The journey to understand addiction is filled with discoveries and challenges, making it one of the most fascinating areas of research today. From new findings on why some people are more susceptible to addiction to innovative treatments that could potentially help individuals recover, this article explores the latest breakthroughs in addiction research, which are changing how we view and treat addiction.   Exciting Developments in Addiction Research Recent research in addiction has led to significant findings across various aspects of substance use disorders, mental and health outcomes ..read more

Many people smoke when they drink, but why is this? Whether you have quit nicotine and relapse when drunk or decide to smoke whilst drinking even as a non-smoker, many people smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes when drinking alcohol. Learn more about the link between nicotine and alcohol and why so many want to smoke when they drink here.   Is There a Link Between Nicotine and Alcohol? There is a strong link between nicotine and alcohol, as many individuals who smoke cigarettes also drink alcohol, and the two substances often go hand in hand in social settings and environments. Several facto ..read more

A key phase of addiction recovery is the withdrawal phase, which can involve both acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal. Withdrawal is the process where the body rids itself of any drug or alcohol substance during a detoxification process and may cause side effects including cravings. The official definition of withdrawal is when you quit or cut back on using alcohol or other drugs, and it is an essential part of the recovery process. Withdrawal itself is a complex situation and can affect individuals in a variety of ways. Here, we explore the two different phases of withdrawal: acute wit ..read more

Starting the journey of addiction recovery whilst also being a parent can often feel overwhelming, especially at first. This article provides parents in recovery with general and practical advice, encouraging them to create a nurturing, safe and healthy environment.   Our Advice to Healthy Parenting in Recovery The balance between your own personal healing and providing the support and love your children deserve requires not just strength, but also a huge sense of compassion and understanding for yourself and your child (or children). This guide is designed to offer insights and strategie ..read more

The subject of sleeping pills has frequently surfaced in recent news, consistently highlighting one particular type – and that’s a medication called Zopiclone. Whether you’re currently using Zoplicone or are considering the medication, this article will tell you everything you need to know about this sleep medication, including what it is, the benefits, the risks, and whether there is the potential to develop Zopiclone addiction.   What Is Zopiclone? Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill tablet that’s commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. It’s a class C controlled substance here in the UK ..read more

Over recent years, non-alcoholic beverages have gained popularity as an alternative drink for those who don’t want to experience the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Whether you’re health-conscious or simply abstaining from alcohol for personal reasons, the question lies: is non-alcoholic wine good for you? Here, we explore everything you need to know about alcohol-free wine, its potential benefits, any drawbacks and the role it could play in a balanced lifestyle.   What is Non-Alcoholic Wine? Non-alcoholic wine is made from a complex process that involves the removal of alcohol from regu ..read more

It’s no secret that as the seasons change, so can our moods. But, for many, these transitions throughout the year aren’t just about adjusting to cooler temperatures or shorter (and much darker!) days – it’s about battling the significant emotional and physical challenges brought on by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this article, you’ll find helpful tips on how to cope with seasonal affective disorder.   What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, can be defined as a form of depression that occurs at roughly the same tim ..read more

There‘s a common belief among some people that drinking alcohol can warm you up in cold weather, and although it can make you feel warmer, alcohol causes your body temperature to drop. You might have seen images of St. Bernard rescue dogs with a little keg of something strong around their necks – supposedly for helping to revive people lost in the snow. But does alcohol keep you warm in cold weather or is it just a myth? Read more below.   Does Alcohol Make You Warm? Does alcohol warm you up? Drinking alcohol can certainly give you a warm and toasty feeling, and feeling tipsy or drunk can ..read more

Over the years, plenty of studies have been conducted regarding the long-term and excessive use of cannabis. One health condition that appears to rise is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, commonly referred to as CHS. But what exactly is it, and how dangerous is the condition? In this article, you’ll find everything there is to know about and explain what you can do if you’re worried about yourself or a loved one.   What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome? CHS is a rare but serious condition that is typically experienced by people who have a long and heavy history of using cannabis. It’s ..read more

Many models exist when it comes to research studies conducted on addiction. However, one model that’s known for its accuracy in depicting addiction is the stages of change model. In this article, we’ll take you through each step of the five stages of the change model, providing insights into each stage.   What are the Five Stages of the Addiction Cycle of Change? The four stages of Change, developed by Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross in 1983, is a theory based on how an individual progresses in their journey towards addiction recovery. This model was later revised in 1992 and began to ..read more