Stay Clean & Sober This Festive Season
Q&A with addiction expert and founder of Changes Addiction Rehab, Sheryl Rahme Transcript Below: Why is December such a critical time for addicts and alcoholics in recovery? [00:09] I think Christmas time, December time, is very tricky because history says that it’s party time. It’s time to cut loose and let your hair down and […]
Alcohol and Anger: How Drinking Fuels Aggression and When to Get Help
Alcohol and anger can escalate into aggression that damages relationships and puts safety at risk. This guide explains when drinking worsens mood and how alcohol-fuelled aggression takes hold, so you know when to seek professional help. For some people, alcohol and anger go hand in hand. While some become more social or affectionate, others feel […]
Alcohol and Panic Attacks: Why Drinking Triggers Anxiety and How to Stop the Cycle
Alcohol and panic attacks are closely linked. Drinking might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it disrupts brain chemistry in ways that can trigger panic attacks and, over time, worsen your health and wellbeing. If your panic attacks feel tied to your drinking, reaching out for professional help is one of the most […]
Alcohol and Migraines: Why Drinking Triggers Headaches and When to Take It Seriously
Are Alcohol and Migraines Linked? Yes. Alcohol triggers migraines and headaches in around one in three migraine sufferers, and red wine, sparkling wine and dark spirits are the most common culprits. The mechanism involves dehydration, blood vessel dilation, histamine release and serotonin disruption. Some people get a headache within 30 minutes of drinking. Others get […]
Drinking Culture in South Africa: A Public Health Look at Why We Drink the Way We Do
South Africa has one of the highest per-drinker alcohol consumption rates in the world, despite roughly two-thirds of adults not drinking at all. The minority who do drink, drink heavily. South African drinkers consume around 64.6 grams of pure alcohol per day on average, equivalent to five or six standard drinks daily and the sixth-highest […]
Are You Being Sober Shamed?
Are you being sober shamed? Sober shaming is a social phenomenon where people face criticism or mockery for choosing not to drink alcohol. This behaviour can make non-drinkers feel uncomfortable or guilty about their personal choice to abstain. Some common forms of sober shaming include: • Pressuring others to drink • Making jokes about teetotallers […]
Alcohol Detox at Home: Is It Safe? Risks & Getting Help
Alcohol detox at home is possible for mild dependence, but medically supervised detox is the safer choice for anyone who drinks heavily, or has a history of withdrawal complications. Alcohol is one of the few substances where stopping without medical support can cause death by seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). This guide breaks down when […]
Alcohol And Blood Pressure
Alcohol raises blood pressure. Regular drinking, even in moderate amounts, increases your risk of hypertension. It also raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Cutting back or stopping lowers your blood pressure, and in many cases brings it back to a normal range. Global estimates suggest that 16% of all hypertensive disease is attributable […]
Alcohol and Stomach Pain
The Impact of Alcohol on the Stomach Alcohol and stomach pain is a common occurrence. It irritates the stomach lining, leading to inflammation called gastritis. This can cause pain and nausea, along with vomiting. Alcohol also increases stomach acid production, which may worsen acid reflux symptoms. The digestive system’s ability to break down food is […]
Meth Is Not a Life Sentence Real Recovery From Tik Is Possible
Methamphetamine goes by many names in South Africa: Tik, crystal, “ice.” It doesn’t just disrupt a life, it rewires it. It speeds up the mind and burns through sleep. It hollows out appetite and leaves people swinging between frantic energy and emotional collapse. But here’s the part families rarely hear: Tik addiction is treatable. The […]