Blogs
Free, confidential and impartial advice on Rehab, therapy and counselling for drug and alcohol dependency from a clinician.
Explore our blog page, where each post is a journey into the depths of curiosity, knowledge, and inspiration.
Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?
Can you become addicted to Paracetamol? No. Well not it in the same way you become addicted to heroin or alcohol as the way it affects the brain is different. That doesn't mean that some people are not addicted to taking it in the way that they take it, repeatedly. How does Paracetamol work? The…
Can you do a Methadone detox at home?
Can you do a Methadone detox at home? In theory: Yes. In practice: No. It is a nice idea that you can stay at home, take some methadone and your opioid use disorder is cured. Sadly it just doesn't work like that. In order to understand why this won't work you need to know what…
How much does addiction treatment cost?
How much does addiction treatment cost? The cost of addiction treatment is probably a lot less than you think. Probably nowhere as much as you think. There are multiple options that can keep costs to a minimum. As with all types of private healthcare, as with most things in life, there are always options. Addiction…
What is the most addictive drug?
What is the most addictive drug? How long is a piece of string? Different drugs do different things to different people. That might sound vague but due to an individuals DNA, what might be problematic for one person may not be. Some drugs, by the nature of how they work on receptors in the brain…
What is a rehab centre?
What is a rehab centre? It is a place where you will get the tools you need to get onto a trajectory of lifelong recovery. It is not a holiday camp or a spa resort. Sure, you can go into rehab, nod your head, say the right things and simply go home and relapse: It…
Is Ketamine an opioid?
Is Ketamine an opioid? No! End of blog. Well, not quite! Opioids lead to addiction and physical health problems and can also lead to fatality. Ketamine is an anaesthetic and prolonged use also leads to addiction, health problems and can also, sadly, lead to a fatality. As easily available as opioids Ketamine is very widely…
Why is Cocaine so addictive?
Why is Cocaine so addictive? It is all down to science. The effect Cocaine has on the brain, and in turn, the effect it has on your behaviour and your body is purely down to chemical changes caused by drug use. While there are lots of reasons why someone might take drugs, the effects on…
Is Methadone Addictive?
Introduction Is Methadone Addictive? A question we get asked an awful lot. We could give the answer here in the introduction but the answer is very nuanced. There are more myths floating around the internet about Methadone than there are about Bruce Lee working in Tesco's and the moon landings being fake. It will not…
Rehab Options for International Citizens: A Guide
Rehab options for overseas citizens is a growing phenomena. The world is not as large as it used to be. You can reach Australia in a day on a single flight when it used to take days with multiple stop overs. People move and businesses migrate. The UK is home to many multinational companies Companies…
Hippy Crack Addiction: Risks, Symptoms, and Recovery Guide
Introduction Hippy crack is dangerous: Very dangerous. Nitrous oxide, laughing gas, whippets or NOS: Call it what you like. Nitrous oxide is nothing new. Originally manufactured and licensed as an anesthetic, it is now widely abused. Discarded aluminium canisters and balloons after festivals. Not the sign of harmless teenage fun. Addiction to Nitrous Oxide can…
What to Expect From UK Detox Clinics
Introduction What to Expect From UK Detox Clinics? Safe, evidenced based cost effective care. UK detox clinics offer both rehabilitation and detoxification services; moreover, they do so at the same time. Detox alone will never work. Rehab consists of four essential elements: Detox, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare. Recovery functions as a continuous cycle; removing…
Why Legalising Drugs Fails: Insights and Evidence
Introduction Legalising drugs doesn't work. If someone invented alcohol today, they would certainly ban it. Indeed, many argue that legalizing drugs fails for this very reason. Furthermore, the NHS spends billions every year treating illnesses caused by alcohol. For some, the evidence appears clear that legalising drugs doesn't work and cannot resolve these health issues.…
Essential Aftercare Tips for Successful Addiction Recovery
Introduction You have been to rehab. Finally, after battling your demons you stepped up, reached out and made a commitment to get help. One of the most important steps now is aftercare following addiction treatment. You went through detox and faced up to your fears in therapy. Sorry, but there is no medal at the…
Understanding NHS Addiction Detox Services
Introduction NHS Addiction Detox Services. They exist, right? No! Well, for a start, the NHS is not responsible for providing drug and alcohol services. All local services are provided by your local authority. They are the ones responsible for providing services, are at liberty to commission any provider. A charity, the NHS, third sector provider…
How to Help Someone Struggling with Addiction
Introduction Addiction is a very serious illness. Left untreated it can be fatal. With the right treatment, anyone can overcome addiction. It takes a lot of effort and there will be bumps in the road. Helping someone is not easy but, with the right approach, you can make a real difference. Helping, not enabling is…