You need a bar of chocolate so badly that you overlook your high sugar levels. Or feeling anxious for a cigarette even though you know it will hurt your health. These strong feelings that compel you to do a thing or consume a substance are known as cravings, and experiencing cravings can be a common…
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Clinically reviewed by Andy Kalli. Last updated 20 May 2026. Problematic pornography use is more common than most people realise. A 2024 systematic review found that around 28% of regular pornography users meet criteria for problematic use, and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (the closest clinical equivalent) affects between 2% and 9.6% of adults, with men…
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Sobriety fatigue is a common but often overlooked challenge for anyone recovering from alcohol addiction. Many people find that after quitting alcohol, they experience persistent tiredness and low energy that can make staying sober feel even harder. Understanding sobriety fatigue and how it impacts your journey of recovery is crucial for managing these symptoms and…
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While the total percentage of drug users in the UK has remained relatively stable over the last twenty-three years, the proportion of cocaine users has more than doubled. Commonly seen as a drug of affluence, more recent evidence suggests that cocaine use is much more prevalent among the working class. Not surprisingly, with a rise…
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Shopping addiction is not a term often heard in the world of mental health, yet it is a growing concern in modern consumer-driven societies. In a world filled with enticing discounts, easy access to credit, and a constant stream of advertisements, the temptation to indulge in shopping can be overwhelming. While occasional shopping sprees are…
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Did you know according to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 74,702 people lost their lives to synthetic opioids in 2023? That’s a staggering number, and it highlights just how serious the opioid crisis has become, especially with the surge in accidental overdoses. As time goes on and new trends emerge, the use…
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Over 42 million people in the U.S. have tried cocaine at some point in their lives. While not everyone becomes addicted, the risks are real. Basically, cocaine changes how people think, feel, and behave. Some experience a sudden boost in confidence and energy, while others become withdrawn or irritable. Over time, it takes a toll…
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Did you know that addiction doesn’t just affect your physical health but can also seriously impact your mental well-being? While we often associate addiction with physical harm, it’s essential to recognise how deeply it can influence mental health problems. Overcoming addiction can feel like an uphill battle, and that’s because it directly affects the brain’s…
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Ketamine is a drug with two sides. On one hand, it’s a breakthrough treatment for depression and chronic pain. It is also known as a ‘club drug’ due to its popularity in social settings like raves and parties. On the other, long-term use can lead to changes in the brain that aren’t always for the…
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Alcohol can sometimes cause unexpected bladder irritation and lead to cystitis, a condition that causes painful inflammation of the bladder. If you’ve ever noticed burning sensations or frequent urges to urinate after drinking, you’re not alone. Understanding how alcohol affects your bladder health and contributes to cystitis is important for managing these uncomfortable symptoms. Cystitis…
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