grid24.co.uk/par http://grid24.co.uk/par Just another WordPress site Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:12:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 When Does Watching Porn Become a Problem? http://grid24.co.uk/par/when-does-watching-porn-become-a-problem/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:12:41 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/?p=430 Porn is now a much more mainstream component of many people’s healthy sex lives, however for some it presents a problem Therapist Ian Richards, specialist in porn and sex addiction, explores the signs and effects of problematic porn use You can find therapists who work with porn addiction and other addictive behaviours by using our…

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  • Porn is now a much more mainstream component of many people’s healthy sex lives, however for some it presents a problem

  • Therapist Ian Richards, specialist in porn and sex addiction, explores the signs and effects of problematic porn use

  • You can find therapists who work with porn addiction and other addictive behaviours by using our questionnaire here

Twenty years ago, saying the word porn in public may well have resulted in raised eyebrows and silent murmurings. The once British stiff upper lip attitude towards sex has now evolved and our cultural attitude towards it has changed. Pornography is now a more mainstream pastime, with users across the planet finding it an easy and, in particular, a private way to satisfy their sexual needs. However, there is a darker and more sinister side of pornography. It can and often does have a devastating effect on the viewer’s mental health.

Before I explain why, it’s probably worth taking a look at some recent statistics which will give you an idea of how big this problem currently is.

  • On average, there are 68 million search queries relating to pornography every day
  • Shockingly, over 115,000 are related to child pornography
  • Internet pornography statistics show there are roughly 4.2 million pornographic websites that make up 12% of the total internet content
  • Pornographic pages have 372 million hits daily
  • Cybersex/pornography addiction is a common cause of separation and divorce
  • It is believed that it hinders the development of healthy sexuality amongst adolescents
  • It is believed to affect between 5 and 8% of the population

The Times suggested in a recent survey that 58% of the British population watch porn. Here are the results of the survey compiled in 2019.

  • 12% of all websites on the internet are pornographic
  • 1 in 3 porn viewers are women
  • Internet porn revenues worldwide are a staggering £4.2 billion per annum and are estimated to be a £13 billion industry
  • 25% of search engine requests are porn-related
  • The average age that a child first sees porn is 11 (Source: onlineschools.org)
  • 20,000 participants were surveyed in Australia and 4.4% of men felt they had an addiction to porn with woman at 1.2%

When does watching porn become a problem?

So why is it that such a simple bit of fun, within the privacy of someone’s four walls, could become an addiction?

For some watching porn is harmless fun and enjoyable, but for others it might be used compulsively. Compulsive or problematic porn use can act as a self-soother for someone who is suffering with anxiety or depression. It is also associated with someone who has deep-rooted underlying issues that haven’t yet been resolved.

While it’s not believed that watching porn can cause depression, in my experience many clients who come to see me with a porn addiction issue often do present with anxiety, depression or both. The problem here of course is that it’s counterproductive. You watch porn to self-soothe then afterwards have feelings of guilt and shame which inevitably leads you back to watching porn again – this is called the addictive cycle. Continually viewing porn can cause sexually compulsive and dependent behaviours. It can also result in the development of sex addiction.

The neuroscience of addictive behaviours

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) used by our nervous system which sends signals between our nerve cells. It is produced in the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain. It plays a number of roles in the body such as body movement, mood and behaviours, amongst others. If there is a deficiency with dopamine it can cause a variety of issues; Parkinson’s disease and addiction are just two of many.

Dopamine is also the control centre of the reward system of the brain. When it’s released it mediates our pleasure experiences and we enjoy things such as eating chocolate or having sex. Exercising also releases dopamine and the more you release this chemical the more you crave it. So, the pleasure and reward will create the motivation to repeat the behaviour. You come home from work at night and have a glass of wine with your meal, then it’s a glass of wine while you’re cooking the meal, then its whole bottle and so on.

Dopamine informs the brain that it has enjoyed the experience and craves more of the same and this is where the addiction cycle begins. Porn addiction rewires the brain, and the more you watch it the more the dopamine gets stronger and stronger. Over time this will cause you to find the videos less arousing, leading you to become desensitised. I have had clients who have spent all night and day watching porn without reaching climax. Many develop erectile dysfunction (ED) as they loose any sense of arousal.

If someone is addicted to porn, they may lose interest in other healthier activities that they once enjoyed. They will start to neglect things that were once important to them like family and friends. Work can become secondary as they will often feel mentally consumed every day. This can then lead to relationship issues, infidelity, separation, and divorce.

I have had clients who have suffered loss of employment leading to financial difficulties. Porn addiction can have a devastating effect. They will have probably tried to cease their behaviour on numerous occasions, only to find themselves falling back into their addiction.

There is also a growing concern about the rise of porn use in adolescents and, yes, teenage girls are watching porn too. It can hinder the development of a healthy sexuality and can create distorted attitudes around sex. Just as when someone takes drugs, the more an individual participates the stronger the urges will develop.

What are the side effects and warning signs of porn addiction?

  • Lowered desire to have sexual interactions with a partner
  • Noticing it becoming more difficult to maintain an erection and eventually potentially suffering from (ED) erectile dysfunction
  • Noticing that porn and masturbation is the only way you can manage to orgasm
  • Noticing the occurrence of relationship difficulties
  • Using alcohol or drugs to booster sexual arousal
  • Being drawn to viewing various paraphilias
  • Visiting illegal sites
  • Feelings of shame
  • Feelings of low self-worth
  • Experiencing lack of motivation and increasing levels of procrastination
  • Decreased memory and the ability to focus

Can the porn addiction cycle be reversed?

Quite simply, yes. Having long periods of abstinence together with therapy does help the brain’s physiology return to a normal state.

Developing one’s self-awareness and learning how manage negative feelings in a healthier way can help on this difficult journey. While this may take some time there is increasing evidence that many individuals suffering from this issue can return to a normal healthy relationship with sex.

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]]> Helping a child with an eating disorder at Christmas http://grid24.co.uk/par/helping-a-child-with-an-eating-disorder-at-christmas/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:06 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/helping-a-child-with-an-eating-disorder-at-christmas/   When you hear the word ‘Christmas’, what pops into your head? It may be Santa, or presents, but for many the first words they connect with Christmas are about food. From the perfect roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts nobody touched, to mince pies and Christmas puddings, a big part of festive joy comes from…

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When you hear the word ‘Christmas’, what pops into your head? It may be Santa, or presents, but for many the first words they connect with Christmas are about food. From the perfect roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts nobody touched, to mince pies and Christmas puddings, a big part of festive joy comes from the Christmas meal and exciting treats that only come around once a year.

When you are a parent of a child with an eating disorder, you may have concerns about how your child and family will cope with the festive period. For someone with an eating disorder, Christmas can trigger some anxiety. We have put together some ideas to help families handle the Christmas period and maintain a happy family atmosphere.

Types of eating disorder

An eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship with food that impacts upon a person’s quality of life. It may involve obsessive thoughts about food, restrictive behaviour, feelings of guilt or unhappiness about eating. The main types include anorexia nervosa, which is a fear of eating characterised by desire to be thin, food restriction or excessive exercise. It involves obsessive thoughts about food and calorie restriction, as well as distressing thoughts about body-image. Bulimia involves bingeing and purging, which is a cycle of excessive eating, followed by trying to rid the body of food, either through vomiting, laxative misuse or excessive exercise. Some people who binge-eat do not purge. Binge-eaters may plan their binges and keep stashes of food in secret.

Signs of an eating disorder

 
It can be very upsetting to see your child struggling with eating. It is important to know what kind of signs and symptoms to look out for so that you can get help as early as possible. NHS waiting-list times are unusually long at the moment due to pressure on services as a result of Covid-19, so it is now more important than ever to access support as soon as you can.

Important signs may include:

Noticeable weight loss
Talking about dieting or fad diets
Concerns about body image/appearance
Concerns about calories in food or carbohydrate or fat content
Secretive relationship with food, such as hiding uneaten food or keeping a food stash
Doing extra exercise after meals
An interest in cooking to control the food, or not eating what they cook
Going to the bathroom soon after meals
Smell of vomit in the bathroom or bedrooms
An interest in weighing themselves
Eating large quantities of food (food may go missing from cupboards)

Treatment availability on the NHS

Eating disorders are treatable. Early access to support can lead to a safe and healthy recovery, so it’s important that treatment is accessed urgently. The longer an eating disorder goes on for, the more complicated it can be to treat, and the physical effects of disordered eating can cause lasting damage.

The first step is to visit your GP to discuss treatment options. The GP may suggest outpatient psychotherapy or inpatient treatment, depending on the duration and severity of symptoms. Unfortunately, at this time, NHS waiting times are excessively long. A recent study has shown that in the last quarter, the waiting list for children (up to age 19) is triple what it was in the previous quarter. This amounts to hundreds of children currently in need of urgent support who are unable to access specialist services. In the first quarter of this year, there were 441 children still waiting to access support, with 56 cases market as urgent. Of those cases, 85 had been on a waiting list for more than 12 weeks, and a further 66 had been waiting between 4 and 12 weeks since first reaching out for help. 12 weeks is a long time when a child’s mental and physical health is at risk.
These statistics demonstrate that NHS services are not currently coping with the demand for support for children with eating disorder. However, there are measures you can take to tackle an eating disorder before it reaches this stage.

What to do if you notice an eating disorder in children

 
If you suspect that your child is struggling with an eating disorder, be assured that there is plenty of support out there. There is also a lot you can do at home to make things easier for your child.

Have an open discussion – approach the topic gently, without blame or anger. You can have conversations about eating disorders and help them to talk about their feelings. Be curious about their opinions and try to avoid telling them what they should be thinking or feeling. There are negative attitudes towards eating disorders and a lot of social stigma, so your child may need a lot of encouragement to speak openly and honestly.
Consider social media influence – Social media has an enormous influence on our childrens’ lives, including their eating habits. Whilst we cannot avoid this, we can have frequent conversations about healthy attitudes towards social media. Children often do not understand that pictures on social media are fake and edited to present an unrealistic image. It can be helpful to discuss these topics as a family. Remind children that social media influencers are not medically qualified to give out advice, diet plans, etc. and encourage them to fact check what they read themselves by giving them examples of reliable, trustworthy websites.
Manage your own feelings – It can be very distressing to realise that your child is struggling. This is a delicate time and if your child senses that you are not coping well, it may push them further away. It might be helpful for you to arrange some counselling for yourself. It is important that you manage your feelings well so that you can be there for your child.

Making Christmas easier for someone with an eating disorder

 
Christmas can be a challenge for someone with an eating disorder. It is important as a family to hold your child’s needs in mind and not put them under unnecessary pressure. Eating disorders do not take a break for Christmas, so make sure that your child feels included and welcomed even though they may be struggling. It can be frustrating to see a child picking at their food or avoiding eating, but try to remember that your child is not trying to annoy you, they are suffering with low self-esteem and disordered thinking.

The best way to look after your child is to keep the focus on family and togetherness. They can be encouraged and welcomed to join in and offered healthy, home-cooked food in a positive way. Resist the urge to comment on how much or little they are eating. You may like to encourage them to participate in the food preparation to help them feel involved. All family members should be kind and inclusive to them to ensure that Christmas celebrations are as happy and enjoyable as possible for the whole family.

How to seek urgent help

If you are worried about NHS waiting times then there are private alternatives available. Your child can access specialist counselling and psychotherapy privately. You may also wish to refer to a private treatment centre such as UKAT, who accept private health insurance in some cases. There, your child will have access to round-the-clock support and specialist treatment for their eating disorder.

There are also charities that you can contact for urgent support. BEAT offer a specialist hotline for people with eating disorders. Adults can call for free on 0808 801 0677 and young people can call on 0808 801 0711.

For families struggling with an eating disorder this Christmas, there is help and support out there. You are not alone and you can use the tips and advice provided here to make sure that your family can enjoy the festive period without putting your child under unnecessary pressure. You can care for your child’s needs and at the same time give them a happy Christmas that focuses on togetherness and family love and support.

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]]> Why do we wait for Dry January, and is it useful to anyone really struggling? http://grid24.co.uk/par/why-do-we-wait-for-dry-january-and-is-it-useful-to-anyone-really-struggling/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:06 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/why-do-we-wait-for-dry-january-and-is-it-useful-to-anyone-really-struggling/ We are so conditioned in western culture to make new year’s resolutions and to change our lives post-Christmas break, that it has almost become ritualistic to binge eat, drink, and generally fill our bodies with everything we don’t need over the holiday period, to then come out the other side with an intention to change…

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We are so conditioned in western culture to make new year’s resolutions and to change our lives post-Christmas break, that it has almost become ritualistic to binge eat, drink, and generally fill our bodies with everything we don’t need over the holiday period, to then come out the other side with an intention to change in the new year.

Dry January taps into this desire within people to change and start the year in a new way, by eliminating alcohol. Yet, abruptly stopping alcohol is potentially life threatening if you are physically dependent. So, is this really helpful to someone who is struggling with alcohol?

*Please always seek medical advice before attempting to make any huge changes in your own habits, if they include dependence on a substance.

Why do people buy into linear time milestones to start changes that are essential?

It really looks to many of us that willpower is the required ingredient for change, and if we prepare ourselves mentally and in as many ways as possible, we will be able to hit that target. But there is nothing you can prepare mentally for a challenge like Dry January, and there is nothing you cannot handle or work out in the moment if you decide to go ahead with it.

We mistakenly wait for a time to start our new goal or plan it to happen ‘next week’, or ‘Monday’ or an occasion like ‘Dry January’ because it looks difficult in our own mind, it looks like something we might find hard, or it looks as if it is not possible. All these are perspectives of the mind; they are not facts of the process you are undertaking.

Alan Watts famously quoted: “Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way,” which highlights how this mindset is damaging.

What is true is that we have the infinite ability to deal with anything, and we just do not realise we are creating a perspective of the world that makes it look difficult. It is the very reason we are addicted to certainty and stay in jobs and relationships we don’t want, because we don’t realise that the ability to respond to life in the moment; it is built into all human beings and is part of the design. What we think we are preparing for is made up of thoughts in our mind, rather than something we need to transcend to make progress.

We simply and innocently get lost in our conditioned and learned understanding of how the mind works. There is never a wrong reason to treat yourself and your physical health well, and it is worth understanding how we can effortlessly guide ourselves through life, towards the things that we truly desire, when we are in touch with how the system works.

It makes sense that Dry January would not even cross your mind if you were not drinking an amount that made you think it was a good idea to stop or take a break. People who don’t drink, for example, do not stop and wonder, should I do Dry January? This begs the question: why do we wait for a media fad, or the opportunity to present our progress to others if we know it is instinctively good for us? And the best person to answer that is yourself.

Why Dry January is not useful to anyone struggling with addiction

If you are struggling with an addiction, or trying to support a loved one, Dry January can seem an appealing time to make or suggest a change. A point which is often misunderstood when dealing with an addiction to alcohol, is that it has nothing to do with alcohol. Alcohol is the outward manifestation of the misunderstanding; it is not the problem. Attempting to stop drinking alcohol is simply a case of removing the coping mechanism for the problem.

You could say it like this: what would happen if we closed the pressure valve on a pressure cooker, stopping it from letting off steam, and letting the pressure grow? The outcome will not be pretty for most.

Often trying to quit addiction physically (such as taking away the coping mechanism for the problem) will result in an undesirable experience of difficulty with mental well-being. This may lead to wrongly diagnosed psychiatric conditions, such as depression or anxiety – experiences that the addiction was covering up.

This list of things that alcohol masks is endless. Here are a few examples:

Mental health diagnoses
Depression
Anxiety
Difficult relationships
Health conditions
Social awkwardness
Peer pressure
Exam pressure
Grief / loss
Trauma

As you can see, stopping alcohol for what seems like a good idea, such as Dry January, can leave you with a whole host of other overwhelming things to cope with – some of which you might not even realise you are struggling with, which present themselves in a more powerful way. The bottom line is this: alcohol is not the problem; it is a coping strategy.

What to do if you do try to stop and find you have overwhelming struggles

If you find yourself suffering, you can of course get professional help. That help may be in the form of therapy, coaching or addiction treatment / rehabilitation. Getting help with your internal world, in whatever way makes sense for you to do, means dealing with the core problem.

When your internal world starts to change, through whichever process you’ve chosen, then your need for alcohol will decrease, your mind will start to clear and you will start to feel much better. Mental well-being is always present. Even if it is masked over by alcohol and overwhelming struggles with mental health, there is always a place of peace to return to.

The post Why do we wait for Dry January, and is it useful to anyone really struggling? appeared first on grid24.co.uk/par.

]]> Local authorities cut budgets for schools’ drug and alcohol support services by £7M http://grid24.co.uk/par/local-authorities-cut-budgets-for-schools-drug-and-alcohol-support-services-by-7m/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/local-authorities-cut-budgets-for-schools-drug-and-alcohol-support-services-by-7m/ The Department for Education has released new data as to how much money local authorities across England spend on young people’s support services in schools – in particular, substance misuse services. The figures show that in the last five years, a staggering £7.7million less has been spent on this vital substance misuse support service in…

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The Department for Education has released new data as to how much money local authorities across England spend on young people’s support services in schools – in particular, substance misuse services. The figures show that in the last five years, a staggering £7.7million less has been spent on this vital substance misuse support service in schools.

(Click to download the infographic)

In 2014/15, local authorities across England spent £16.43million on substance misuse services for young people in schools. This has been cut by 47% to just £8.72million in 2019/20. Regionally, the biggest cuts can be felt in schools across Yorkshire, the South East and the Outer London boroughs.

Only schools across the East of England have benefitted from an uplift in expenditure on substance misuse services.

(Click on the thumbnails to see the full-size images)

We at UKAT simply don’t believe this is good enough. Especially when we also know that the number of offences for the possession of cannabis, the possession of hard controlled drugs like heroin, cocaine and ecstasy and drug trafficking in these institutes across England have all risen in the last few years.

Our exclusive Freedom of Information data shows that drug offences for cannabis possession in schools, colleges and universities across England have almost doubled, from 371 in 2015 to 544 in 2019, a 47% rise.

The number of offences for the possession of controlled drugs has also risen in the same time period by 65%; from 63 to 104.

It cannot be a coincidence that as decisions are made by local authorities to spend less on substance misuse support services in schools each year, drug offences within schools rises.

This is why we have launched our free education awareness programme. Led by a qualified drugs and alcohol specialist, the programme is engaging and educational, and most importantly, an opportunity for pupils to learn about the short and long-term dangers and health risks that come with the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

Click here to find out more and to book your free programme.

*Use of the above content must be credited to the UK Addiction Treatment Group.

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]]> You don’t need alcohol to celebrate pubs reopening http://grid24.co.uk/par/you-dont-need-alcohol-to-celebrate-pubs-reopening/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/you-dont-need-alcohol-to-celebrate-pubs-reopening/ The COVID-19 pandemic has really tested the famous British resolve. We all learned the proper way to wash our hands and the importance of wearing a mask. But with the success of the vaccine rollout and the relaxation of social distancing rules, it is time to step blinking back into the light of normality while…

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The COVID-19 pandemic has really tested the famous British resolve. We all learned the proper way to wash our hands and the importance of wearing a mask. But with the success of the vaccine rollout and the relaxation of social distancing rules, it is time to step blinking back into the light of normality while keeping a meter distance. Whatever your political persuasion, it is hard to argue that there has been one coherent message from the government when it comes to pubs and bars during the Coronavirus pandemic. We have been transitioning from universal closures to 9pm last order times to discounted pub meals during “Eat Out to Help Out”. While the rules may not have been clear, what is clear is that pub closures have given many people the opportunity to assess their own drinking habits.

Different people have approached the Coronavirus lockdowns in different ways, but for a great number of the British population, the enforced isolation has been a time to focus on their health. From Joe Wicks taking the country back to their school days with his PE lessons to almost a million downloading the “Couch to 5K Challenge” app between March and June last year, a great number of us made positive changes in our lifestyles during lockdown. This includes many people cutting back on their alcohol intake and even cutting it out altogether.

The UK has a curious relationship with alcohol, and pubs are one of our most cherished institutions. In this article, we will look at why you don’t need alcohol to celebrate pubs reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic.

UK drinking culture

The drinking culture in the United Kingdom is quite unique and many of us have fond attachments to our local drinking establishments. From after-work drinks to girls’ nights out and beers with the boys, for a significant proportion of the British population, the pub is the location of much of our social lives. While lockdown may have put a temporary stop to all that, it is no surprise that many of the memes on social media at the minute are about making up for lost time when the pubs reopen.

For many people, however, UK pub closures were an opportunity to give up alcohol as everyone was forced to stay at home social distancing. It can be difficult if all your friends enjoy a drink to be the only one who has a coke or orange juice on a night out. Peer pressure is rarely malicious, but even gentle ribbing can be enough to convince someone to have a few pints or glasses of wine even when they don’t really want to. There are many substances that can be potentially addictive, but none have an entire culture built around them which is so ingrained in many of us.

The danger of binge drinking

Binge drinking has been a societal issue in the UK for years. The notion that you need to drink to have a good time exists in many people and binging both on a night out and before you go out has become commonplace. Alcoholism is a unique addiction as it a more extreme version of what is generally considered to be normal behaviour. There is societal acceptance of drinking to excess, which isn’t the case with any other substance.

Excessive alcohol abuse can have many negative effects on health and also lead to strained relationships, problems at work, and other issues. Binge drinking on a Friday or Saturday night can easily result in a “hair of the dog” session the following day. If you are drinking heavily every weekend, it is not a big step to then start adding a few drinks through the week, and this can quickly spiral out of control. Many people who just started out as weekend binge drinkers end up addicted to alcohol and begin to use it as a crutch.

Alcohol as an aid

There will be a lot of nervousness surrounding the end of the UK COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Nobody knows if life will ever return to normal or if we will forever need to wear our masks and keep our distance. For some people, alcohol will be used to ease their social anxiety or to help them be the ‘life and soul’ of the party again. Others may be worried that they will go back to drinking to help them deal with a difficult job when they are able to return to work. Using alcohol in this way to deal with difficult emotions or in the place of therapy or medication can only provide a temporary solution to the underlying problems. Drinking to get through difficult times is a coping mechanism that many people in the UK rely on without even realising that they have a growing problem.

The impact of drinking culture on mental health

The enforced closure of British pubs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns has made it easier for people to change their drinking habits, and many will have seen major improvements in their physical, mental and emotional health. If you are one of those people, the anxiety which comes with peer pressure to drink could see you throw away those improvements, particularly if you are an introvert who feels like you need alcohol to give you the confidence to socialise. Falling back into these old patterns of behaviour can bring on depression and undo all of the hard work that has been done during lockdown. It is crucial that you identify other support methods rather than relying on alcohol as a support to get through social events.

The impact of drinking culture on addiction recovery

Anyone who has made a successful recovery from addiction knows that it is a journey and that there are many obstacles along the way. The peer pressure that is likely to come with the reopening of pubs and bars after the Coronavirus lockdowns in Britain can be a huge obstacle which you will need to overcome if you are going to achieve long-term sobriety. Social media and the news are currently full of references to post-lockdown drinking, so it is important to put yourself in a supportive environment where you don’t feel any expectations to drink.

Ways to celebrate the end of lockdown without drinking

Going to the pub with friends or family doesn’t automatically mean that you have to drink. There are some fantastic British gastro pubs where you can go and enjoy the food. Many establishments have a weekly pub quiz, which will enable you to have fun while staying sober. The best pubs these days cater for far more than just hard-drinking regulars, and there are so many ways you can celebrate the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns finally ending without breaking your sobriety.

Supporting everyone through the lifting of lockdown

If one of your friends or family members has given up alcohol during the UK COVID-19 lockdowns, it is crucial that you are supportive and don’t pressure them to drink. A positive relationship with friends and family can have a huge impact on a successful recovery process, and so just as we all leaned on our support bubble during lockdown, we all need to help each other in any way we can. While the reopening of pubs is a cause of celebration for many people, for others, it could bring anxiety and the possibility of a relapse. It is crucial to remember the reasons for giving up alcohol in the first place and find other ways to enjoy time in the pub without alcohol.

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]]> Line of Duty’s Steve Arnott portrays harsh reality of opioid addiction http://grid24.co.uk/par/line-of-dutys-steve-arnott-portrays-harsh-reality-of-opioid-addiction/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/line-of-dutys-steve-arnott-portrays-harsh-reality-of-opioid-addiction/ Series 6 of Line of Duty had the nation gripped last night, as years of speculation was unravelled in the season finale. We may still not know the identity of “H”, but this series has presented more dilemmas from the AC12 trio, with another bent copper revealed to be involved with the OCG and Steve…

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Series 6 of Line of Duty had the nation gripped last night, as years of speculation was unravelled in the season finale. We may still not know the identity of “H”, but this series has presented more dilemmas from the AC12 trio, with another bent copper revealed to be involved with the OCG and Steve Arnott’s addiction to prescription drugs causing deceit. We have invested years of loyalty to the Line of Duty anti-corruption team, with many of us questioning if the storyline is an accurate depiction of our police force. Whilst Line of Duty is not a real story, Steve’s addiction to prescription drugs is a reality for many people in the UK and is far more common than you may be aware of.

Prescription drugs and functioning alcoholism

Steve Arnott’s addiction storyline began after being thrown down some stairs in the previous season, after which he was prescribed painkillers for pain management. Now in series 6, Steve is heavily reliant on prescription drugs, as well as the usual round of alcohol, which is often coupled to satisfy addiction cravings. Prolonged use of harmful substances leads to a higher tolerance, so multiple substances are commonly taken to achieve a greater ‘high’.

In Line of Duty, we have witnessed the Detective Inspector struggle to abstain from alcohol or prescription drugs during a drug-testing period at work, resulting in him deleting occupational health emails and keeping quiet around DI Hastings. Appearing to be handling his injury whilst hiding an addiction is the behaviour of a functioning alcoholic. The person does not appear to be under the influence of any substances and can complete their usual daily tasks without arousing suspicion. This behaviour is particularly harmful because the addiction continues to go unnoticed in day-to-day life. Steve Arnott has a highly pressured job and, to colleagues, appears to function without any aid. This suggests he is a high functioning alcoholic and drug addict.

Our opioid crisis

Over-the-counter painkillers are part of a group of drugs called opioids prescribed for acute pain. They include medications such as codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine. Opioids are made from the poppy plant and fall under the same family as heroin, which is a harmful and highly addictive illegal class A drug.

How addictive are prescription drugs?

The NICE guidelines advise against opioid medication to treat chronic pain due to their high risk of addiction and lack of evidence on their effectiveness. Yet, the MHRA report more than 20 different opioid drugs that are approved to prescribe in the UK. These prescription painkillers offer effective pain relief for short term use, but this can unconsciously develop into addiction. At the end of 2018, the NHS found that 1.2 million people in the UK had been taking prescription opiates for at least a year. This highlights our growing opioid crisis with increased use and less management of treatment.

Signs of addiction

Throughout the BBC drama, we have seen Steve become more irritable (during his encounter at Steph’s house) and suffer from anxiety and withdrawal symptoms as he fails to abstain from drugs and alcohol ahead of his occupational drugs test. Addiction always has a physical impact on a person, as well as alter their personality. There are many physical and behavioural signs of addiction that can relate to cocaine addiction, gambling addiction and drug addiction. We have listed some of these below:

Physical changes

Physical withdrawal
Insomnia
Anxiety
Changes to appetite
Increased tolerance leading to higher usage
Dishevelled appearance
Mental health issues

Behaviour changes

Stopping hobbies or activities
Cancelling social plans
Erratic behaviour
Irritability or aggression
New friendship groups

Addiction is a complicated condition that people tend to ignore or deny due to the negative reception they expect. However, there is nothing wrong with asking for help with an addiction. It is an issue of increasing concern which needs to be addressed. The latest episode shed light on the denial Steve Arnott portrayed when questioned by the medical officer. Viewers likely willed the character to be left in peace while he focused on the case in hand, but this powerful scene illustrates how important it is to have the conversation with those suffering from addiction as they can run themselves down. If you’re worried about someone, encourage them to  seek help and take time to deal with stress in a healthy way.

How to know if someone is a functioning alcoholic

Functioning addiction can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time. A person who is able to conceal their addiction to drugs or alcohol does not fit the stereotypical image of a substance abuser. Denial is a prominent characteristic of a functional alcoholic; they believe they can maintain their substance abuse because they are upholding their daily responsibilities. This is exemplified in series 6 of Line of Duty, where Steve Arnott deletes occupational health reminders to suppress this issue. Looking out for the signs listed above can be a great way of noticing changes and opening dialogue to suggest professional support.

How does addiction develop?

Drug and alcohol addictions develop when you start to experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms after a period of abstinence. This is due to chemical processes altering the brain to become accustomed to the substance in the body, which leaves you craving the ‘high’ created by the drug. Each time the substance is taken, the body builds up a tolerance and needs more of the drug to feel the euphoric effect, which fuels repeated use in increased dosages.

You may associate these side effects with illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy. However, prescribed medication is one of the most dangerous addictions as people are not aware they are addictive when misused.  In painkillers, opioids target your pain receptors to relieve the intensity of the pain your feeling and also boost your feelings of pleasure. This may not appear to be harmful, but continued use leads to a higher tolerance or even a gateway to other substances. Prescription medication containing opioids comes with addiction warnings on the packaging. You should always read this carefully and follow the dosage instruction provided by your doctor.

The impact of addiction

Addiction takes control over your life by becoming the forefront of your mind every day. This often clouds anything that you were passionate about previously and causes you to act out in ways that are out of character.

Functioning addiction places great strain on your work and relationships because you are constantly covering your tracks to avoid any suspicion. As illustrated by Steph and DI Hastings, addiction also has a huge impact on those close to you – worrying about your health and dealing with the burden of unlikely character changes.

Addiction is usually a coping mechanism to mask an underlying problem. Yet, that problem remains unresolved until you seek proper support. As we have seen in Line of Duty, Steve Arnott’s opioid addiction is fuelled by his back injury. We can see the stress he is under being at risk of suspension from work due to his missed occupational health appointments. Although Steve is worried about discussing his problems, his addiction must be dealt with. Without doing so, his situation is only continuing to worsen. This is also the case for emotional issues, such as money worries, childhood trauma and grief.

Help for addiction

We understand how hard it can be to seek support for drug and alcohol abuse. However, the build-up of reaching out and having these discussions is always worse than the conversations themselves. There are addiction rehab programmes for drug abuse that include treatment for prescription drug abuse. You can conduct a simple online search for ‘rehabs near me’ for drugs that will provide you with the options for support. It will include the type of help available and how to pay for drug rehab. Although rehab can seem daunting, you will receive an abundance of support in detox, therapies and peer support to help you end your addiction and regain your life.

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]]> Who is responsible for the rise in drug-related deaths? http://grid24.co.uk/par/who-is-responsible-for-the-rise-in-drug-related-deaths/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/who-is-responsible-for-the-rise-in-drug-related-deaths/ Drug use can have so many negative consequences for the individual, their family, and society as a whole. One particularly worrying statistic for everyone involved with drug prevention and treatment is that deaths from drug poisoning reached their highest numbers ever in 2020, leading to various drug charities declaring the deaths a public health emergency.…

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Drug use can have so many negative consequences for the individual, their family, and society as a whole. One particularly worrying statistic for everyone involved with drug prevention and treatment is that deaths from drug poisoning reached their highest numbers ever in 2020, leading to various drug charities declaring the deaths a public health emergency. According to the statistics, in England and Wales alone, there were 4,561 deaths attributed to drug poisoning last year, with 2020 being the eighth consecutive year in which numbers have gone up. To put that figure into context, it shows an 800% increase over the last ten years. But how has the problem reached such an alarming scale? And what could have been done to prevent it?

In this article, we will look at who is responsible for the rise in drug-related deaths and explore potential solutions going forward.

How the system feeds addiction

When it comes to drug use, we live in a world of incredible contradictions. On the one hand, the use of illegal drugs is harshly stigmatised by society, with the criminalisation of those people caught in possession and substantial legal penalties they face justifying this negative perception. Simultaneously, there are a huge number of addictive and potentially harmful substances that are seen as perfectly acceptable by huge swathes of the population.

Over the years, the number of drugs being prescribed by doctors has rocketed. These can be just as addictive and damaging to patients as illegal street drugs, and in 2020, half of all drug poisoning deaths came from opiate-based pain medications such as fentanyl and codeine. Markedly cheaper than heroin and significantly easier and safer to obtain, this is an ever-worsening problem that requires urgent and serious action.

On top of this, many addictive substances are marketed in a way that glosses over the potential harm they can do and presents them in a wholly positive light. For the British public, alcohol is a cornerstone of our culture, and rates of alcohol addiction and its associated problems are increasing year on year. Yet, alcohol adverts continue to show people drinking and having a great time, rather than presenting the negative impact that alcohol misuse or addiction can have on people’s lives.

Addiction is a mental health disorder

Another factor in the ever-increasing number of deaths is the way that addiction is perceived and approached. Addiction is a mental health disorder, which means even people who can see the damage that drugs are doing to them can find it incredibly difficult to stop. Addiction changes the chemicals and signals in a person’s brain, causing someone who abuses large volumes of drugs to experience terrible withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their intake.

Despite common misconceptions, someone with an addiction is not simply choosing to take drugs; they are compelled to by their own mind. Society as a whole is just beginning to accept mental health issues as being on par with physical illnesses, and it is so important that addiction is viewed and addressed as such.

Who is responsible for the rise in addiction deaths?

There is no easy answer to this question and in many ways, attributing blame is not a constructive way to approach the problem. Some people naturally blame the individuals for their own drug-related deaths, arguing that everyone knows the law and that we are all well aware of the consequences of drug use. Yet, while we are all ultimately responsible for our actions, we have seen countless instances where people who have noticed their addiction reached out for help but have been unable to get it. The uplift in prescribed medication and limited education surrounding addiction have increased the likelihood of addiction developing unnoticed, while government cuts to public addiction services have had a massive effect on the accessibility of treatment. With the enormous financial burden of the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems unlikely that funding is going to increase any time soon.

How to spot addiction

There are various addiction warning signs related to the use of different types of drugs, but identifying the signs early in yourself or in your loved ones can help to ensure treatment is sought before a dependency can really take hold. While physical effects may seem like the most obvious signs to look out for, they are often the most difficult to notice. For example, methamphetamine is well known for causing people’s teeth to rot, but this can take many years to occur, before which the person may already suffer drug poisoning.

It is usually easier to spot behavioural changes. Some people may become more emotional or reactive, especially when addicted to stimulants like cocaine. Heroin and other opiate use can cause the opposite effect and cause serious energy depletion and a lack of productivity. For many people, the cost of drugs can place a major financial burden on them, and so you may notice that they suffer financial difficulty or turn to unconventional means to fuel their addiction.

Keeping safe on prescription medication

For many of us, the term ‘drug addiction’ is only associated with people who take illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, but the rise in prescription painkillers means that a broken leg or knee surgery is becoming an all-too-common pathway.

As the statistics suggest, deaths from prescribed drugs like pregabalin, gabapentin and zopiclone have all also risen significantly since last year, by 41%, 32.6% and 4.3%. The most important thing is to always follow the direction of your doctor, and if you feel like you are developing a dependency, notify them immediately. With 50% of all deaths by drug poisoning coming from opiate painkiller misuse, both patients and their medical providers need to be cautious about how these medications are used and be constantly on the lookout for signs of misuse or addiction.

How to get help

It can be very difficult to overcome drug addiction alone, and detoxing without medical assistance can be potentially dangerous. So the best way to overcome addiction and avoid preventable death is always through professional addiction treatment. There are public and private rehab facilities that can help individuals to turn their lives around, and wonderful organisations like Narcotics Anonymous that provide much needed long-term support.

No two people and no two addictions are the same, and so it is important that each individual assesses all the options available to them in order to make the right choice. NHS services are free, but as evidenced by these rising numbers, their funding has been cut substantially by consecutive governments, leaving them under-resourced and overburdened. Private rehab centres require individuals to pay for their treatment, but they often provide the best chance for recovery.

With drug-related deaths rising year on year, many changes need to be made across society, from the way addiction is perceived to the criminal penalties given to drug users. The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries also need to assess the extent to which people are now being prescribed powerful painkillers and whether there are safer alternatives or better patient care that could curtail the rise in deaths. Likewise, individuals need to be aware of the dangers of drug addiction and take responsibility on a personal level, and if they have a problem, seek professional health immediately. With a multi-faceted approach, there is a real chance to reduce the number of drug-related deaths dramatically.

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]]> Why is cannabis use so prevalent in young communities? http://grid24.co.uk/par/why-is-cannabis-use-so-prevalent-in-young-communities/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/why-is-cannabis-use-so-prevalent-in-young-communities/ Cannabis, or marijuana as it is also known, is the most commonly consumed drug worldwide. There is an ongoing debate in many countries about whether or not to legalise cannabis, but critics of legalisation have various concerns. Cannabis users can often develop a tolerance and so the ‘high’ the drug from the drug loses some…

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Cannabis, or marijuana as it is also known, is the most commonly consumed drug worldwide. There is an ongoing debate in many countries about whether or not to legalise cannabis, but critics of legalisation have various concerns. Cannabis users can often develop a tolerance and so the ‘high’ the drug from the drug loses some impact each time it is taken. This encourages some to progress to more impactful and dangerous drugs, which can result in the need for rehab and other drug addiction treatment. Some cannabis users also develop mental and psychological issues such as paranoia, depression, and schizophrenia, while others may find their performance in school, work, and relationships negatively affected.

In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why cannabis use is so prevalent among young people and attempt to dispel some of the commonly held misconceptions about this drug.

Cannabis is cheaper than many drugs

The affordability of cannabis makes it a very appealing drug to young people who may rely on their pocket money or part-time job earnings to purchase it. Other drugs like cocaine, heroin and ecstasy are far more expensive, but a group of friends who want to experiment can all chip in together and purchase a significant amount of cannabis to share. Not only does sharing the cost make cannabis affordable, it also creates a social aspect to using the drug. It can then be difficult for an individual to stop using cannabis because of peer pressure or because they don’t have anyone else to hang out with. A group of friends may start out buying a certain amount to share each weekend, and as their dependency on the drug starts to increase, they begin buying bigger and bigger weights.

Cannabis use is becoming more socially acceptable

Especially in comparison to other drugs, cannabis use is becoming more and more socially acceptable. While it has long been glorified in youth culture, movies and music, many countries and governments are now beginning to loosen their regulations, and some have even legalised cannabis use altogether. As with alcohol and cigarettes, legalisation not only makes cannabis more readily available to young people it also legitimises its use and makes it more difficult for parents to keep their children away from it.

The effects are thought to be safe

Another reason why cannabis use is so prevalent among young people is that it is thought by many to be completely safe. Part of this comes from the history of the drug with millions of people smoking it throughout the 1960s and 70s with few reports of serious health issues. This may be in part due to a lack of scientific research at the time, and it may also be due to the fact that naturally grown cannabis is significantly less potent than the strains available today. Cannabis in the 1960s had a THC content of around 2% but today’s popular strains have been found to contain as much as 28%. There are even edibles, dabs, and other concentrated THC products for sale with as much as 95% THC. Modern strains of cannabis have been shown to cause a great deal of harm for many people and the idea that it is safe has long been disproven.

Cannabis use is easy to conceal

There are some drugs for which hiding the effects can be next to impossible. If your son or daughter was experiencing an LSD trip at the dinner table, for example, it is likely that you would be able to detect something was not right, even if you didn’t know anything about drugs. While this is not always the case, the signs of cannabis use are usually far easier to conceal than other substances. Common physical signs like bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, or increased appetite can be easily missed or attributed to other causes, while mental and psychological effects are often difficult to spot. This means that many young people are able to smoke cannabis regularly without teachers, parents, or other family members ever knowing.

For some fortunate people, cannabis use may have no serious adverse effects, but for many others, it can cause major damage to health, relationships, and many other aspects of life. Young people are at particular risk of developing a cannabis addiction, and this can affect their education, future job prospects and act as a gateway to other drugs. Fortunately, our rehab centres are available to help overcome addiction and begin their journey to a drug-free future.

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]]> Mental health awareness week: adjusting back to life after lockdown http://grid24.co.uk/par/mental-health-awareness-week-adjusting-back-to-life-after-lockdown/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/mental-health-awareness-week-adjusting-back-to-life-after-lockdown/ In 100 years, when students look back on 2020-2021 in their history textbooks, this will probably be remembered as a difficult period. During the lockdown, many of us have been furloughed, separated from loved ones, suffering from illness, and bored. And most of us cannot wait to get back to normality, see our family and…

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In 100 years, when students look back on 2020-2021 in their history textbooks, this will probably be remembered as a difficult period.

During the lockdown, many of us have been furloughed, separated from loved ones, suffering from illness, and bored. And most of us cannot wait to get back to normality, see our family and friends, and book a table at our favourite restaurant. But for others, the lockdown has been a rare opportunity to take a step back and focus on their mental state of mind. Today (Wednesday 20th) is the third day of mental health awareness week – a fantastic awareness set up by The Mental Health Foundation. And it is a reminder that being confined to our homes may not be awful for everyone.

Life in the UK means we work at full speed, often leaving ourselves 30 minutes to grab lunch and keeping one eye on our mobile while we spend time with our families. We are completely tuned in to hitting deadlines and working ourselves up over receiving likes on social media. So, it’s no wonder a massive 25% of the UK population experience a mental health problem each year. Unfortunately, the pressure of competition forces many of us to stay quiet about our mental health issues, to get promotions and avoid awkwardness. So, when the lockdown started eight weeks ago, lots of people finally got the time they needed to slow down, meditate, and get a good night’s sleep.

If you are one of these people, then we understand that getting back to the office and making plans may not be a cause for celebration. Maybe you liked the excuse of social distancing and the thought of meeting up with friends again is giving you anxiety. Or perhaps you have been suffering from addiction, and the longer you were at home, the more you’ve been able to open up to your loved ones.

If you want to understand more about who around you is suffering and how you can help, then Mental Health Awareness Week, founded by The Mental Health Foundation, is a great place to start. But trying to absorb it all in one week is like a doctor to teach someone all about physical health in the same amount of time. Diabetes, broken bones, eczema and strokes are all physical conditions that vary in severity, science, and cure. And it’s the same with mental health. There are hundreds of different illnesses that you may not notice and it’s impossible to learn them all in seven days. Sometimes these mental conditions can be so debilitating that people can attempt to end their life – and other times, they hide it behind drug abuse or drinking. It’s important to recognise these signs as we start to shift back into normality after the Coronavirus pandemic. But give yourself time to understand what mental health means and how it can drive people to addiction.

When we have a cure for Covid-19 and our laws relax, it will be a joyous occasion for most of us. But remember that numerous people will dread the prospect of getting back on public transport, heading off to work each day and falling back into a routine. So, keep the conversations going throughout the year and help people adapt back into the demanding arms of work. And if you are worried about making the shift back to a life after lockdown, especially if it involves addiction, then please get in touch so we can help you through the transition.

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]]> There’s a world worth living for after addiction http://grid24.co.uk/par/theres-a-world-worth-living-for-after-addiction/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:06:05 +0000 https://staging.grid24.co.uk/theres-a-world-worth-living-for-after-addiction/ If you’ve ever felt that a substance is taking over your life, you may have felt the need to hide away and ignore what is happening.  Addiction and other mental health conditions thrive when they are able to isolate a person, and experts know that one of the best ways to prevent the situation from…

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If you’ve ever felt that a substance is taking over your life, you may have felt the need to hide away and ignore what is happening.  Addiction and other mental health conditions thrive when they are able to isolate a person, and experts know that one of the best ways to prevent the situation from deteriorating to suicide or accidental overdose is to build a supportive community around individuals. Support information may not seem widely accessible, but please know that if you are struggling, there is so much help available to you. Just taking the first and most important step of reaching out for that help really is half the battle.

To help make that leap easier, we will explain the relationship between mental health and addiction, why addiction is not the end of the road, and list the caring communities you can turn to when you need support.

How are mental health and addiction connected?

Society is making huge progress in understanding that mental health issues are just as real and debilitating as physical illnesses and injuries. Previously, mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were widely recognised as being serious conditions, but they were heavily stigmatised, while common issues like depression, stress and anxiety were often considered to be just in a person’s head or even a sign of weakness. This attitude meant that many people were afraid of getting the help they so badly needed, and sadly this would sometimes result in tragedies like overdoses and suicides. Fortunately, addiction is now widely regarded to be both a cause and a symptom of mental health difficulties, and this recognition has made treatment far more effective and accessible.

What are the common themes shared by addiction and other mental health issues?

Both addiction and mental health conditions can cause a person to feel like they are no longer in control of their life. For example, many people with drug and alcohol addiction spend huge amounts of time, money and energy feeding their addiction which steals time away from family, work or self-love. Similarly, people with depression, social anxiety and chronic stress often have troubles in their relationships, jobs and self-care.

Both can also have a major negative effect on self-esteem, social skills and confidence. This can be a daily struggle with no respite from these negative thoughts and feelings and can cause a person to feel like they can’t live with themselves anymore. Relationships with loved ones, often already strained by changes in behaviour that are symptoms of addiction and mental health difficulties, can break down entirely, and this can lead you to feel more and more isolated, which can have tragic results.

How do mental health and addiction affect each other?

Many people who have serious mental health conditions are more likely to develop an addiction. Drugs and alcohol can be a way of self-medicating in order to escape from their symptoms, block out negative thoughts and cope with difficult moments in their lives. Yet, addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol actually have the opposite effect. These drugs can cause chemical imbalances in the brain. Alongside the negative effects that addiction can have on relationships, jobs and finances, both of these side-effects can lead to depression. This worsening situation will often cause someone to use even more drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, making them feel as if there is no way out.

Another increasing concern is the link between cannabis and schizophrenia. While schizophrenia has a diverse range of biological and environmental factors, scientific consensus agrees that cannabis is now a common aggravating factor. As global cannabis use increases, with many countries even going so far as to legalise it entirely, you may believe cannabis to be healthy – yet the rates of schizophrenia are likewise set to rise. Legalisation has enabled producers to create increasingly potent strains of cannabis, far stronger than anything which is found naturally. Scientific study is way behind on truly understanding the effects these strains may have on people’s mental health, but many experts are deeply worried.

How can addiction be overcome?

The first thing that anyone who is struggling needs to do is acknowledge the problem and be open about it with others. If you have an addiction or mental health issue, there’s no need to feel ashamed to talk about what’s going on in your life or seek help. In fact, opening up about how you’re feeling and learning from other people in similar situations is the best way to achieve long-term recovery.

No two people are the same, and everyone has their own contributing factors for addiction. As a result, the most effective way to overcome it also varies from person to person. For some, a change in lifestyle, diet, or the people they surround themselves with can be just what is needed to break out of an unhealthy cycle of habits. For others, comprehensive detox and rehab may be needed to overcome a severe and long-standing addiction.

Whatever your situation, you never have to face this struggle alone. The most important thing is to acknowledge that there is an issue and commit to making a change.

How can overcoming an addiction transform your life?

Every aspect of your life can advance when you take steps to overcome an addiction. Your physical, mental and emotional health can markedly improve; you can begin to rebuild relationships, put yourself in a better financial position, and perhaps most importantly, begin to appreciate your own value again. Addiction can be like a weight on your back, constantly dragging you down, and can damage relationships. You may find it hard to believe, but the sense of relief you will experience when you finally cast that weight off can be incredibly liberating. All it takes is the will to make a change.

How can you ask for help?

For many people, the scariest part of all is reaching out and asking for help. It takes a huge amount of courage to acknowledge an addiction, and even more so to confide it in someone else. However, whether you speak to a family member, a friend, or an addiction professional, a problem shared really is a problem halved. Sit down with a loved one or someone you trust and tell them the effect that drug or alcohol abuse is having on your life. They may be able to provide the emotional and moral support you need to get started on your road to recovery and build a life worth living.

If you are worried about confiding in a loved one or you want to keep the matter private for now, speak to your GP about how you are feeling or reach out to our team at UKAT, who will be able to advise you every step of the way. You can also reach out to your local support group, whose members understand exactly what you are going through and will share their own journeys. Remember that addiction thrives when it manages to isolate you. With so much help available, nobody ever needs to struggle alone, and there is happiness waiting for you at the end of the tunnel.

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