There is a common belief among people struggling with addiction that stopping is simply a matter of deciding to stop. It’s an idea shaped by pride, denial, fear of treatment, or the belief that only “serious addicts” need help. This belief forms the foundation of what can only be called the detox fantasy: the idea...
When Addiction Makes You a Stranger
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of addiction is not the chaos, the lies, the financial mess, or even the physical decline, but the slow and almost unrecognisable shift in personality that takes place long before families realise what is happening. People often think addiction shows itself through behaviour, staying out late, isolating, losing interest...
The Invisible Pull of Old Identities
One of the strongest relapse cues is people, not because they encourage the behaviour, but because they represent the version of yourself that once used. Addiction is social. It lives inside friend groups, habits, jokes, rituals, shared secrets, and shared energy. When someone in recovery encounters a person from their using life, the brain reacts...
The Fear of Feeling, Why Numbness Feels Safer Than Happiness
There’s a quiet kind of addiction that doesn’t come in bottles or needles. It’s the addiction to numbness, to not feeling. It hides in busy schedules, endless scrolling, emotional detachment, and even in the relentless pursuit of “being fine.” It’s what happens when pain becomes too familiar to let go of, and happiness starts to...
The Addicted Caregiver, When Helping Others Becomes a Way to Avoid Yourself
[full-featured-image] There’s a strange kind of addiction that doesn’t smell like alcohol, doesn’t snort like cocaine, and doesn’t leave a paper trail of bets or empty bottles. It’s the addiction to helping, the quiet, socially acceptable drug of choice for people who can’t sit with their own pain. It hides behind compassion, moral superiority, and...
CBD Oil: What You Need to Know
The cannabis plant and its derivatives have been subjects of much confusion and debate. Terms like hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), marijuana, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different substances with distinct properties and legal statuses. As CBD products gain popularity, understanding the differences and implications is crucial. What is CBD? Cannabinoids...
The Five Biggest Gifts of Sobriety
For those feeling trapped in the grip of addiction, the idea of sobriety can seem like a distant dream. Addiction can wreak havoc on relationships, finances, and self-esteem, creating a painful cycle that’s hard to break. But amidst the darkness of addiction, there is hope. Sobriety brings with it numerous gifts that can transform lives,...
Navigating the Journey to Sobriety: 10 Steps to Overcoming Alcohol Dependency
Embarking on a journey to stop drinking alcohol can be daunting, particularly when alcohol has become a central part of socializing, unwinding, or coping with stress. However, understanding when the need to quit outweighs the reasons to continue is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive, supportive pathway toward a sober life—a journey many have successfully...
Understanding Clonidine: Addiction Risks and Safe Use for Families in South Africa
Clonidine, sold under brand names like Catapres, is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, migraines, menopausal flushing, diarrhea, and certain pain conditions. As a centrally-acting α2 adrenergic agonist, clonidine works by relaxing blood vessels, decreasing heart rate, and lowering blood...