The slow creep of normalisation One of the most dangerous things about addiction is how normal it looks at first. In a country where alcohol is woven into sport, weekends, braais, celebrations, and stress relief, heavy drinking can be treated as personality rather than risk. People fall into addiction because their environment teaches them that…
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The Denial Script Families Repeat Families rarely say “we’re living with alcoholism” the first time the problem shows up. They say something softer. Something that feels less final. He just drinks hard. She’s just been stressed. It’s only on weekends. He’s blowing off steam. She’s going through a phase. He works hard, let him have…
Addiction isolates. It convinces you that you’re alone, that nobody could possibly understand, and that it’s safer to hide than to be seen. The lies start small, I can handle it. I don’t need help. I’m not like them. But before long, the walls you built to protect yourself become a cage. That’s why social…
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South Africa has always been a land of extremes, beauty and brutality, resilience and ruin. We’ve learned to celebrate through pain, to dance through despair, to laugh while the house burns. On the surface, it looks like spirit. Underneath, it’s survival. Ours is a country that knows how to escape. Not in the literal sense,…
This article was inspired by the insightful work from UKAT on the signs and challenges of secret drinking. Below, we take a closer look at why people hide their drinking, what warning signs to watch for, and how to approach the issue with understanding. For many people, alcohol is woven into the fabric of social…
In the 1970s and ’80s, parents used bright green Mr. Yuk stickers to warn children about poisonous household items, including rubbing alcohol. Despite this, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction may overlook these warnings and consider drinking rubbing alcohol because it is cheaper and more accessible than alcoholic beverages. However, rubbing alcohol is a dangerous poison,…
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Navigating the path to employment can be a significant challenge for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. From the inherent difficulties of recovery to societal and legal stigmas, securing and maintaining a job can be particularly arduous. We understand these challenges and offer career training, alumni support, and connections to resources that assist our clients…
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For far too long, the dark cloud of stigma and bias has loomed over those grappling with drug dependencies. The echoes of societal whispers, judgmental glances, and unsolicited advice can sometimes drown out the earnest cries for understanding and support. Yet, as someone who witnesses the daily struggles and triumphs of individuals seeking a better…
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In the challenging journey of alcohol addiction recovery, recognizing that each person’s path is unique is the first step. While the grip of addiction might be universal, the way it weaves into an individual’s life, coupled with their personal histories, aspirations, and social realities, can vary dramatically. This is especially true in South Africa, where…
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When you’re faced with the challenge of finding an addiction treatment center, either for yourself or a loved one, it’s not just about choosing any facility. It’s about selecting a place that genuinely resonates with your values, beliefs, and individual needs. Such alignment isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity that can significantly influence the…
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