Victoria McCann BA, MSc

If you gamble regularly, the question, ‘Why is gambling addictive?’ probably seems absurd. Gambling is addictive because it’s fun and exciting. But plenty of things are fun and exciting without being addictive. What is it about gambling that is so compelling that otherwise responsible people will spend all their savings then steal money to gamble […]

Sharing your experiences with addiction and recovery is a cornerstone of 12 Step programmes. It allows you to tell others your story and let them know they aren’t alone. It helps you get clarity on your challenges and applause for your victories. It keeps you honest when your thinking goes astray. It can also be […]

Sharing at meetings is an important part of recovery. Sharing makes you feel more like part of the group, creating a sense of mutual support. It allows you to get feedback on your problems so you don’t get lost in delusional thinking. It helps you feel better and get some clarity on your problems. Sharing […]

Marijuana has typically been decried as a “gateway drug” that leads to more dangerous drugs like cocaine and heroin. This argument has resurfaced as legalisation of marijuana in the US has become more likely. The problem with this argument is that it ignores a far more obvious culprit–alcohol. Alcohol is the first substance used by […]

Stress is dangerous in recovery. It’s one of the most common causes of relapse. For many people, using was a way of avoiding problems. Learning to face problems without recourse to drugs or alcohol is hard. Worse, people are much more sensitive to stress early in recovery because their neurotransmitters are still adjusting. Even minor […]

Relaxation is important for recovery. It reduces stress and anxiety. It improves sleep and makes you healthier. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Much of the tension and anxiety you feel during early recovery is chemical. Your brain has not quite sorted out its levels of GABA, dopamine, and glutamate. It might be a while […]

With everything going on in detox, treatment, and recovery, relaxation is easy to overlook. We often talk about how recovery takes work. It takes self-discipline and facing uncomfortable truths. All this is true, but if you want to keep up all that hard work and self-discipline, you will need plenty of rest. Just as top […]

Humility is a part of recovery that is easy to overlook. People think about detox and meetings and therapy. They might even think about creating a healthier lifestyle, with friends who exert a more positive influence. However, none of this is possible without humility. More information on our addiction treatment Alcohol Drugs Gambling Humility is […]

Detox is not pleasant. Depending on what you’re quitting and how long you used, you might have headaches, irritability, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, aches, tremors, hallucinations, or seizures, and insomnia. Still, if you feel up to it, a bit of physical activity might help you feel better. Studies have shown that people who have quit […]

Guilt and shame are major drivers of addiction and relapse. They are difficult emotions to deal with because when you feel shame or guilt, you face a dilemma: you can either try to run from it, often by using, or you beat yourself up with it. Shame and guilt are hard to let go of […]

Setting goals can be an important tool for recovery. Setting realistic, concrete goals increases accountability and gives you a sense of purpose. Whether you’re already in recovery, or still thinking about it, setting goals for yourself can help you live a better life. First, keep in mind there are really two types of goals. There […]