what we’re doing is not that bad, necessary on some level or will change. All these assumptions are wrong. This post poses the questions you need to ask yourself to navigate your way out of denial. Only then is recovery possible.
Read more about denial in drug and alcohol addiction cases here and on this page here.
Do you consume more caffeinated beverages than you do water? Does your current caffeine consumption no longer give you a boost, just a feeling of being normal? Maybe your one cup of coffee a day has turned into one too many. You’re aware of it but you don’t know how to kick the habit. We…
It is often erroneously assumed that a trauma response was caused by a singular occurrence, or by narrowly defined recent circumstances. In truth traumatic events can occur over the duration of a lifetime with a broad range of complex trauma responses and behaviour maladaptions. This is the arena of complex trauma or C-PTSD which is one of the most common trauma disorders presented in addiction patients today.
Studies on mental health in many previous disease outbreaks have shown that many individuals exposed to life-threatening diseases can also experience longer-term psychological aftereffects such as PTSD, anxiety and depression that extend far beyond the active infection. During these periods of prolonged stress and uncertainty, many changes can occur in the brain and to the…
In order for relationships to succeed there needs to be an alliance that includes a mutual effort toward instilling positivity, empathy, commitment, acceptance and respect. Without the commitment toward this seemingly obvious and simple relationship can fall into many toxic or destructive holding patterns. Recognise that many toxic habits are hardwired into our culture and…
Don’t kid yourself. There is nothing cool about one of South Africa’s most addictive substances. Methamphetamine, or more colloquially Tik, is a self-destructive drug that often results in people seeking professional medical and psychological care to break the addictive cycle of abuse. How To Help a Loved One
As an employer in South Africa, one of your key concerns is keeping a healthy, capable and productive workforce in operation. Substance use issues are almost given in the South African workplace, as up to 15% of the workforce are actively addicted to some harmful substance or behaviour. Addiction negatively impacts productivity, profitability and the…