The media is constantly publishing facts and figures around obesity, and whilst a lack of exercise is contributing to this, a major factor is in diet. But what about those who are not obese? Does that make them any more healthy? Research has shown that those who have a diet with a high level of carbohydrates and sugar are exposing themselves to medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. So the simple solution is to reduce the levels of carbohydrates and sugar in one’s diet. But what about if the person develops an addiction to them? Then what? A...
Read MoreXbox One: a new age for gaming addiction
There has been unprecedented excitement at the launch of the Xbox One,… but will it just lead to an increase in gaming addiction? The creative geniuses at Microsoft have endeavored to make this system the most versatile yet and have created the hardware and gaming software to appeal to just about everyone from action and adventure adrenaline junkies to more cerebral gamers who prefer logic puzzles and strategy. Jumping in before the release of the Playstation Four later this year, Microsoft have jumped in to get in there first. But will this just encourage gaming addiction? Should we expect an epidemic?...
Read MoreCan you become addicted to Facebook?
Whilst many of us joke about getting our Facebook “fix”, it must be considered that as with any addiction, it can ruin lives. Facebook provides us with a resource to keep in contact with people we know regardless of where they are in the world and to share in their daily lives. However, when we choose Facebook over face-to-face interactions and cut ourselves off from the real world, it is clear there is a problem. For many, the draw of Facebook is the fact it provides the opportunity to act in a way that perhaps the person would not dream...
Read MoreWhat is Anabolic Steroid addiction?
Anabolic steroids are sometimes used by athletes or those who weight lift to build more muscle quickly. Other reason people may use steroids is it is they are thought to improve athletic performance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that while under 6% of athletes are thought to abuse steroids anecdotal evidence suggests that in reality this figure is much higher. Some people who abuse steroids may have body dysmorphia and not feel that they are big enough, therefore they may abuse steroids to add bulk quickly as they don’t like the way their body looks. Anabolic steroids...
Read MorePhysical evidence of possible drug use
Physical evidence of possible drug use Before reading this list, it is important to remember that there may be perfectly legitimate explanations for possession of some of these items. Therefore, if you are unsure, it is a good idea to call us and discuss it further before making any assumptions or accusations. • Cigarette lighters, matches and candles (especially if the person is a non-smoker). • Knives, metal foil, drink cans and bottle tops discoloured by heat. • Funnels, outer covers off matchboxes and large straws. • Stone, clay, wooden, metal, glass or ceramic stemmed pipes (chillums). • High tech...
Read MoreGiving up alcohol
Giving up alcohol is undoubtedly one of the hardest things a person can do, which is why it is vital to have support. However, that being said, many people try to do it by themselves and so I wanted to provide some advice for those wanting to go it alone. Firstly, identify the times when you are most inclined to have a drink. For many people, this will be after work and so it can be helpful to come up with something else to do during this time (which, incidentally, is why most AA meetings take place at this time)....
Read MoreLiving with an alcoholic
Living with an alcoholic is one of the hardest things someone can do. In some ways, in can be easier to be the person with the problem than it is to be the one that has to pick up the pieces. Pretending to other people that everything is ok is draining, and often those who are living with an alcoholic can become ill as a result of the strain. In order for someone to retain their strength and health whilst living with an alcoholic, it is important to understand the nature of an alcoholic. Alcoholics are deceitful, they are selfish,...
Read MoreLiving with an addicted love one
There is an expression used in Al-Anon that I think is important to share with others because it captures the nature of living with an addicted love one perfectly. The three C’s are as follows: “You didn’t CAUSE the addiction, you can’t CONTROL the addiction, and you can’t CURE the addiction.” You didn’t cause the addiction This can be particularly difficult for parents to comprehend because we often see our children as a reflection of ourselves, and therefore, if my child has an addiction it is because I have failed as a parent. This is not the case. Addiction can...
Read MorePearl Lowe’s 8 years of recovery
It was touching and inspirational to see Pearl Lowe talk about her eight years of sobriety in The Telegraph this month. Pearl is often better known as the mother of Brit ‘it girl’ model Daisy Lowe, however Pearl has her own past and part of that has been her recovery from heroin addiction. Pearl was in the Indie band ‘Powder’ in the mid 1990′s, she also has been in a relationship with Danny from the band ‘Supergrass’ since this time and they have four children. Pearl was part of the notorious and hedonistic Primrose Hill Set in Camden at this...
Read MoreWhat is sex addiction?
Sex addiction is a compulsive, out of control , destructive process of addiction which involves any form of sexual activity. The addict will organise their lives around their sexual activities and like the substance abuser will go to any length to get their ‘fix.’ The addict will pursue their sexual activity at a cost to their well-being, relationships, career and social lives. The consequences of sex addiction will also greatly affect the mind of the addict, they will often suffer with depression, anxiety, shame and distorted thinking. The Sexual Recovery Institute reported that “ Research shows that 70 to 75...
Read MoreWhat is love addiction?
Love addiction is a psychological addiction where the addict becomes addicted to the feeling of being in love. The cause of love addiction is thought to stem from unmet needs the addict had as a child and is a maladaptive way an individual may try to get those needs met. Typically by being dependent on others. However it is important to remember that the love addict is not addicted to a person but to the feeling of being in love itself. The love addict feels they need love in in order to gain a sense of identity and self...
Read MoreMacauley Culkin moves in with Pete Doherty
This could be a disaster just waiting to happen – former child-star Macauley Culkin has moved in with singer, actor and Kate Moss’ ex, Pete Doherty. Both have ongoing problems with drug addiction – so Culkin’s decision to move to Paris to live a “bohemian lifestyle” with the controversial ex-Libertines frontman spells trouble. Doherty was most recently thrown out of rehab in thailand just last year. His “disruptive” influence on other patients was deemed to be harming their chances of recovery, so he was asked to leave the 7k a month Cabin rehabilitation centre. The unlikely duo became friends after they...
Read MoreWhat are the signs of alcohol addiction?
Are you worried that you are drinking too much? Or perhaps you are concerned about a friend or relatives drinking? Being addicted to alcohol is quite prevalent in the UK, the NHS estimates that 9% of males and 4% of women in the UK display signs of alcohol dependence. Dependency means that the individual cannot physically and psychologically function without drinking. Often people have the stereotyped idea of the homeless alcoholic being intoxicated on a park bench shouting at people. However alcoholism can affect anyone regardless of class, race or gender. A person also doesn’t need to drink vast amounts...
Read MoreMindfulness meditation and addiction
Mindfulness meditation is derived from Buddhist traditions. Mindfulness is about staying in the present moment and learning to accept one thoughts with a curious nature and non-judgemental attitude. Mindfulness meditation has become increasingly used in the treatment of addictions. When people are addicted their minds are usually focused on their drug of choice. Mindfulness helps the individual to slow down and focus on feelings. This helps to interrupt the cycle of additive behaviour and stop the suppression of feelings allowing the person to experience the full range of human emotions. Subsequently this assists in disarming difficult feelings by accepting...
Read MoreEastenders, Sharon Rickman and painkiller addiction
Unreality TV reported on the 8th April that the character Sharon Rickman’s addiction to pain killers will re-emerge later in the month. Sharon’s addiction to pain killers was first revealed in September 2012. It’s pertinent to consider how the Eastender’s story-line mirrors society today. Nuffield Health found in a recent survey that a third of UK pain sufferers worry about dependency on pain killers. In January 2013 The Daily Mail reported that more than a million people in the UK are now addicted to pain killers. How are painkillers addictive? Codeine based painkillers which are sold either over the counter, without...
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