Food Addiction
The Science Behind the Addiction to Ultra-Processed Foods
In the pursuit of modern convenience, ultra-processed foods have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. From the convenience store snacks to the savoury delights that line supermarket aisles. These culinary creations seem to possess an irresistible allure. However, beneath the surface of our cravings for these processed delights lies a complex interplay of neurological and…
Read MoreAlternatives for Enjoying Festivities in Recovery
When in recovery, we understand that finding ways to enjoy the festivities of Christmas can be difficult. Christmas is a time full of cheer, lots of alcohol and celebrations. But it can also be a great time of year for those in recovery. Finding alternative ways to enjoy the festivities helps you feel part of…
Read MoreWhat Your Brain Reveals: Food Cravings and Addiction
We’ve all experienced those irresistible cravings for our favourite snacks, whether it’s a bag of potato chips, a slice of cake, or a decadent bowl of ice cream. But have you ever wondered why these cravings can sometimes feel so overwhelming, almost like an addiction? In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of…
Read MoreNavigating 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.…
Read MoreUnderstanding 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:…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreWhat 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? …
Read MoreThe Hidden Struggle of TV Presenter Richard Osman: Overcoming Food Addiction
Richard Osman is a well-known TV presenter and, more recently, best-selling author of The Thursday Murder Club. Even though he’s been appearing on our TVs since 2009 on BBC’s Pointless, Osman has only spoken about his struggles with food in recent years. It’s a daily struggle to deal with a food addiction for Richard Osman,…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreEaster, Excess, and Addiction
Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and hope – a great time to commit to something like addiction recovery. However, for many people, it is also a time of excess, whether it be overeating, overdrinking, or overindulging in other ways. For individuals in addiction recovery, the holidays can be a challenging time and a…
Read More