Chief Exec Blog - 'Tsunami of Need' meeeting emerging needs
Chief Exec Blog - 'Tsunami of Need' meeeting emerging needs
www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
Phoenix Chief Exec Karen Biggs warns of the emerging needs of people who use drugs and alchol during...Hey y’all, my name is Cole. It’s amazing what only 90 days off meth and heroin feels and looks like. If you’re still out there struggling, just know that it can get better quickly! #TheAddictsDiary
Managing your drinking during lockdown: tips for looking after your mental health | Alcohol Change UK
alcoholchange.org.uk
We asked some people who moderate or don’t drink at all for some of their top tips for managing th...You may be struggling right now. That does not mean you’re weak, it means you’re human. Resilience comes when we recognise our authentic feelings free from judgement.
Mental Health Awareness week comes to a close and If you would have said last year that I would have spent the whole week this week delivering only online then I’m not sure how I would have taken it.
I’ve enjoyed it though, particularly because I’ve delivered to different regions around the world.
Different cultures take what I deliver differently but we are all human when we strip everything back and probably what I love the most is that I enter everything I deliver keen to learn myself too.
I encourage fluidity and so that means I cant stay rigid in my own approach.
I don’t teach what resilience is but rather cultivate an environment in which people can challenge themselves to recognise and build upon what resilience means to them. I’m grateful I’ve found a way to do this online, to large groups, while still creating a powerful space.
Resilience is not the absence of struggle or difficult emotions, resilience is the ability to recognise those emotions, how and why they’re showing up and then being able to communicate what might be needed as a result.
#resilience #emotionalintelligence #wellbeing
@Addiction Actually
Drug addiction/(alcoholism) is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking/drinking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.
Although the initial decision to take drugs/drink is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge a person’s self control and ability to resist intense impulses urging them to take drugs/drink alcohol.
Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs/drink. It can be wrongfully assumed that drug/alcohol abusers lack moral principles or willpower, and that they could stop using drugs or drinking simply by choosing to change their behaviour.
In reality, drug/alcohol addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions. In fact, because drugs/alcohol change the brain in ways that foster compulsive abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so.
Recent scientific advances, including those supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), have enlightened our view of drug abuse and addiction, which is now recognized as a chronic relapsing brain disease expressed in the form of compulsive behaviors. This understanding has improved our ability to both prevent and treat addiction.
“We now know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behaviour,” says NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. “We have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease.”
With nearly one in 11 Americans over the age of 12 classified with substance abuse or dependence, addiction takes an emotional, psychological, and social toll on the country. The economic costs of substance abuse and addiction alone are estimated to exceed half a trillion dollars annually in the United States due to health care expenditures, lost productivity, and crime.
'Relapses Are Through The Roof, Overdoses Are Through The Roof'
'Relapses Are Through The Roof, Overdoses Are Through The Roof'
thefederalist.com
'Our website traffic is up 382 percent in the past 30 days with people looking for treatment for eit...Lewis's Run for Lottie
Pictured: Glasgow's drugs crisis in the time of coronavirus
Pictured: Glasgow's drugs crisis in the time of coronavirus
theferret.scot
Scotland's injectable drug users are more vulnerable than ever as services reduce due to the Covid-1...
Addict for 15 years but Gary's now helping others face their demons
Addict for 15 years but Gary's now helping others face their demons
www.belfastlive.co.uk
"When you’re in recovery everything changes, I literally had to start again and find structure in ...Call to 'tackle harmful lockdown drinking'
Call to 'tackle harmful lockdown drinking'
www.bbc.co.uk
Supermarket sales of alcohol have risen and liver disease could too, a BMJ editorial says.Young people 'overwhelmed by panic and anxiety' during lockdown
Young people 'overwhelmed by panic and anxiety' during lockdown
www.cypnow.co.uk
More than four in 10 young people say the Covid-19 crisis has increased feelings of panic and anxiet...UK on brink of mental health crisis because of lockdown
UK on brink of mental health crisis because of lockdown
metro.co.uk
Psychologists say children are anxious and increases in cases of depression have been recorded in se...Why do addicts use drugs? What is it about the high that despite the consequences of using drugs, keep us coming back for more? If you want to see the truth about addiction, study an addict when they don’t have their drugs. Observe the difficulty they have living life on life’s terms. For me, and I believe for all addicts, the problem isn’t when we’re on the drugs. It is actually when we’re not on them. That is the spiritual malady they talk about in alcoholism and addiction. We suffer from a disease or ailment that affects our human spirit and soul. In other words, a disorder of our spirit. Narcotics and alcohol take away this ailment from us. When we don’t have those in the picture, we are stuck with ourselves. That is why we find ourselves restless, irritable, and discontent. 70 percent of all addicts suffer from some form of trauma. You take away their drugs and they’re stuck back in that pain. Now a lot of people think that solving the trauma will solve their addiction. It actually won’t. The solution is to treat the disorder of the spirit. For addicts, drugs aren’t our problem, they are actually what we believe to be our solution.
I feel there are a lot families out there with the unanswered question of why?
“Why my kid?”
“Why my husband?”
“Why my wife?”
“Why my dad?”
“Why my mom?”
It is imperative that we all establish an understanding that addicts are in pain. A pain unlike anything those without the disease have ever experienced. A sneaky, relentless, non-discriminatory type of pain. Fatal? Yes, but also beatable if worked on correctly.
#TheAddictsDiary
We help you understand the symptoms of ketamine use.
We help you understand the symptoms of ketamine use.
helpmestop.org.uk
Click for an article on the dangers and signs of someone using ketamine.Counsellor calls for greater protection for gambling addicts online
Counsellor calls for greater protection for gambling addicts online
www.itv.com
A counsellor has called for the gambling industry to do more to protect addicts online. Nuno Leitao,...UK is ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe as Class-A drug use soars by 300% in a decade
UK is ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe as Class-A drug use soars by 300% in a decade
www.mirror.co.uk
Lawrence Gibbons, head of drugs threat at the National Crime Agency, said 'education and treatment' ...
Could lockdown drinking be costing you more than the price of the bottle?
Could lockdown drinking be costing you more than the price of the bottle?
www.actiononaddiction.org.uk
The lockdown announced by the Prime Minister on the 23rd March changed all our lives. In one moment ...
Families of Addiction | Merchants Quay Ireland | Homeless & Drugs Charit
Families of Addiction | Merchants Quay Ireland | Homeless & Drugs Charit
mqi.ie
Families of Addiction: A Mother’s True Story. The silent suffering of the “families of addiction...🙏“We all hide things. We all have our secrets. Our lives are not always as rosy as they appear in our photos. I’ve shared my truth, but not all of my truth.” #TheAddictsDiary
🙏New website completed for "Addiction Counselling in Winchester" - www.addictioncounsellinginwinchester.co.uk/
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/07/county-lines-drug-dealers-disguise-joggers-keep-cover-lockdow...
County lines drug dealers disguise themselves as joggers to keep their cover in the lockdown
www.telegraph.co.uk
Drug dealers are trying to avoid detection by disguising themselves as joggers or key workers in str...Also care workers
🙏
Lockdown Highs And Lows: Are People Still Partying With Drugs At Home?
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
Our relationship with drink and drugs is changing during the Covid-19 pandemic – for better or wor...
Coronavirus crisis could increase users' drug habits – report
Coronavirus crisis could increase users' drug habits – report
www.theguardian.com
Addiction expert says lockdown will be ‘tipping crisis’ for some recreational usersProblem drinking soars under UK lockdown, say addiction experts
Problem drinking soars under UK lockdown, say addiction experts
www.theguardian.com
Cuts in support services and Covid anxiety are pushing people back to the bottleLIVE: Domestic abuse victims in England to be offered priority housing
LIVE: Domestic abuse victims in England to be offered priority housing
news.sky.com
All the latest updates as business leaders are "clamouring" to know when the lockdown will start to ...Two pizzas and a spliff please: Interpol warns of lockdown drug deliveries
Two pizzas and a spliff please: Interpol warns of lockdown drug deliveries
www.theguardian.com
Common sight of food couriers on streets providing ‘perfect cover’ for home drug deliveriesTimeline PhotosSend this to a friend who needs to hear this!
Some thoughts from our women’s ministry team this week ➡️➡️
3 decisions you can make today to thrive during lockdown
1. Each day is a gift – make the most of it
“This is the day the Lord has made – Let us rejoice and be glad in it” #Psalm11824. Be thankful, structure each day with a rhythm and look for the treasure in each day
2. Exercise self-compassion – be kind/gracious to yourself #Romans8
Remember this is not a competition, don’t compare yourself with others and do let go, relax your standards a little, and be at rest
3. Guard your thoughts and your heart and receive peace #Philippians4. Take every thought captive #2Corinthians10, limit what you watch/read in the media and don’t worry about tomorrow – trust that God is in control #Matthew6 and that He is for you
👍Lily Allen. Celebrating 9 months sober.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8265323/An-ab-appearing-Lily-Allen-shows-trim-waist-celebrates-nine-months-sober.html
www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-52448129/coronavirus-drinking-more-during-lockdown
Drinking more during lockdown?
www.bbc.co.uk
A woman furloughed from her job says she became concerned about her alcohol intake.Credit cards have been banned for gambling and it comes into effect today.
The timing is of particular importance with an increased prevalence of risk factors for gambling harm due to the COVID19 pandemic. Risk factors include social isolation, boredom, stress, financial and job insecurity.
Congratulations to Jack Osbourne on 17 years of sobriety! Here is what he had to say about it.
"If someone would have told me 17 years ago I’d be celebrating my 17th year of sobriety locked down at home because of a global pandemic I’d of literally laughed in their face. However sh*tty this current situation is I am still filled with such a large amount of gratitude. Getting sober can be hard and staying sober is even harder, but I am here today because I threw my hands up and said 'F*** it tell me what I need to do.” - Jack Osbourne #TheAddictsDiary
COVID-19: Testing available for substance misuse treatment organisations - Collective Voice
COVID-19: Testing available for substance misuse treatment organisations - Collective Voice
www.collectivevoice.org.uk
The government has released guidance on the strategy for testing for COVID-19. The guidance makes cl...
If you suffered abuse in childhood you may be finding the lockdown especially challenging for a number of reasons:
- Anxiety, depression, feelings of panic or dissociation or other health impacts of trauma may become worse if you live alone
- Being trapped at home may remind you of being trapped in an unsafe environment as a child and traumatic memories may surface.
We have advice on how to feel safer.
napac.org.uk/feeling-safe-during-covid-19/
Feeling safe during COVID-19 (coronavirus) – update 9 April 2020 | NAPAC
napac.org.uk
Feeling safe during COVID-19 (coronavirus) – update 9 April 2020 by | Mar 23, 2020 | NAPAC We’ll...
Drug dealers 'stand out' during lockdown
Drug dealers 'stand out' during lockdown
www.bbc.co.uk
Sussex Police say they are making "far more arrests" since the lockdown came into force.🙏Congratulations to Heather Locklear on one year sober! #TheAddictsDiary
Good on you keep it going congrats
🙏Hi, My name is Kelly I’m an alcoholic and an addict. On 4/23/19 I took my life back and finally realized that I was worth it. I’m the happiest I have ever been and I am not controlled by drugs or alcohol. I control my life with the skills and tools I have learned thanks to a great network of people. Yesterday I celebrated one year clean! Together we do recover.
#TheAddictsDiary
Congratulations to Eminem on 12 years sober!
“It’s been a learning process. I’m growing. I couldn’t believe that anybody could be naturally happy without being on something. So I’d say to anybody, it does get better.” - Marshall Mathers
🙏Following my mum’s death on Christmas day, I had a 10 year downwards spiral with alcohol and drug addiction. This eventually lead to me fighting for my life in hospital. I have since turned my life around by choosing the life of sobriety. It has been a tough but rewarding process for me! I am now buzzing off life in recovery and helping other addicts, alcoholics, and people with mental health issues. My recovery is the most important thing I have. I want to share it with other people, to help them and show them there is a way out of addiction. I am now happy, motivated, sober, and living my best life in sobriety! #TheAddictsDiary
Unbelievable 🤬
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8213819/Cocaine-dealer-told-police-key-worker-huge-57-000-haul-c...
Cocaine dealer said he was 'key worker' before cops found £57,000 haul
www.dailymail.co.uk
Benjamin Evans, 26, was pulled over by police in the early hours of the morning last Monday on the A...Monthly injections offered to recovering addicts
Monthly injections offered to recovering addicts
www.bbc.co.uk
Daily trips to the pharmacy for methadone are replaced with monthly buprenorphine injections.Kay Eden have a read of this
Anne Johnso have a read of this
Please note we are offering online counselling to those impacted by substance misuse, mental health and trauma! Stay safe and well 👍
Good to know 😍
Domestic abuse cases soar as lockdown takes its toll
Domestic abuse cases soar as lockdown takes its toll
www.theguardian.com
Some charities can no longer ‘effectively support’ women because of lockdown and staff sicknessTimeline PhotosOur 10th tip for families when you're staying at home is to give- recognised to improve our mood and mental health. There are many ways to give, even whilst at home... we can give the gift of of time by calling those who may be lonely. For more ideas: bit.ly/3dYc3cn
Dealing with addiction while in lockdown
Dealing with addiction while in lockdown
www.bbc.co.uk
Support meetings for recovering addicts have been cancelled in the lockdown. Here's how one man is c...www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8169755/amp/County-lines-gangs-target-free-wifi-areas-children-l...
County lines gangs target free wifi areas to find children to groom
www.dailymail.co.uk
The internet hotspots - popular with youngsters who have used up their credit on pay-as-you-go phone...Guide to Self-Care for People Who Love Addicts
Guide to Self-Care for People Who Love Addicts
www.rehabs.com
When you love someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol, the stress can take over your life. Learn how...9 Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect
9 Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect
www.psychologytoday.com
1. You’re afraid of relying on others, and reject offers of help or support.My son keeps stealing from me and my dad, but I can’t tell anyone | Dear Mariella
My son keeps stealing from me and my dad, but I can’t tell anyone | Dear Mariella
www.theguardian.com
You must turn to a support group and confide in people you trust, Mariella Frostrup tells the mother...Dry Drunk Syndrome: What It Really Means and Does It Describe You?
Dry Drunk Syndrome: What It Really Means and Does It Describe You?
www.northpointrecovery.com
“The ‘dry’ are as sick as the drunk, except that the bodily damage is not there. With every dr...Our social crisis is no longer just about inequality, it’s about life and death | John Harris
Our social crisis is no longer just about inequality, it’s about life and death | John Harris
www.theguardian.com
The links between deprivation and reduced life expectancy are becoming clear, says Guardian columnis...
🙏“I woke up with a gasp in the back of an ambulance. They’d shot adrenaline directly into my heart. Apparently I’d been dead for 2.5 minutes. The EMT’s were freaking out. My chest hurt from the electric paddles. And I was already in acute withdrawal. At the time, it had been nearly twenty years of addiction. I weighed 128 pounds, and I’m a six foot tall man. There comes a point when you’re given the gift of desperation. And that was it for me. Today is my 160th day clean. I’ve never gone this far before. One of the first things I did after getting sober was write my son a letter. He was raised by my parents. I told him: ‘You did nothing wrong. I was an addict. I loved heroin more than you, more than your mother, more than my own mother.’ And he’s forgiven me. He’s a good hearted kid. I think more than anything he just wants his dad back. He came to visit me in November. It was the first time I’ve seen him in seven years. He’s become my biggest advocate. He knows my day count. He texts me every day for a feelings check. He’s become my biggest motivation. I just don’t want my legacy to be ‘dope fiend.’ That can’t be what’s on my headstone. That can’t be how he remembers me. I don’t want my kids telling their kids: ‘Your grandfather was a heroin addict.’ I want them to brag about my sobriety. I want them to say: ‘That’s something he was, but he beat it.’”
How true
It’s like two different people going through a battle you can’t see
medium.com
My brother’s experience overcoming drug issues highlights why it’s so important families and fri...A quarter of street drugs are fake and dangerous to users
A quarter of street drugs are fake and dangerous to users
www.theguardian.com
As overdose deaths rise, many buyers don’t know strength or content of what they buyWhy Alcohol is the Deadliest Drug - Addiction Center
Why Alcohol is the Deadliest Drug - Addiction Center
www.addictioncenter.com
There is a tendency to believe alcohol is ok, not dangerous, and an acceptable form of relaxation, b...