General
Normalisation of Alcohol Consumption
In a world where champagne toasts mark celebrations, beers accompany sporting events, and a glass of wine often ends a day, it’s easy to overlook the omnipresence of alcohol in our lives. It’s become a societal staple, deeply woven into our daily existence and social fabric. But what lies beneath this normalisation of alcohol? Why…
Read MoreLeaning on Others: Building a Support System for Addiction Recovery
Building a strong support system is an essential part of addiction recovery. The journey to overcome addiction can be difficult and challenging, and having a supportive network of people can make a significant difference in your ability to stay on track and achieve long-term recovery. Steps for Building a Support System: Identifying Supportive People in…
Read MoreTime to Talk Day: It’s Time to Change
Time to Talk Day is an annual event that takes place in the UK, this year on the 2nd of February, to raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to start conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The awareness day and associated event is an opportunity for people to talk openly and honestly about…
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Seasonal Affective Disorder & Addiction
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SADs, is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons, typically in the autumn and winter months. It is believed to be caused by a lack of sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and decreased energy. SAD is…
Read MoreThe Post-Holiday Blues: Addiction & Blue Monday
The time of year, when the highs of the holiday season have worn off, and the Christmas comedown sets in. We may begin to search elsewhere to find that holiday thrill. Synthetic highs, such as drugs and alcohol, begin to look like an easy replacement to restore that buzz. What Makes January So Tough? For…
Read MoreNew Year, New You: Overcoming Addiction in 2023
As the new year approaches, many of us make resolutions to better ourselves in various ways. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the new year is a perfect time to make a change and take control of your life. We are now over one week into the New Year, with ‘Quitter’s…
Read MoreWhy Not Try Dry January?
As we approach the end of another year, we all start to look ahead towards the festive season and January. The question is…will you be considering Dry January? Dry January originated in the UK as a public health campaign in 2013 and has since become a global phenomenon for Alcohol Change UK, the charity heading…
Read MoreNavigating the Festive Season in Recovery
Alcohol consumption in the UK raises by 41% in December, making the festive season an extremely challenging time for many in addiction recovery. Excessive alcohol consumption is unfortunately embedded in UK culture, and all too often, especially during the festive season, many feel pressured to drink. This is not an ideal situation for those vulnerable…
Read MoreThe Connection Between Sleep and Addiction Recovery
When looking after your mental and physical health, many people underestimate the importance of sleep. This is just as true when moving forward in your addiction recovery. These two issues are no doubt inextricably linked, with those who suffer from substance use disorders up to 10 times more likely to also struggle with a sleep…
Read MoreWhat Should I Bring to Rehab?
If you’ve decided to enter a rehab facility to access addiction treatment and get the support you need, then you may be wondering what to pack. Here at New Leaf Recovery, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you decide what you should bring to rehab, and what’s best left at home. How Long Should…
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