Supporting Someone with Addiction In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside ~ Deepak Chopra Loving someone battling addiction can be an isolating and emotionally draining experience. Family and friends become collateral damage, caught in a web of constant fear, worry and broken trust. Broken promises and erratic behaviour erode family dynamics and […]
Amy
Embracing the Tide: The Transformative Power of Grief
The Power of Grief Loss. A word heavy with finality, etching a jagged line across our lives, leaving behind a void that echoes in the silence. Grief, the raw and potent response to this void, is often seen as an unwelcome guest, a burden we must bear alone. But what if we reframed grief not […]
Untangling the Web: A Comprehensive Exploration of Disordered Eating
Disordered eating, an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of unhealthy relationships with food, goes far beyond simply “wanting to lose weight.” It’s a complex dance of distorted body image, obsessive thoughts, and destructive behaviours, impacting millions of individuals across genders, ages, and backgrounds. Addressing this sensitive topic necessitates a deep dive into its various facets, […]
No Stone Unturned: How addiction, substance and medication misuse affect long-term health.
Substance abuse and addiction is a potent destabilising force and can have a
devastating impact on long-term health, including physical, mental and psychosocial health and wellbeing. Whether it is addiction to an illicit drug or misuse of prescription medications, the long-term health risks of substance abuse can vary depending on the extent of misuse and individual factors like genetics and pre-existing health conditions.
ADHD: Complexities in Diagnosis and Treatment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has garnered significant attention over the past few decades, sparking debates, controversies, and concerns regarding its diagnosis, prevalence, and treatment. Initially perceived as a childhood disorder characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, our understanding of ADHD has evolved, shedding light on the challenges and complexities surrounding its diagnosis and treatment.
When Healing Hurts
In 2021, the number of people worldwide suffering from opioid use disorder stood at 21.39 million. Earlier this year, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia’s illicit drug problem, highlighting the concern over the growing trend of substance dependence here. This follows a decade of increasing numbers of deaths from prescription medication overdose. Recent tightening of restrictions on prescribing, availability and marketing are helping here in Australia. But where do you turn for help when the medications meant to heal are actually hurting you?
The Healing Power of Horses
In her work with rescue horses, Candida Baker has seen some magical moments of healing take place between horses and humans.
Cocaine Use: Crossing the Line
Cocaine use in Australia has seen its highest level of increase in almost 20 years. In 2019, a staggering 4.2 per cent of Australians had used cocaine in the previous 12 months, rising from 2.5 per cent in 2016. The almost doubling levels of increases were seen across all age groups above 19, but the […]
Ties that Bind
When it comes to addiction rehabilitation, family and loved ones can be the difference between success and disappointment. Exactly how we involve and include families in the recovery process is key, says psychologist Jane Enter. It’s often said that addiction is a family affair. The heartbreak and devastation an addiction can wreak is not limited […]
Playing the Mental Health Card
It’s easy to be cynical when a high-profile person cites ‘mental health issues’ as a seemingly convenient excuse for poor behaviour. But psychologists say there is room for both empathy and accountability and are calling on organisations to have meaningful preventative measures in place for high performers. WHEN former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro cited […]