Mental Health
Addiction
Addiction can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to stay stuck. There is hope for recovery, and with the right help, you can break the cycle and build a healthier life.
Understand Addiction
Alcohol Addiction
Brain Health: The Compounding Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol abuse is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While many are aware of the immediate effects of alcohol consumption, such as impaired judgment and coordination, the long-term consequences...
What’s Fueling Your Desire to Drink?
From festive eggnog at Thanksgiving to celebratory champagne on New Year's Eve, alcoholic beverages play a central role in our holiday traditions. While these drinks often enhance the celebratory spirit, the way we use...
Hangxiety: Alcohol-Induced Anxiety
Have you ever woken up after a night of drinking, feeling not just physically unwell, but also overwhelmed with anxiety? If so, you're not alone. This phenomenon, known as "hangxiety," is a common experience for many...
Drug Addiction
Ketamine Addiction: Risks, Signs and Treatment Options
Ketamine, once primarily known for its use in veterinary medicine and as an anesthetic, has emerged as a substance of concern in recent years. Its growing popularity as a recreational drug and potential for misuse have...
Understanding Stimulants: Their Impact and Risks
What Are Stimulants? Stimulants are a category of psychoactive substances that elevate brain activity, affecting alertness, mood, and overall mental functioning. In the field of psychology, stimulants are defined as...
Ego Death: The Experience of ‘Losing Yourself’
Have you ever heard of someone describing a feeling of complete dissolution of self during a spiritual experience or after using psychedelics? This phenomenon, known as "ego death," is a fascinating and sometimes...
Nicotine Addiction
Hookah Smoking: The Hidden Dangers
In recent years, hookah smoking has gained popularity, especially among young adults and college students. Its sweet aroma, social nature, and perceived safety have contributed to its widespread appeal. However, this...
How Smoking Reduces Vitamin Levels in Your Body
Cigarette smoke is a toxic mixture of poisons and cancer-causing chemicals that poses serious risks to nearly every internal organ. It generates an abundance of free radicals, which can damage cells and deplete...
Quitting Cigarettes: Why Am I Craving Nicotine After Quitting
Congratulations on quitting smoking! It's a significant achievement that deserves recognition. However, if you're still cravings months after quitting cigarettes, you're not alone. Many former smokers find themselves...
Recommend Help in the Field
Hillhouse Clinics
Hillhouse Clinics is committed to assisting individuals in achieving enduring recovery. Their dedicated team of certified professionals is passionate about providing support to those seeking help.
Cherrywood House
Cherrywood House is a rehabilitation center located in Cape Town that provides support to individuals struggling with substance abuse and addictive disorders.
Ixande Cape Town
Discover Ixande, a leading drug rehabilitation center in Cape Town, providing personalized addiction recovery programs in a serene and comfortable environment.
Addiction FAQ's
What is the definition of addiction?
Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by intense cravings and a loss of control over a particular substance or behavior. Despite the negative consequences, overcoming addiction is not just a matter of willpower. Addiction can alter the brain’s circuitry, affecting memory, motivation, decision-making, and mood.
What are the types of addiction?
Addictions can be categorized as substance-related or behavior-related. Substance addictions involve dependence on drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, stimulants, sedatives, or painkillers. Behavioral addictions can include compulsive activities like gambling, eating, gaming, shopping, or excessive phone use.
What is sex definition?
Sex addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by intrusive sexual thoughts and a lack of control over sexual behavior. This condition can have negative consequences for relationships, health, finances, and personal beliefs. For example, individuals with sex addiction may continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors despite the potential risks. Sex addiction is sometimes referred to as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior.
What are porn addiction symptoms?
While experts debate whether porn addiction is a recognized condition, excessive pornography use can lead to problematic behaviors. Symptoms may include watching porn in inappropriate settings, spending more time or money on pornography than intended, and neglecting work or relationships. Excessive porn use can also negatively impact real-life romantic relationships, leading to unrealistic expectations or dissatisfaction.
What makes a person addicted?
Addiction occurs when the brain undergoes changes related to certain activities. Activities like gambling and drinking alcohol can release dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Repeating these behaviors to trigger dopamine can lead to tolerance, where you need more of the substance or behavior to experience the same pleasure. Factors like childhood abuse, stress, mental health disorders, or early exposure to addictive substances can increase the risk of addiction. Additionally, addiction can have a genetic component, running in families.