Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it’s anger, silence, exhaustion, or the quiet withdrawal of someone who’s given up trying to be understood. And in South Africa, those signs are everywhere, in our workplaces, our homes, our schools, our taxi queues, our WhatsApp chats. We talk about depression now more than ever, but talking … Read moreDepression in South Africa, Why We’re Still Getting It Wrong

Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of new beginnings, a story of hope, care, and connection. But for thousands of South African women, it’s also a time of terror. Not because they don’t love the life growing inside them, but because they can’t stop using the substances destroying them both. Addiction doesn’t take a … Read moreThe Silent Crisis of Pregnancy and Addiction in South Africa

For most people, rehab is meant to be a lifeline, a place to heal, to reset, to begin again. But for some, it becomes something else entirely, a cycle. Detox, recovery, relapse. Repeat. These are the serial recoveries, people who can talk fluently about treatment, who know every counsellor by name, who’ve done the steps … Read moreWhen Rehab Becomes Routine

When your loved one grapples with benzodiazepine addiction, it can feel like they’re caught in a whirlwind, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by a plethora of treatment options. As a holistic addictions counselor, I’ve seen the profound impact that a holistic approach can have on benzodiazepine addiction recovery. This method is not merely about … Read moreHolistic Approaches To Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery

In today’s world, where so many voices and judgments surround us, the power of self-compassion becomes our most formidable ally. It’s not just a soft sentiment; it’s a radical act that can transform the way you perceive addiction and mental health, both in yourself and in those around you. When we talk about addiction, we … Read moreSelf-compassion In Breaking The Stigma

If your significant other is fighting addiction, your fate is intertwined with theirs. Have faith; I understand. It’s common to reduce the process of recovering from addiction to simply not using substances anymore, but there’s more to it than that. Holistic healing is an option you could explore. There is a widespread myth that holistic … Read moreTackling Addiction in a Holistic Way

The sheer scale of prescription drugs being purchased online is an alarming reality that needs urgent attention. According to that PubMed study, more than one-third of participants—35% to be exact—confessed to buying medications online without a proper prescription. These aren’t isolated incidents; these are patterns of behavior that hint at a wider societal problem. In … Read moreThe Internet’s Dark Side: Easy Access to Prescription Drugs

The opioid crisis has not spared any part of the world, including South Africa. While much focus is often on North America, the ramifications here are just as dire but less publicized. It’s crucial for you and your family to understand the landscape of this crisis, how it manifests locally, and what role rehab centers … Read moreCombating the Opioid Crisis

You might be surprised to learn that some researchers are exploring the potential of certain types of mushrooms, specifically those containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin, as a treatment for addiction. Studies have shown that psilocybin, found in what are commonly known as ‘magic mushrooms’, can have profound and lasting changes on perception and cognition, leading … Read moreCan Medicinal Mushrooms Treat Addiction?

If you’ve experienced childhood trauma, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. But, borrowing from Bruce K. Alexander’s insights, it’s important to understand that you are not alone in this journey. It’s where the power of a strong support system comes into play, a concept that’s integral to your recovery from addiction. A support system … Read moreBuilding A Strong Support System In Childhood Trauma And Addiction Recovery