Social Media Validation Addiction Social media is not the problem by default. Most people can use it as a tool, post, watch, message, laugh, move on. The problem starts when it stops being a tool and becomes a mood regulator. When the notification becomes the thing that steadies you. When silence makes you anxious. When […]

Porn addiction is one of the most argued-about compulsions on the internet, which is ironic because the real damage often happens in silence. People fight about whether porn is normal, whether it’s moral, whether it’s “just fantasy,” and whether calling it addiction is dramatic. Meanwhile the person caught in the behaviour is usually not debating […]

Relapse is usually described as a failure of strength. The person is seen as giving in, lacking discipline, or not wanting recovery badly enough. This explanation feels simple and emotionally satisfying, but it misses what is actually happening in many cases. Some relapses are not about craving or collapse at all. They are expressions of […]

When you come out of rehab, there’s a strange silence that hits you. The chaos is gone, the noise has stopped, and you finally have time to look at yourself, really look. For many people in recovery, that’s when the hardest part begins. You stand in front of the mirror and realise you don’t recognise […]

Many people indulge in overeating from time to time, especially during festive seasons when cultural traditions encourage feasting. However, binge eating disorder (BED) is different from occasional overeating. It is a severe condition where individuals compulsively overeat to cope with emotional distress, leading to significant health and emotional consequences. Understanding the nuances of BED can […]

The path to cocaine use, much like other substances, is multifaceted and often arises from a combination of factors. Yet, one element that plays a pivotal role, particularly in the South African context, is peer pressure. This influence, subtle or overt, can shape decisions and behaviours in profound ways, often leading individuals down paths they […]

Stepping into rehab, the weight of your past battles with heroin addiction might feel oppressive. The streets of South African cities and towns, from the vibrant lanes of Johannesburg to the coastal stretches of Durban, have not been untouched by the shadows of addiction. But as you stand on the precipice of a new beginning, […]

The Islamic faith encompasses profound principles that advocate for moderation, inner peace, self-awareness, spiritual connection, prayer, and self-discipline. In living a life rooted in these values, individuals can establish a strong spiritual connection with Allah, or God, reducing their inclination towards substance abuse. Islam, in its wisdom, prohibits intoxication from both alcohol and opiates, reinforcing […]

Facing the double stigma of HIV and addiction is a heavy burden, one that’s difficult to fully understand unless you’ve walked in those shoes. Yet, here in South Africa, you’re far from alone. HIV rates remain high, and addiction is a widespread issue that’s often swept under the rug. Both are accompanied by social stigmas […]

The LGBTQ+ community, renowned for its resilience and unity, is unfortunately more vulnerable to substance abuse and mental health disorders than their heterosexual counterparts. The “double stigma” that you might face due to your identity and health issues can create an uphill battle towards recovery, but it’s crucial to remember that support and resources are […]