My Blog
Why Men Struggle to Ask for Help
Men often carry heavy burdens, both in ways that others can see and in quiet places that remain hidden. When a man begins to struggle with addiction or mental health challenges, he may not reach out for support. This is rarely because he lacks strength or...
When Addiction Meets Mental Health: A Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders
Recovery is rarely a straight path. For many people living with addiction, there is another challenge quietly shaping the struggle: a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. When both are present, it is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring...
When the Voices Get Loud: How Positive Intelligence Can Support Recovery
Recovery is about more than giving up a substance or an addictive behaviour. It is also about learning how to live differently — how to relate with more kindness to yourself, how to quiet the storm of thoughts in your mind, and how to build healthier connections with...
From Co-dependency to Confidence in Recovery
Recovery is about more than stepping away from the drink, the drug, or the addictive behaviour. It is also about discovering new, healthier ways of relating to yourself and to the people in your life. Sometimes in recovery, you may notice a pattern where your sense of...
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
For many people, especially those who have experienced trauma, addiction is not just about getting high or escaping reality. It’s about survival. Substances or addictive behaviours can offer temporary relief from emotional pain, flashbacks, or feelings of emptiness....
“Boys Do not Cry”: How Masculinity Myths Fuel Addiction in South Africa
From a young age, many boys are taught to suppress their emotions. Phrases like “man up”, “real men don’t cry”, and “deal with it” are often ingrained in our culture. These messages don't just shape how boys perceive themselves—they can have lasting effects on...
When Boundaries Feel Like Betrayal
If you are in recovery, or if someone you care about is, you have probably heard the word boundaries more than once. Setting boundaries is a key part of healing. But let us be honest — it does not always feel good. In fact, it can feel painful, confusing, and even...
Breaking Free from Shame: The Hidden Link Between Addiction and Healing
If you are caught in the painful loop of shame and addiction, please know this: you are not alone, and there is a way through. Shame is often the quiet, heavy emotion behind addiction. It whispers that you are not good enough, that you are weak, that you have failed....
The Effects of Substance Use: Mind, Body, Family, and Community
Substance use is a complex issue that affects not only individuals but also their families and the wider community. In South Africa, substance use remains a growing concern, with alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine (commonly known as "tik") being some of the most...
Rebuilding Relationships After Addiction: A Guide to Healing and Trust
Addiction affects not only the individual struggling with it but also the people closest to them. Family members, friends, and partners often experience pain, betrayal, and broken trust. Once a person enters recovery, one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects...