A growing number of people are combining codeine and alcohol for recreational purposes. What few know is that mixing codeine with alcohol increases your risk of overdose by over 50%. When you combine these two substances, you’re not just doubling the effects; you’re creating a potentially lethal cocktail that can severely depress your central nervous […]
Addiction Resources
How to Set Realistic Goals During Recovery
Choosing to begin your recovery journey is a commendable and courageous decision, that comes with both challenges and triumphs. Central to this journey is the art of setting realistic goals, a skill that can significantly influence the success and sustainability of recovery. Here we’ll discuss the importance of establishing attainable, measurable, and personally meaningful objectives, […]
Mindfulness and Addiction Recovery: Why is it Important?
In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a transformative tool in helping people with addiction recovery. While the roots of mindfulness stem from long-standing Eastern philosophy and traditions, a growing body of new research demonstrates its true benefits for your mental well-being. People often forget that addiction starts in the mind before it can affect […]
Medication-Assisted Treatment vs Abstinence-Based Treatment
Looking into treatment options for your opioid, narcotic or alcohol addiction is an important milestone. For many, it can also be overwhelming, with conflicting advice and so many programme options. We’re here to help you cut through the jargon and understand the choices available to you. Treatment programmes can take two main forms: MAT, medication-assisted […]
Overcoming Cravings Through Mindfulness: Tips for People in Recovery
Managing cravings isn’t a test of willpower; it’s a balance of strategy and self-compassion. As you go through recovery, you can begin to understand them better. What are your triggers? What helps and what doesn’t? In this article, we’ll explain the biology behind cravings and mindful techniques that can help you develop strategies to manage […]
The Importance of Boundaries in Addiction Recovery
Why Healthy Boundaries Are Important to Recovery Setting healthy boundaries is a crucial aspect of recovery. You could say that it is second only to maintaining sobriety. Boundaries protect your well-being as well as your resolve; they keep you safe from unhealthy relationships. They allow you to prioritise your needs, your recovery and yourself. If […]
The Unique Challenges Women Face in Addiction Recovery – Smarmore Castle
Addiction can happen to all of us, regardless of gender, class, skin colour or creed. Despite this seeming universality, recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Biological, social, and cultural differences mean that women face a unique set of challenges when overcoming addiction. Their bodies react differently to both the consumption and withdrawal from alcohol […]
How to Prepare for Rehab, Both Mentally and Logistically
Taking the next step to start rehab for drug or alcohol addiction can be daunting for most people. Often, there can be underlying questions like how do I prepare for rehab? What will I do there? Am I ready? What happens after rehab is complete? Without answers, these critical questions may cause anxiety, but there […]
Types of Addictive Behaviours
Understanding Behavioural and Process Addictions In a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification and digital connections, behavioural and process addictions have become more prevalent. These addictions, unlike drug addiction or alcohol addiction, involve compulsive engagement in non-substance-related activities that can disrupt daily life. Typically, people who find themselves struggling with behavioural addictions are those seeking […]
Signs You are Misusing Alcohol
What is Considered Alcohol Misuse? Alcohol misuse refers to excessive alcohol use that increases your risk of harm. Drinking habits include consuming too much alcohol over the week and binge drinking – alcohol consumption of more than 8 units for men or 6 units for women in a single drinking episode. Regularly drinking too much […]
Christmas in Rehab
It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” or so the familiar tune goes. Unfortunately, this doesn’t ring true for everyone, especially if you’re suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. In fact, the holiday season can be extra stressful for many people, even those without substance misuse issues. If you’re in active addiction, the Christmas […]
Can Alcoholics Drink Casually?
The terms ‘Alcoholism’ and ‘alcoholic’ are outdated and not used in professional circles. The term ‘Alcohol Use Disorder’ is the correct term used among substance misuse professionals, but for the purposes of our audience and their familiarity with the term, we have referred to the term ‘alcoholic’ in this article. For many suffering from alcohol […]