Zoloft in a box

Is Zoloft Addictive? Risks, Withdrawal and Long-Term Use

Worrying about whether Zoloft is addictive is common among people starting this medication. Many wonder if taking Zoloft long-term could lead to dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Understanding the difference between addiction and physical dependence is key to managing expectations and using this antidepressant safely. Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is widely prescribed for…

Liquid Lunch

Navigating the Culture of Liquid Lunch During Recovery

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the term “liquid lunch,” but it has informally come to signify a light-hearted, social lunch consisting mainly of alcoholic drinks. Historically, the practice has been associated with certain high-pressure professions like finance, sales, and legal services, where the use of alcohol as a business or social networking…

Medication in a pharmacy

Which Withdrawal Medications Are Used?

Over 75% of people who detox from substance use disorder experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome.).) (PAWS). Withdrawal medications are prescribed drugs used to manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of complications during detox. Withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, stimulants, nicotine, and other substances can be intense and, in some…

Alcohol abuse and the NHS

Alcohol Abuse and the NHS: Examining the Financial and Health Impact on the UK’s Healthcare System

Alcohol consumption is becoming an increasingly worrying problem in the UK. There has been a significant upward trend in terms of alcohol consumption, associated with an increase in alcohol-related deaths and admissions. This trend accelerated during the pandemic, with alcohol-related deaths reaching a 20-year high in 2020, highlighting the urgent need to address the alcohol…

Cannabis Leaf

Marijuana Dependency Signs and Symptoms

Marijuana is on the rise, and so is the addiction. While marijuana is considered a “safe” drug, it is important to recognise that marijuana use is a form of drug use and is included in broader substance use statistics. The truth is cannabis can be habit-forming and has consequences for your health and well-being. In…

Chosing the right sponsor for 12 steps

Choosing a Sponsor for 12 Steps Programme

Addiction, whether it’s to alcohol or another substance, can feel like chaos. Even after going through effective programs like the 12-step program, the challenges of addiction can still be really overwhelming. This is where having an AA sponsor can make a big difference. A sponsor is someone who has faced addiction themselves and is likely…