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Why Physical Exercise is Important in Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Relapse Prevention
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...
What to Do When Just NA, CA, AA or SMART Isn’t Enough
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...
Have I Got A Narcissistic Alcohol or Drug Disorder?
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
How Long Does Cocaine Stay In The System
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.
Why do I keep relapsing? - Why is it that I can’t stay stopped?
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”.
How To Quit Smoking Weed
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.
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
Cocaine use shouldn't be taken lightly, its even more serious when combined with alcohol
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.
New Way Of Treating Opiate Dependence
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...
Alcohol And Pregnancy
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.
Do I have a problem with alcohol? Am I alcohol dependent?
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.
Powerless or powerful? Why adapting to addiction is so important.
The urge to abuse drugs and alcohol lurks in your head – and you want it gone.
Is getting drug and alcohol treatment really worth all the hassle? - read Anne's story
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.
The Addictive Voice - the thinking that supports or suggests the use of alcohol or drugs
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. I often equate it to the old...
Blocks to alcohol and drug treatment – the things we do and the ways we behave that keep us from changing our behaviour
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 to become addicted.
How people fall into dependency and substance abuse – and what you can do if it happens to you.
Lapse or Relapse – What’s the difference and more to the point what to do if this happens or is happening?
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.
Behavioural change in drug and alcohol treatment – its not just about stopping
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
The “family” and drug and alcohol treatment – why involving family members is vital
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 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!
I have, or I know someone that has, a problem with drink or drugs – What are my options?
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.
Problematic drink and drug use (Addiction) – It’s not my fault?
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.
The elephant in the room – why is no one doing anything about my partners drink and drug use?
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.
How women differ from men in drug and alcohol abuse – and how this impacts on treatment
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.
Men drink, use drugs and don’t seek treatment. What can be done?
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.
Living with a drug or alcohol user? What do I need to know?
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.
Living with a drinker: When does drinking become a problem?
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?
Too busy for rehab – A modern-day solution for drug and alcohol treatment
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.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol
Learn how long it takes for your body to detox from alcohol.
Driving drunk? Here’s how - and why - to stop.
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.
Help them stop: Talking to loved ones about prescription drug abuse.
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: How to spot the signs, understand the dangers and help a loved one stop
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.
Three ways to make achieving sobriety easier.
Quitting drugs and alcohol: Three valuable points from addiction professionals on how to do it right.
The crisis of addiction and the state of our country on World Drug Day
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.
How do you know if someone is abusing prescription drugs?
You can help it stop. Read eight symptoms of prescription drug abuse, understand what they mean and learn what to do next.
The myth of the magic moment: Why beating substance abuse is a game of inches.
You want recovery quickly and that won’t happen. Read more on how lasting recovery from drugs and alcohol works in the real world.
Three powerful ways to help someone to stop misusing alcohol.
You make the difference. Read three vital tips from alcohol and drug treatment professionals on how to support a person struggling with alcohol.
Three ways you can win against relapses and problematic substance misuse.
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.
Three signs someone could be abusing alcohol
You’re worried about alcohol abuse, but what are the signs? Our addiction professionals speak on three indicators of problems with drink.
How and why to redefine your problematic use of alcohol and drugs
Hating yourself won’t work. Here’s why you need to change your story - so you can change you.
Chemsex: A growing trend and a dangerous potential for problematic drug use
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.
Three ways to help someone stop their cocaine use
A loved one is using cocaine – and you want to help them stop. Here’s our advice on doing it safely, decisively and effectively.
How do you know if someone is abusing cocaine?
Worried about a loved one doing cocaine? Unsure if they are? Read our article on common symptoms and facts on the drug itself.
In denial of reality: Another three damaging excuses made by addicts and substance misusers.
Three final excuses easily made to justify substance abuse.
Letting it out: Admitting to loved ones your alcohol and drug use is getting out of hand
Drug and alcohol use getting out of hand? Here’s how to open up.
The illusion of control: Three more excuses abusers of drugs and alcohol make.
Three more excuses commonly made by people misusing substances.
Ketamine: How to help a loved one stop using this dangerous drug.
Ketamine use is dangerous. If you’re trying to help a friend or loved one quit, read this.
Hurt, relief, identity: Four excuses abusers of drugs and alcohol make.
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: How to understand the dangers and symptoms of its use.
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.
Loved one leaving drug and alcohol residential rehab? Here’s why aftercare matters.
Worried about relapse as you or a loved one leaves residential rehab? Aftercare can stop it. Here’s how.
Non-medical cannabis, skunk and addiction: What you need to know.
Non-medical cannabis can be addictive and dangerous.
Cocaine, alcohol and the rising dangers of both across Britain
London alone consumes over 23kg of cocaine a day. Combined with binge drinking, the danger is severe and immediate.
Self-isolating? Alcohol use increased? Read these three points of advice.
Worried about your recent alcohol use? Click here for our advice.
Want to help an addict and not hurt them? Don't make these six mistakes.
Common mistakes to avoid when helping a person struggling with addiction and substance misuse.
Anger, trauma and their ties to problematic drug and alcohol use
How anger and trauma can lead one towards alcohol and addiction.
Understanding alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic
What you need to know about alcohol and COVID-19.
How to support a loved one who is in rehab or fighting addiction
How you can best help a loved one in their fight against addiction.
Seven common causes of problematic drug and alcohol use
In this article we explore common challenges that can lead to addiction.
Online substance misuse treatment: Does it work?
Does online rehabilitation work? Who is it best for?
Recovery is changing. Addiction stays the same.
Recovery can happen, even if you're alone or at home.
Lucy's story of addiction recovery
Lucy, a member of Help Me Stop, shares her personal story of recovery.
Relapse: Common causes and prevention techniques
How relapses occur - and how we can learn to better avoid them.
Understanding alcohol addiction: Alcohol cravings
The reality of how alcohol cravings work - and how they can be managed.
The media and substance misuse: How they get it wrong
The media's portrayal of addiction causes harm. Here's how.
Addiction In The Workplace - A Help Me Stop Whitepaper
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.
Digital Dayhab - Online Drug and Alcohol Treatment
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...
How isolation fuels and affects addiction
Isolation is harmful and can enable destructive behaviour.
The link between compulsion and addiction
What causes compulsive behaviour? How does it affect addiction?
Help Me Stop: COVID-19 Statement
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.
Negative mental narratives: A threat to recovery
Our minds can be unkind to us - and it holds back recovery.
Understanding cross addiction
An explanation from the team on the dangers and reality of cross addiction.
Simon's story of alcohol addiction recovery as a client of Help Me Stop
Follow Simon's journey as he deals with addiction and mental health issues.
Handling insomnia during drug and alcohol treatment
Our guidance on handling insomnia during rehab and recovery.
Tom's story of alcohol addiction recovery
Today we share the story of Tom, a successful client of Help Me Stop.
Alcoholism & Alcohol Use Disorder: A disease, not a choice
Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder are genuine diseases - not decisions.
Hidden risk: How drug and alcohol use costs employers and employees
Substance misuse damages employers and employees both. Here's how.
Habits that keep you succeeding in recovery
Our advice on how to maximise your likelihood of successful recovery and sobriety.
How to return to work after residential rehab
When done right, returning to work can help your journey of recovery after rehab. This article explores how.
How and why to conduct a family intervention
This article discusses how to best conduct a family intervention.
How Help Me Stop differs from traditional residential rehab
Our revolutionary Dayhab programme differs from traditional treatment models. Here's how.
The stigma of alcohol and drug addiction and its consequences
The stigma of addiction is damaging. This article explains why.
The importance of exercise in alcohol and drug treatment and recovery
Exercise is massively beneficial to treatment and recovery. Here's how.
One Directioner Liam Payne Talks About His Addiction
Liam Payne opens up about problematic alcohol and drug use and why he chose treatment.
Help Me Stop - Start Your Recovery
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.
Is alcohol addictive? How do you get addicted to it or dependent on it?
This article talks about how alcoholism and dependency begin and progress.
How our breakthrough Dayhab model works – and signs a loved one may need it
How dayhab works - and the signs a person close to you may need it.
Misusing alcohol and working? Here’s what you need to know.
This article talks about problematic alcohol use and work.
Cross addiction: What it is and what you need to know
In this article we discuss the dangers of cross addiction.
Do I need rehab? When is the right time to seek treatment?
Are you ready for rehab? This article answers common questions on the subject.
First steps: How to effectively start helping a loved with problematic alcohol and drug use
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.
First steps: Understanding emotions and family when loved ones have problematic alcohol and drug use
Understanding emotions and the family in helping a loved one with problematic alcohol and drug use.
How to tell if friends or family members have a drinking problem
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.
Top tips to help your employees stay sober
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's Official Launch
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.
Supporting recovery through religion
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.
Addiction Therapists, our Recovery Guides
Once addicts, then on a recovery journey, and now guides to others.
Is Dayhab the answer for professionals suffering addiction problems?
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.
Resilience Within and Purpose
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.
The Joys of a Spiritual Recovery
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...
Removing Stigma
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.
International Drug Day
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; the by-product of addiction 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.
The Art of Kindness
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
Compassion is the most important tool when helping someone recover from alcohol and drug problems. Psychotherapist Warren Vinciguerra discusses how it works.
Using meditation to overcome addiction and prevent relapse
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...
We are the most addicted society ever to have walked the planet
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.
The importance of involving family in addiction treatment
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...
Addiction is an epidemic that some people don't want to cure.
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...
Prescription Drugs: A script for life?
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...
Rehab or Dayhab
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...
Addiction: Challenging Beliefs
“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....