Mental Health
International Day Against Drug Abuse
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual observance held on June 26th. It’s a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help for addiction. For those in addiction recovery, it can be a reminder of the struggles they’ve faced and the progress they’ve…
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 MoreGiving 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…
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 MoreLena Dunham’s Addiction Recovery: Celebrating 5 Years of Sobriety
Lena Dunham is a well-known actress, writer, and director who has been open about her struggles with addiction. In her memoir, “Not That Kind of Girl,” she revealed that she had been addicted to prescription drugs, specifically Klonopin, for many years. Her journey to recovery has been a difficult one, but it has also been…
Read MorePatterns 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,…
Read MoreThe Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a complex disease that affects both the mind and body. While traditional addiction treatments such as therapy and support groups can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, proper nutrition is often overlooked in the recovery process. However, the truth is that good nutrition is critical for recovery from addiction. A balanced…
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…
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