Navigating Early Addiction Recovery

Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction can be both challenging and rewarding. Early recovery is a critical phase where individuals establish the foundation for their long-term sobriety. It’s a time filled with hope, but it can also be overwhelming. Setting realistic goals and managing expectations are essential elements in navigating this transformative journey.…

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The Healing Power of Nature in Addiction Recovery

As it’s the height of Summer, now is the perfect time to explore the therapeutic benefits of immersing yourself in nature during addiction recovery. From lush green trees to the fresh air, gentle walks, and the nurturing embrace of the sun, the natural world has a remarkable ability to support and enhance the healing process.…

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The Hidden Dangers of Laughing Gas: A Gateway Drug to Addiction

As parents, we all want the best for our children, and their well-being is a top priority. In today’s world, where substance abuse is a growing concern, it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the dangers their children might face. One such concern that has been on the rise in the UK is the…

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Advocacy in Addiction Recovery: How to Make a Difference

Addiction is a complex issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. Advocacy is an essential part of creating change and addressing the root causes of addiction. Whether you’re in addiction recovery yourself or you want to make a difference in your community, there are numerous ways to get involved in advocacy and support addiction recovery.…

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Understanding the Role of Dopamine in Addiction

Addiction is a complex neurological process that is driven by the brain’s reward system, specifically the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of addiction, making it challenging to quit without professional help and support. When we think about addiction, we often focus on the negative consequences of drug use:…

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Giving Support Without Enabling Addiction

Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be incredibly difficult, and it’s natural to want to help in any way possible. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential for co-dependency, a pattern of behaviour in which an individual becomes overly involved with their loved one’s addictive behaviours and loses sight of their…

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The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, often rooted in a person’s past experiences and emotional state. Trauma is one such experience that has been found to be closely linked to addiction. Trauma can cause a variety of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that may lead to self-medicating behaviours, including substance abuse. Research shows that…

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Patterns and Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterised by a strong and often uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol, even when it causes harm to one’s health, relationships, and overall life. If left untreated, alcohol dependence can lead to a range of negative consequences, including liver damage,…

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What Are the Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men?

Addiction affects each individual person differently, dependent on a variety of circumstances and factors, including but not limited to, family history, environment, mental health issues, or even genetics! This week on the New Leaf Recovery blog, we’re unpicking the relationship between gender and addiction. How exactly is addiction different between men and women, and why?  …

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The Importance of Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a common trigger for addiction relapse, making it crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress during addiction recovery. That’s why we’re highlighting the importance of stress awareness during the month of April: National Stress Awareness Month.  This Year’s Theme: ACT NOW This year’s theme takes a slightly different approach to previous…

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