In the wake of COVID-19 the South African Government has taken a number of forceful and legal steps to prohibit the sale of cigarettes, alcohol and the limitation the peoples’ movement during the state of emergency or “lockdown”. Inadvertently forcing people into the withdrawal of substances, society now faces a range of knock-on and side […]
With the lockdown isolation of COVID-19 creeping in why not explore some of the many wonders that the internet has to offer. Here’s a curated list of interesting things to see and places to visit online. Feel free to copy to your blog or share. Virtual tours Roman fort Museums from around the world – Virtual,…
We’ve all got two wolves in us. A good one and a bad one. And they both want to eat. Best I can tell we just got to feed that good one a little more than the other one. Happiness is an emotional response to an outcome. If I win I will be happy, if […]
In this interview, Professor Stephen Porges of (polyvagal theory) unpacks some of his work in a chat with Dr. Gunther Schmidt. Prof Porges eloquently outlines the interplays of nervous system responses in relation to stressors or trauma. In automatic defence systems or “stress” response systems of our bodies have been with us for thousands of…
Our modern world is inundated with stress. Wildfires are burning out of control. Governments are striking out against their people. Relationships collapse and finances meltdown. People turn to whatever form of relief they can find. Often that relief carries with it its own dangers. Drugs. Alcohol. Smoking. Toxic relationships. A craving for approval. Sometimes the […]
We have written a few articles on the role of modern masculinity in its many destructive formats however it is worthwhile reiterating masculinity can exist in a format where many men aspire to achieve a valid foothold the context of their modern lives. The inherent strength of mindful men should not be diminished in the…
To create the mindset of a functional recovery based lifestyle is actually not hard at all. New healthy routines require a timed and conscious effort to establish and sustain your personal growth agenda. Your agenda must include self-care morning practice, adopting mindful practices in your day, gut health and healthy food, social interaction, physical exercise…
The loneliness in recovery is perhaps one of the hardest things we have to contend with as human beings. This time of year brings back the hurt, as we are forced to imagine how things should or could have been so different if we had only been able to stop the succession of events that […]
As society accelerates into a whole new era of social interaction we still have a long way to go in our relationship expectations. Defining where and how traditional male roles fit into this time is an important task and an undertaking that requires greater understanding and agreement as we are all still so conditioned into…
The concept of an addictive personality is contentious especially in the evidence-based practice of addiction recovery. People struggling with addictions seldom have universally identifiable character traits. Each case is different. What is relatively common is an inability to find grounding, comfort or satisfaction in day to day activities, relationships, work is a strong commonality in…
A new study distributed under the South African Medical Journal reveals that substance addiction is so common in South Africa that one in five adults abuse substances like alcohol, dagga and painkillers. Dr Allers from the South African Society of Psychiatrists remarks that alcohol consumption is still the primary component to substance addictions in South […]
Traumatic stress is a natural reaction after exposure to a terrifying event or a series of independent incidents that we find distressing. It is not only caused by physical scenarios – It can also manifest after exposure to unpleasant emotional influences. After exposure to a frightening event, our brains are alert to danger, but usually […]
The symptoms of post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic disorder (CPTSD) are not as visually obvious as physical injuries or ailments. Neither is it as well known as other mental afflictions. Consequently, it is often misinterpreted, underestimated or ignored by untrained observers. It can also be misdiagnosed by inexperienced health practitioners. This presents unique challenges […]
How does a rehab work? Since patients are removed from the stress of their daily lives, they are often better able to work through their addiction issues. Rehab programs can include group therapy, individual therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and even complementary therapies such as meditation, animal therapy, or outdoor activities. What is the process of rehabilitation? […]