No one initially wants to admit that their alcohol use has become problematic. No one wants to admit that their drug use has become more than just recreational. But the reality is that is that if you have developed a problem with drugs and/or alcohol...
Research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health and led by the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, found that women were drinking more, and with increased frequency than they did before lockdown.
Lockdown has been, and still is, a complex social phenomenon that no one is quite sure what the long-term consequences are going to be. We know that there has been an intense interplay between heightened financial difficulties, social isolation, loss of loved ones, uncertainty about...
Learn how heroin affects your body both mentally and physically in the latest blog from the experts at Help Me Stop. We look at both the long and short term implications of heroin use.
Help Me Stop have put together a list of steps to help you stop using cocaine. These pieces of guidance can aid you to find the support you need to quit.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists “About a third of older people with drinking problems (mainly women) develop them for the first time in later life”. Help Me Stop has a solution for drinkers over 50
The most common misconception surrounding the twelve-step approach is that it is a religious programme. Its not.
The concept of the ‘right time’ is dangerous and insidious. The right time is now.
Ketamine is a popular drug in the UK but many people are unaware of its side-effects. The Experts at Help Me Stop examine the effects of Ketamine and how it affects your body.
Online drug and alcohol treatment works. Online drug and alcohol treatment is nothing new, it’s been running successfully in places like the USA for over a decade so why not take advantage of it now its here in the UK? Our drug and alcohol addiction...
Learn the classic signs of opiate addiction from the experts at Help Me Stop. We can help you recognise and opiate addiction and get help.
Non-residential intensive drug and alcohol treatment in Europe can be a very mixed bag. One of the biggest issues is that provision of specialist services in the first place. Much of this is governed by each European countries drug and alcohol strategy and the funds...
Individuals, friends, and families are looking for new solutions. Many will turn to the private sector as they can’t afford to wait to make changes and stop their decline into further chaos. With finances tight then value for money is going to be even more...
If you are looking for intensive drug or alcohol treatment for yourself or someone you care about, it is well worth considering Dayhab as an alternative to residential rehab.
The NHS defines binge drinking as “drinking lots of alcohol in a short space of time or drinking to get drunk”. They go further to say this can be quantified by drinking over 8 units in a single session for men and over 6 units...
Learn what you can do if someone you know has acute alcohol poisoning and what to expect from treatment. We provide information about acute alcohol poisoning and help for people who may be struggling with their alcohol use.
Since the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions last March we have been continuously updating our risk assessment processes to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. The procedures we put in place at the beginning of the first lockdown have prepared us for any policy...
Drugs don’t have to be illegal to be problematic. Prescription drug misuse and prescription drug addiction is widespread and growing.
Over the past 6 months Help Me Stop has received every increasing calls from concerned parents who have found out that their children are taking Ketamine, and who are at a loss of what to do as for them this is a new drug and...
Those that have been through treatment know the dangers of cross addiction and many that underplay the risk of it find themselves back in treatment with their new addiction.
The short and long term negative effects of cocaine use are often overlooked and underplayed by individuals that use the drug. Most cocaine users will also not entertain going to residential rehab for 28 days mainly because they do not think that their drug use...
According to the Royal Society of Psychiatrists 8.4 million people in the UK are now drinking at hazardous and harmful levels. There are real health and social benefits for giving up alcohol
Even though nearly 50 % of people say they want to improve their health and wellbeing and save money, only 16% say they want to do something about their drinking. The fact that alcohol use can contribute to over 60 negative physical and mental health...
The impact of drug and alcohol use on the family
Dealing with stress, anxiety and depression is never easy at any time of the year but 2020 has bought in additional challenges with COVID-19. And with the latest announcement with many areas of the UK going into Tier 4 lockdown has been just one step...
Heroin rehab is a great first step for getting your life back on track. Learn more about heroin rehab success rates and how you can improve your chances of staying clean.
As 2020 comes to an end, many people are looking within themselves to see how they can put self-improvement at the forefront in 2021. For many this is around, reducing stress, eating more healthily, losing weight, getting to the gym more, or starting some form...
According to a recent Bupa Global survey almost 40% of business leaders in the UK have turned to alcohol or drugs to cope with mental ill health during the pandemic, with 36% admitting they self-medicate because they feel they cannot talk to anybody about their...
As we said in our blog a few months ago Chemsex is a growing phenomenon in the UK and is virtually exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. Chemsex has become synonymous with a specific type of sexual behaviour and drug taking, where the three main drugs...
Giving up cocaine after prolonged use can be extremely difficult because the body is so used to functioning with the substance, which is why professional help is so successful in this quest. However, despite the escalating health risks its use is still seen as relatively...
Calvin Klein, CK1 or CK Blend is not a new synthetic drug like spice, but instead is a deadly combination of cocaine and ketamine and with even a restricted Xmas scene approaching services are already starting to see the impact.
Learn about alcohol DTs treatment and how you can handle delirium tremens safely and effectively. We provide information on the treatments available and the best options once you are past your initial detox.
Britain is a cocaine-loving country, and its love for the drug is growing. The country uses more cocaine than anywhere in Europe and in some big cities like London 23kg of it is being used every day. For some of you reading this you may...
In response to client and family feedback and a desire to carry on face to face treatment and maintain a COVID secure service we have made adjustments to our programmes.
Depending on how much you drink, how often and other factors such as a history of fitting, suddenly stopping can not only be dangerous it can be fatal.
The average cost for rehab can vary wildly depending on the type of treatment you choose. Read our blog on the options available and their average costs to understand more.
Many years ago, Consultant Psychiatrist Tom Foster wrote a paper, Dying for a Drink, about the link between mental health, suicide, and the use of alcohol. In particular he explored the correlation of this around SAD (seasonal affective disorder). As we move further into the...
Here at Help Me Stop, we believe that problematic alcohol and drug use and addiction treatment should be available to you wherever you are. As such, we have been running our online treatment program and replicating the great outcome results that academic studies from the...
Addiction treatment has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Specialty treatments, like rTMS, are allowing people to receive new treatments that, alongside intensive psychotherapy, can help tackle the battles of cocaine addiction.
Spotting the signs you are overdosing on cocaine can save your life. Learn the physical and behavioural signs in this latest blog.
In order to see how bad you drug and alcohol use look at the 11 factors below and then score yourself or someone you are concerned about.
Because drugs and alcohol are often used as a means to self-medicate and deal with a whole host of things such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety & anger it becomes especially important for someone who has decided to quit the booze and the drugs to...
For many, peer support serves are a pivotal part of their relapse prevention, and countless people say that they would not be where they are today had it not been for the structure and support of their local groups. But while peer support services may...
More often than not narcissists' will not come willingly through the front door, and why would they, for they can see no wrong in their drinking and drug taking behaviour
Cocaine can remain in your system for some time. Learn how long it takes to clear your body of cocaine and what affects the timeframe.
Well problematic substance use is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. As we have said in earlier blogs “If nothing changes, nothings changes”.
Cannabis is the most common drug in the UK but people interested in quitting often struggle to find advice. We provide help in our latest blog.
Royal College of Psychiatrists have indicated that those drinking alcohol at high risk levels has DOUBLED to 8.5 million since February. Here are some signs that you are struggling to cope with your drinking
When a person uses both alcohol and cocaine, they create a very unique substance known as cocaethylene as result of the substances being metabolised in the liver.
Buvidal is effective in reducing opioids and opiates withdrawals and cravings. The main difference between Buvidal and other daily opiate detox medications such as methadone or oral Subutex is that you only need to be dosed weekly or monthly which is especially useful for those...
Abstaining from alcohol around conception or during pregnancy has long been advised for many reasons, including preventing foetal alcohol syndrome. Nonetheless, modest levels of consumption are often seen as likely to be safe, this should not be the case.
If you find it difficult to enjoy yourself, relax or deal with everyday problems without having a drink, it’s possible you’ve become dependent on alcohol.
The urge to abuse drugs and alcohol lurks in your head – and you want it gone.
National Recovery Month is an international observance held every September to educate as many people as possible that drug and alcohol treatment can enable those struggling with alcohol and drug problems to live a healthy and rewarding life.
People struggling with problematic alcohol and drug use and addiction are usually “of two minds.” That is, part of them knows they have a problem and is contemplating stopping, and the other part wants to continue the behaviour. These contradictory desires are called the addictive...
Behavioural change is key to getting on top of problematic alcohol and drug use but the things we do and the ways we behave often keep us from changing our behaviours
How people fall into dependency and substance abuse – and what you can do if it happens to you.
The thought of relapse can be terrifying for anyone that has been abstinent for a period of time, be that a few days, a week or more but a lapse or relapse shouldn’t be the end of long-term abstinence.
If someone could just stop their problematic alcohol and drug use they I would – if the underlying reasons for use are not addressed then relapse will happen
Problematic alcohol and drug use are not a one-way street. When a person compulsively uses drugs or alcohol, their behaviours do not exist in a vacuum. The negative behaviours—of which there are many—carry outward in a capacity that heavily, and often dramatically, affects the people...
If nothing changes, nothing changes. If you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you're getting. You want change, make some!
Despite the valiant effort of Britain’s drug and alcohol professionals, the UK has a growing drug and alcohol problem. Learning your options for help and treatment is a great first step in recovery.
On a daily basis drug and alcohol services get 100’s of calls from parents, partners, wives, husbands etc. that don’t understand why the person they are calling about just can’t stop.
Families in which a partner abuses drugs or alcohol are unhappy. As drinking or drug use gets worse, it starts to take more and more time away from the family, eventually it will take its toll by creating an emotional distance.
Women can experience and fall into addiction differently from men. Today the team explores research on the subject and explains how to help someone catch their substance abuse before it gets worse.
Why do men drink and do drugs? Why are they reluctant to get treatment – and how can I help make that happen? All legitimate questions the team answers in our latest article.
Struggling to live with someone misusing alcohol and drugs? We’ve gathered tips from our addiction professionals on how to cope – and how to get them the help they need.
Someone you live with is drinking a lot. When is it a problem? How do you know when it’s time to get help and what do you do?
Affordable, evening rehab is here – and you don’t have to come into a treatment centre to benefit. Click to learn more about why adults across the UK are conquering their drug and alcohol issues around work and normal day to day life.
Learn how long it takes for your body to detox from alcohol.
Alcohol abuse sees many adults get behind the wheel of a car. Behind that decision lays abuse of alcohol that may be hard for you or a loved one to stop. Today we talk facts on drink driving – and how to stop the cycle.
You don’t have to be an addict to have a problem. Read our latest article on prescription drug abuse and how you can help a loved one quit before it gets worse.
Mixing drugs can kill. From chemsex to polydrug use, learn more today on how and why people mix substances – and how to help them stop.
Quitting drugs and alcohol: Three valuable points from addiction professionals on how to do it right.
World Drug Day arrives with our country in a state like never before. In a uniquely challenging time in our history, treatment and care for drug addiction must continue.
You can help it stop. Read eight symptoms of prescription drug abuse, understand what they mean and learn what to do next.
You want recovery quickly and that won’t happen. Read more on how lasting recovery from drugs and alcohol works in the real world.
You make the difference. Read three vital tips from alcohol and drug treatment professionals on how to support a person struggling with alcohol.
You’re worried about relapsing. Here are three tips from Help Me Stop on how to get stronger, minimise relapses and succeed in your fight.
You’re worried about alcohol abuse, but what are the signs? Our addiction professionals speak on three indicators of problems with drink.
Hating yourself won’t work. Here’s why you need to change your story - so you can change you.
Chemsex is dangerous. If you or a loved one are worried about chemsex and associated drug problems, read this article now – before it gets worse.
A loved one is using cocaine – and you want to help them stop. Here’s our advice on doing it safely, decisively and effectively.
Worried about a loved one doing cocaine? Unsure if they are? Read our article on common symptoms and facts on the drug itself.
Three final excuses easily made to justify substance abuse.
Drug and alcohol use getting out of hand? Here’s how to open up.
Three more excuses commonly made by people misusing substances.
Ketamine use is dangerous. If you’re trying to help a friend or loved one quit, read this.
Drug and alcohol misuse changes us. As dependency grows, excuses develop in a bid to justify the continued abuse of substances – and they’re more common than you might think. Here are four of them and the danger they pose to recovery, health and wellbeing.
Ketamine is a powerful and widespread drug in the UK. In this article, we discuss the dangers of its use – and how to spot symptoms of addiction and dependency.
Worried about relapse as you or a loved one leaves residential rehab? Aftercare can stop it. Here’s how.
Non-medical cannabis can be addictive and dangerous.
London alone consumes over 23kg of cocaine a day. Combined with binge drinking, the danger is severe and immediate.
Worried about your recent alcohol use? Click here for our advice.
Common mistakes to avoid when helping a person struggling with addiction and substance misuse.
How anger and trauma can lead one towards alcohol and addiction.
What you need to know about alcohol and COVID-19.
How you can best help a loved one in their fight against addiction.
In this article we explore common challenges that can lead to addiction.
Does online rehabilitation work? Who is it best for?
Recovery can happen, even if you're alone or at home.
Lucy, a member of Help Me Stop, shares her personal story of recovery.
How relapses occur - and how we can learn to better avoid them.
The reality of how alcohol cravings work - and how they can be managed.
The media's portrayal of addiction causes harm. Here's how.
17 million days of productivity are lost each year due to drug and alcohol use. Our whitepaper investigates the effect on businesses and the economy in the UK.
London Dayhab Help Me Stop has now launched an online treatment service for people struggling with drug and alcohol problems. It will deliver intensive treatment for existing clients unable to leave their homes during the COVID-19 crisis and new clients who wish to take advantage...
Isolation is harmful and can enable destructive behaviour.
What causes compulsive behaviour? How does it affect addiction?
Help Me Stop is working within the governments' guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While we remain open, Help Me Stop is committed to infection prevention and control.
Our minds can be unkind to us - and it holds back recovery.
An explanation from the team on the dangers and reality of cross addiction.
Follow Simon's journey as he deals with addiction and mental health issues.
Our guidance on handling insomnia during rehab and recovery.
Today we share the story of Tom, a successful client of Help Me Stop.
Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder are genuine diseases - not decisions.
Substance misuse damages employers and employees both. Here's how.
Our advice on how to maximise your likelihood of successful recovery and sobriety.
When done right, returning to work can help your journey of recovery after rehab. This article explores how.
This article discusses how to best conduct a family intervention.
Our revolutionary Dayhab programme differs from traditional treatment models. Here's how.
The stigma of addiction is damaging. This article explains why.
Exercise is massively beneficial to treatment and recovery. Here's how.
Liam Payne opens up about problematic alcohol and drug use and why he chose treatment.
The flexible Help Me Stop programme in London is designed to fit around work, study or family commitments. Watch our introductory video to learn more.
This article talks about how alcoholism and dependency begin and progress.
How dayhab works - and the signs a person close to you may need it.
This article talks about problematic alcohol use and work.
In this article we discuss the dangers of cross addiction.
Are you ready for rehab? This article answers common questions on the subject.
In this article, the Help Me Stop team will describe to you several key points that will help you act in a positive and productive manner during this challenging time.
Understanding emotions and the family in helping a loved one with problematic alcohol and drug use.
It’s sometimes difficult to tell whether someone has a drinking problem or whether they’re simply a social drinker who occasionally over-indulges. However, there are some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not a person has a drinking problem.
Drinking culture in UK workplaces is prolific. Young graduates trying to impress managers and colleagues in the workplace are channelled into taking part in evening social activities. Here are four top tips to support your employees with a sober lifestyle.
Help Me Stop launched its first Dayhab centre last month. Branded “rehab in the real world”, Dayhab has shown to keep two in three participants abstinent nine months after completing in the US.
Having been in recovery for several years, I was seeking a way to connect my personal journey of battling addiction with teachings from my religion. Subsequently, last month I attended the Gurmat Sikh retreat in the outskirts of London.
Once addicts, then on a recovery journey, and now guides to others.
Dayhab treatment is breaking many of the barriers to receiving addiction treatment for many people in full time roles, by launching a service that is both flexible and affordable.
Over the course of nearly 30 years of battling addiction and ongoing mental health issues, resilience buried within a strong meaning and sense of life purpose, have helped me to survive.
Being in a spiritual recovery means that I follow a way of life guided by principles such as honesty, perseverance, trust, humility, integrity, self-acceptance, steadfastness, willingness, patience and self-forgiveness. It also allows me to be of service to others. I help people who are unwell...
Mental illness is one of the most common disorders worldwide. 355 million people suffer from depression globally making it more common than aids, diabetes and cancer combined. Yet there is still so much stigma around it. And this has a negative impact on recovery.
Wednesday 26th June is the UN's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking It's been observed annually since 1989. Senior Addiction counsellor, Warren Vinciguerra talks about his own history of drug use and his experience of recovery.
Serenity is the state of mind that comes from a surrendering of the will, letting go of the daily fight with circumstances and accepting life on life’s terms.
Experiencing the kindness of a fellow human being is one of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had. When new to the prospect of recovery, what I felt about myself and my life was utter devastation.
Compassion is the most important tool when helping someone recover from alcohol and drug problems. Psychotherapist Warren Vinciguerra discusses how it works.
Today we’re constantly bombarded with fast fixes, instant access, high-speed Internet, fast food, mobile phones that ping; a constant streams of emails and an ethos of busy-busy, work-work, bang- bang. And a desire for not only instant coffee but instant gratification: I want what I...
Addiction is the inability to have a causal relationship with addictive substances. We are the most depressed, medicated, obese, disconnected - even though we are so privileged to live in Western society a first world country.
One of the major benefits of running a day programme is connection with family members who can quite often be the instigator of treatment, they can be the 1st point of contact to our service, coming into our service for support, education and advice. Family...
Recently I heard somebody talking about how much money could be made if scientists invented a cure for addiction. And I thought how very naïve, as there are many corporate scientists out there trying to create more addictive processes. At no time in history has...
The historical case of Dr. Conrad Murray, and his relationship with Michael Jackson, highlights how easily a straightforward process can become confused in a way that most patients find hard to understand.In an ideal world one would like to think that getting a prescription from...
Help Me Stop's Head of Treatment talks about why he believes Intensive Outpatient Programmes are the way forward for addiction Treatment. Until now, there has been no intensive Dahab, like the U.S model, available in the UK. Help Me Stop is a breakthrough in addiction...
“Once a junkie, always a junkie”. “What’s the point in spending money on addicts, they never get better anyway”. These are just some of the conflicting and judgemental comments that you will hear if you introduce the subject of addiction in to most normal conversations....