New figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics confirm Northern Ireland recorded its highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths in two decades in 2024 – and is the only part of the UK still moving in the wrong direction. Every year, the Office for National Statistics publishes a bulletin that most people never see. It […]
Addiction Resources
Ketamine bladder syndrome: causes, symptoms and help
Ketamine is becoming more common in social settings. But its regular use carries serious risks that many people don’t fully understand. That’s until they’re already dealing with the consequences. Tolerance to it builds quickly, meaning people often find themselves using more to get the same effect. Symptoms that follow, including persistent bladder pain or urgency, […]
The side effects of vaping: what you need to know
Vaping has become common over the past decade. It’s often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking or a tool to help people quit cigarettes. While e-cigarettes don’t produce tar or burn tobacco, they come with their own risks and side effects. Learn what vaping does to the body, why it can be difficult to […]
Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms
Taking ecstasy can trigger intense feelings of happiness and energy. When you stop taking it, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as low mood, feeling anxious or struggling to sleep. Getting the right support can help to make these symptoms easier to manage so you can focus on your recovery. What are the symptoms […]
Alcohol and gambling addiction
It’s not unusual for alcohol and gambling addictions to overlap. When they do, it’s common for the two behaviours to reinforce each other and make things harder. That’s why it’s important to treat both addictions in order to recover. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and gambling addictions is the first step. How are gambling and […]
How to celebrate an alcohol-free St Patrick’s Day
An alcohol free St Patrick’s Day is possible, even if it may not feel that simple. More people than you might expect choose not to drink on St Patrick’s Day, for all kinds of reasons. Some are in recovery. Some are cutting back. Some are pregnant, on medication, or simply do not want to drink. […]
Alcohol use disorder and controlled drinking
The idea of drinking casually again is something most people with alcohol dependence think about at some point. It might come up after a period of not drinking, after treatment, or as hope that things could be different this time. For people with alcohol use disorder (AUD), this rarely works out, and understanding why helps […]
How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?
How long does cocaine stay in your system? A single line of cocaine can stay in your system and show up on a drug test five days later. However, if you’re a long-term and heavy user, traces of the drug can be found many months or even years after complete cessation. Sometimes up to 90 […]
The Dangers of Mixing Codeine and Alcohol
Mixing codeine and alcohol can be very dangerous. When taken together, you’re not just doubling the effects; you’re creating a potentially lethal cocktail that can severely depress your central nervous system. This dangerous mix can lead to extreme stomach pain, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and even coma, as well as severe damage to your long-term physical […]
What is speed drug and how to tell if someone is on it?
If you’re trying to work out how to tell if someone is on the drug speed, it usually means you’ve noticed changes that don’t feel typical for them. Speed can affect someone’s body, mood, sleep, and behaviour, and those changes can show up quickly. This page explains what speed is, the most common speed drug […]
The Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Ketamine
Mixing cocaine and ketamine, often called “Calvin Klein” or “CK”, carries extremely high risks; however, the combination of the two drugs, and each drug individually, is becoming ever more popular among young people and in nightlife, the Health Service Executive warns. This page explains what happens when these two drugs are combined or consumed at […]
Is Codependency an Addiction?
Is Codependence an Addiction? What Are Its Psychological Effects? Codependency is when one or both people in a relationship are mentally, emotionally, or physically dependent on the other. It can sometimes be called ‘relationship addiction’ or ‘love addiction’, and it can affect any relationship, whether romantic, platonic, or part of a family set-up. Is codependency […]