Fears in Recovery
The fears in recovery can be overwhelming for individuals seeking help with addiction.
The fears in recovery can be overwhelming for individuals seeking help with addiction.
When it comes to heroin withdrawal it’s important to separate acute withdrawal symptoms from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Heroin is made by chemically altering morphine, and as with all man-made drugs, it is impossible to know which substances have been added.
Alcoholism – or alcohol use disorder – comes with a tremendous amount of stigma and presumptions. The general tenor of conversations around alcohol addiction suggests that in order to be considered an alcoholic, a person has to experience tremendous financial, social and emotional turmoil.
Being in love can make it difficult to recognise warning signs of unsafe and potentially harmful behaviour.
There is no arguing that the effects of alcohol addiction extend to all areas of life, be it relationships, work, study or mental and physical health.
Drug and alcohol detoxification (detox) is the first step towards long-term recovery from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. It is the term applied to the process of clearing all traces of drugs and/or alcohol from the system in order to leave a recovering addict stable enough to start the next phase of addiction treatment.
This article reviews the signs of addiction and explores how those dealing with substance abuse are often the last to realise their use is spiralling.
The festive season is hectic and stressful at the best of times, but when you have a loved one struggling with addiction Christmas time has the potential to be an absolute nightmare.
The silly season, glorious though it might be, can feel like an absolute minefield to the recovering addict. Parties, family get-togethers, loss of routine…Christmas in recovery is hard. Thankfully, as we all know, hard doesn’t equal impossible.
When you are recovering from alcohol and/or drug addiction the holiday season can be trying to say the least.
Ice addiction recovery is not a straight line. For most people there will be different issues that arise in each stage of their recovery journey. For many, their recovery journey starts long before the decision is made to seek help.
Detoxing is the process of your body removing any substances in your system, and is the safest way to deal with withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxification – commonly referred to as ‘detox’ – is the first step in addiction treatment for drugs and/or alcohol.
As with all stimulant drugs, the effects of cocaine vary depending on the potency, purity, and quantity of the drug you ingest, as well as your health, body mass, and chemistry.
Ice has become the most widely used in Australia; with 6% of Australians admitting to having used ice once or multiple times.
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the brain by stimulating high levels of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
Slip and relapse are two terms that individuals in recovery will often hear. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, so it is easy to become confused. But are they the same thing?
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that causes repetitive harmful behaviours and an uncontrollable desire to keep engaging in these behaviours.
One would think the hard part is over once you have taken the leap to check yourself into rehab, worked through detox and withdrawal, and completed 30-90 days of residential treatment.
The prospect of sharing your illness with friends and family can be daunting but if you can work up the courage to reach out for help it will prove to be an essential step to your recovery.
Looking for the right rehab for yourself or your loved one can be a daunting experience, so how do you know what rehab is best for you?
Prioritising your mental and physical health are so important in the age of COVID.
Polydrug use refers to the practice of using more than one substance of addiction at the same time or one after another.
The concept of a “Dry January” has developed into an annual tradition for many people, so why don’t you give it a try?
Although holidays and Christmas are usually associated with family togetherness and joy, it’s also very common to experience heightened stress and anxiety at this time for various reasons.
Are you struggling with drug addiction and ready to lead a drug free life? The first step is recognising that you need help and be willing to make the change with residential addiction treatment.
Alcohol addiction is a disease that can affect any individual, and requires alcohol addiction treatment. It does not have a specific cause or determining factor. However, genetic, psychological, or behavioural factors may contribute to having an alcohol addiction.
Mick completed residential addiction treatment and then relapsed. He asked for help and entered rehab again. This is his story.
After returning from Afghanistan, Michael turned to ice to cope with his feelings of isolation. Then he completed residential addiction treatment and is looking forward to becoming a dad. This is his story.
Caught in a terrible cycle of using ice, Jayda began to lose friendships, do things she’d regret, and cause herself physical harm. Then she completed a thirty-day residential rehabilitation program at the Hader Clinic Queensland. This is her story.
A Jekyll and Hyde drug: learn the differences between the benefits of medicinal cannabis and the harms of using cannabis as a drug of addiction.
The physical effects of cannabis have a significant impact on the brain and the body, which means it can quickly become addictive and require treatment.
When it comes to detoxing from drugs or alcohol, should you choose to self-detox or undergo a medically supervised detox and withdrawal program?
Hello, we’re Michele and Ed – we are the parents of Lawrence, who completed residential rehabilitation with the Hader Clinic Queensland about eighteen months ago.
It takes a lot of willpower and strength to begin your journey into drug and/or alcohol addiction treatment. Often, multiple roadblocks will arise that make it difficult to continue down the journey to recovery.
Is addiction a disease? Yes it is, but unfortunately it is still a popular opinion that addiction is a choice rather than a chronic disease.
Drug and alcohol rehab is considered successful when the person is abstinent from drug and alcohol use, and they can manage their addictive behaviours. The person’s quality of life will improve as they are able to live their life normally and free from addiction.
After winding up in jail in his early fifties, Steve completed the residential addiction treatment program for drug addiction with the Hader Clinic Queensland. This is his story.
Spotting the warning signs of unhealthy alcohol consumption can be difficult; because alcohol is everywhere and drinking is not just socially accepted but somewhat expected in Australian culture.
Addiction is a serious issue, whether it be to alcohol or drugs. It can be difficult to recognise if you or someone you know has an addiction problem, and when they need residential addiction treatment.
After starting drugs at twelve and alcohol at thirteen, Paul started a journey of drug & alcohol abuse that would change his life. After completing drug and alcohol addiction treatment, Paul shares his story.
Crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, is a highly addictive drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system – but what else does it do to your body?
The Hader Clinic Queensland helped Lawry with his addiction to ice. He bravely shares his story.
Before your friend or family member enters residential addiction treatment, you need to know how to recognise the signs of addiction and know how to help.
Bereft, devastated and unable to stay clean, Luke undertook residential rehabilitation for his cocaine and alcohol addiction.
Genevieve, a support worker at Hader Clinic Queensland has battled addiction. So has her son James.
21 years old James, who grew up exposed to his mother’s battle with addiction undertook our residential addiction treatment program for his own addiction. He is now six months clean.
Bob is a recovering addict who completed the Hader Clinic Queensland’s residential addiction treatment program. This is his recovery story.
Sean completed our 90 day residential addiction treatment program for his alcohol addiction. Today he’s celebrating 22 months of recovery.
When we first interviewed Joe last year about his recovery from addiction, nobody knew we were about to be hit with a worldwide pandemic. Joe shares his ongoing journey and the drastic changes COVID-19 has had on his recovery.
Chris, born into a family consumed by addiction, now 49, has been battling addiction for half of his life. Following his treatment for addiction he shares his story.
At 58, Lori didn’t expect to find herself in rehab for treatment of alcohol addiction and as soon as she took action, everything changed.
You could say that Scott is “third time lucky” when it comes to managing his alcohol addiction and is now taking it one day at a time.
When there is an addict in the family, there is often a lot of family conflict. Read our top tips for families who want to help a loved one with addiction.
Gabrielle’s ice addiction led to a rollercoaster of drugs, dealing and legal issues. Following residential addiction treatment she shares her incredible story.
Sophie’s son Darren recently undertook the ninety day residential addiction treatment program at The Hader Clinic Queensland to treat his addiction to ice.
Christmas can be one of the best times to get addiction treatment. Here are some good reasons to consider spending Christmas in rehab.
As a mother, you only wish the very best for your children. Christine’s daughter, Rachael recently completed the residential addiction treatment program.
April 6 2018, is a day etched in Antonio’s mind. It’s his first clean day. Now 1000 days following treatment for alcohol addiction Antonio shares his recovery story.
Juliette is a drug and alcohol nurse. She never saw her son’s addiction coming, but when Max turned up on her doorstop begging for help, it was the catalyst to start his recovery from addiction.
Drugs initially gave Daniel peace, but his addiction soon led him down a road of carnage. Following residential addiction treatment he reflects on his ongoing recovery.
Jeff hit rock bottom before undertaking the residential drug and alcohol addiction treatment program and transitional housing program. He’s now two years clean.
In twelve months of daily drug use, Lawrence lost everything. His house. His family. After recently completing the residential rehab program for his ice addiction, Lawrence shares his story.
Orazia’s youngest daughter, Tia, is a recovering ice addict who completed our residential addiction rehabilitation and transitional housing programs. This is Orazia’s story.
The Hader Clinic Queensland’s Transition Housing program is our second phase of residential treatment for recovering addicts.
For the first time in memory, Charli is looking forward to the future after completing our residential addiction treatment program for her gambling addiction.
This is a letter from Racquel, who undertook our residential addiction treatment program for her addiction to alcohol. She has kindly allowed us to share it.
Nearly three years ago Peter, a former army officer and ice addict, completed our residential addiction treatment program. He now shares his progress.
Ben, an ex-soldier and ice addict made headlines for his fall from grace. Now, Ben shares his story of recovery following treatment for ice addiction.
Sharing her journey of ice addiction and treatment feels like lifting a heavy burden off her shoulders. Now nearly one year clean, she can finally stop lying.
When thinking of addiction treatment for your loved one, the possibility that they could relapse is something you probably don’t wish to think about.
Greg recently celebrated being clean for 100 days following his addiction treatment for cocaine and ice addiction. This is his mother’s story.
Discovering that her son was an alcoholic came as a complete shock to Mac’s mother, who had no knowledge of his excessive drinking.
32 years in active alcohol addiction. 250 days clean. Mac has finally found his freedom.
Through rehab for his cocaine and ice addiction Greg finally found out who he was, finding a peace and calm in his life he didn’t know could exist.
Addiction recovery for older people has its own challenges but Peter is proof that long-term addiction recovery is possible, recently celebrating being clean for one year following his treatment for alcohol addiction.
Jane and her family have been living a private nightmare for years. As a happily married, middle class healthcare professional she had no idea her son was using drugs and would go to hell and and back because of his addiction.
Going in or out of COVID-19 – no matter which way, people are drinking more as a means of coping with increased stress.
At nearly 60 years of age, Jim had a realisation that he could have a different life, one without alcohol. This is his addiction recovery story.
Bridget is on her last day of the residential rehab program completing the transition housing program, which is readying her to get back to work and into the real world. This is her addiction recovery story.
After multiple attempts at rehab, Joe’s addiction led him to the Hader Clinic Queensland where he has been “given his life back”. This is his addiction recovery story.
Living with someone suffering from addiction can be challenging at the best of times but the current COVID-19 lockdown is likely to be compounding the difficulties you are experiencing.
Robyn’s first drink at age 14 led to a life of heavy meth use, sex work, stealing and an attempt to end her own life. This is her addiction recovery story.
As the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, here’s why you should consider treatment for you or your loved one’s addiction issues immediately.
Wendy, a Hader Clinic Queensland’s residential addiction treatment program support worker has been 25 years in recovery.
A personal insight into the challenges and rewards of working with clients who undertake the residential addiction treatment program.
Sometime during a drug induced haze, Eddy sent a text message to his mother asking for help. It was to be the start of his recovery from a life of addiction that had spiralled out of control.
I now have this overwhelming feeling of happiness. I haven’t experienced that feeling in a very long time… There’s no way in hell I am going back to my life of addiction. Ever.
It will be soon be 12 months since Phil completed a 90-day residential rehabilitation program at the Hader Clinic Queensland for the treatment of alcoholism. His life since then has changed dramatically.
After trying ice at Schoolies, Tia’s life descended into a life of crime, domestic violence, dealing and more as her addiction took over. Now six months clean, Tia shares her incredible story.
After previously undergoing treatment for his ice addiction, Craig came to the Hader Clinic QLD following a relapse. This is his honest insight into his recovery with us.
Mick, an army veteran, and a recovering alcoholic is now a year clean and shares an insight into his ongoing recovery journey, the outpatient program and getting back to work.
What a loser, a no hoper, a junkie, a bludger. They’re a stain on society. They brought it upon themselves, why should I have sympathy for them?
Despite losing his wife and kids, Pete continued to drink. He didn’t see a problem with it and never thought he was an alcoholic. Then one night a family intervention put Pete on a road to recovery. This is his addiction recovery story.
Rosie has been wrestling with addiction for fourteen years. Now 33, she has just completed rehab at The Hader Clinic Queensland. She shares her rollercoaster recovery story and what she learned.
I was utterly broken. I was completely lost. I was slowly killing myself and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.
At 67 years old Peter wasn’t expecting to be heading to a drug rehab clinic for treatment of alcoholism. The story of how Peter came to hit rock bottom is one of desperation, then a springboard for getting the help he needed.
Bonnie is a recovering alcoholic and former Australian Defence Force employee who used alcohol as a means to cope with feelings of isolation, depression, hopelessness and breast cancer. This is her amazing journey.
Once Simone gave birth to her daughter, her fantasy bubble of perfect motherhood quickly burst and soon the pressures of parenthood, isolation and loneliness saw her turn to ice in an attempt to cope. This is her story.
Caroline struggled with a cocaine addiction that blew her world apart. This is her story about how she came back from the brink, thanks to rehab.
Being scared about entering an addiction recovery program is normal. Here are some common fears and barriers experienced by addicts and how you can get past them.
It’s common for recovering addicts to move locations in a bid to make a fresh start. However, without a proper rehabilitation program and adequate support systems in place, most attempts at moving location are not successful.
Well-intentioned attempts to help a loved one struggling with addiction can actually plunge them deeper into the cycle of addiction. This is known as enabling. Here are some ways to help, not enable.
Dan’s life appeared normal, until it, and his family’s, collectively spun out of control as his drug and alcohol addiction took over his life.
Dealing with the lies of a loved one struggling with addiction is hard. However, it can be made a little more bearable once you gain a better understanding of why this behaviour occurs.
Daily routines can help make the recovery journey smoother. Find out why and get some ideas on creating some recovery routines.
Advances in research have shown the practice of mindfulness meditation as a potential therapy or complementary treatment for addiction. So where does the practice of mindfulness fit in with addiction recovery and ongoing sobriety?
Robyn is a support worker at the Hader Clinic Queensland, a mature aged student and a yoga teacher. She’s also a recovering alcoholic. Read how her addiction journey is shaping her new life.
“I was at the end of the road. My life had been destroyed. I had nothing left”. Dan’s descent into drug hell culminated in a life devoted to crime and using, with little joy in between.
A little over six months ago Mick’s life revolved around earning money to use, rather than earning money to live. Mick is an army veteran, and a recovering alcoholic. This is his story.
Hi, I’m Joy. I’m a recovering ice addict and recently I relapsed. I’d like to share my story of how the relapse occurred and what I’ve learned from the experience.
When it comes to addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, the chances of a co-occurring mental health disorder are alarmingly high.
Here are a number of useful ways in which you can support your loved one if they are suffering from an ice addiction.
Only six months ago Lucy was caught in a web of alcoholic hell. She thought her out of control addiction would take her life. This is her incredible story.
For ice addicts lying is a survival mechanism and can become second nature very quickly. Check out the top 5 lies an ice addict tells.
Immersed in an industry from a young age where alcohol and drug use was normalised, Sarah has kindly offered to share her journey to, and back, from alcoholism.
No one consciously chooses to become an enabler to their loved one’s addictions; however, many people fall into enabling behaviours without noticing.
Joe share’s his story of courage and determination as he continues recovery from his heroin and alcohol addictions.
At the Hader Clinic, we recognise that women are affected differently by alcohol and drugs and need specialised addiction treatment for women.
When it comes to treatment of addiction, it’s tempting to hope that a quick detox will solve the problem. However, for most sufferers this isn’t the case.
You hear it all the time – give up alcohol and it will do you wonders. Are you going to have a dry January? Giving up Alcohol need not be a sacrifice.
Choosing a rehab can be overwhelming and working out which one is right for your loved one might seem just too difficult. To make your life a little easier, here are the top things to consider when choosing a rehab.
As your loved one settles back into family life following addiction treatment, it can be difficult to know the best way to help them. Here are some tips.
I have a story I’m not very proud of. A story full of guilt and shame. Last Christmas, while high, I almost killed myself and my children.
A quick guide about how to learn to tell the signs of someone using ice, the signs of ice addiction and the withdrawal symptoms of ice addiction.
To help you make your Christmas a joyful event for all involved, here’s a quick guide to navigating the holiday traps and triggers for a recovering addict.
Susan is married to John, who was addicted to ice and amphetamines. This is her story about John’s addiction and recovery.
Paula is one of the support staff at our Brisbane rehabilitation centre. She is also a recovering addict. This is her addiction story.
When you are the mother of an addict shame can stop you reaching out and getting help. But If you are willing to support your child through addiction, you have nothing to be ashamed of.
No mother ever forgets the day she gives birth to her child. No mother ever forgets the day she learns that her child is an addict, either.
Fran is one of the many friendly faces you will see frequently at our retreat. Fran is one of our support staff. She is also a recovering addict.
Christmas can be tricky when you’re in recovery. To help you make it through, here are some simple yet important things to remember.
Kate’s learned to cope with drug and alcohol addiction in her husband, son and father. Read her story, what she’s learnt and her advice for others with loved ones suffering from addiction.
When Joy was eighteen, she experienced painful trauma when her best friend passed away. Soon after she began to experiment with drugs, starting with ecstasy and weekend party drugs, quickly progressing to cocaine, and eventually ice.
I was shooting up in alleyways and parks, and looking for sex, hoping it would motivate me to see how disgusting my ice addiction was. It didn’t work.
Social drinking and drug use is common, so how do you know when you or someone you know is addicted?
Carol and Wayne were being consumed by their son DJ’s ice addiction. Not knowing what to do, it was an unexpected call from a solicitor that started his journey of recovery.
Addiction gave me a life of isolation, fear, darkness and despair – but recovery has given me a life of connection with others, purpose, limitless possibilities and hope.
Ice use is on the rise. Due to the way drugs effect women differently to men we are seeing an increase of ice addiction in women. Unfortunately women are less likely to seek treatment for their drug and alcohol addiction issues.
Have you ever wondered why someone is an addict, whether there is an underlying genetic or environmental reason? Is addiction something you can ‘catch’ or something you’re born with? Who’s fault is it? We look at the causes of addiction.
Tackling the misconceptions about women with addiction can help to smooth the way for women to start their journey to recovery.
For the best treatment outcomes, it is imperative to correctly assess and diagnose substance abuse problems and concurrently occurring mental illnesses.
Common mental health issues associated with ice use are depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Learn more about the mental health effects of ice.
30 days of rehab sounds great doesn’t it? But for a better chance of recovery from a long-term addiction, it’s proven longer treatment is better.
Combining a residential treatment program with membership of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) improves the likelihood of long-term abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
Addiction and mental health disorders go hand in hand. So there is never a better time than today to ask them if they are ok. Here’s how to ask and what to do.
Following many failed attempts at other rehabs TJ had lost all hope that he would never be able to stop drinking. Read his recovery story.
People who use drugs are likely to develop mental illnesses. And people with mental illness are also prone to developing drug or alcohol addiction.
Joanne, an Indigenous Australian from the Yamatji tribe in Western Australia, is currently undertaking our residential addiction treatment program for ice addiction.
The addiction recovery process is a difficult time for everyone involved. You may think you know what’s best for your loved one’s recovery, but here are some tips to help give the best addiction support.
As much as addiction takes an emotional and often financial toll on the whole family, it affects everyone in a unique way. No two people will have the same addiction experiences or identical journeys to recovery.
Dianne could have never imagined that the strong family values she grew up with and subsequently instilled into her only child and daughter, Joy, would have ever been challenged by the disease of addiction.
Addiction can be all-consuming for the addict and their family. Living with a loved one in active addiction can be traumatic. Understand how you can help during the recovery process and how to get help for yourself.
As a corporate lawyer with a decent income and lifestyle, Anna didn’t fit the narrative of what society considers to be a drug addict. It was a wake up call learning to accept that she was a drug addict and that she needed help.
A couple months ago I was on the verge of losing everything. I was trying to decide whether to keep going or kill myself.
For DJ, life in addiction was chaotic and fast paced. He lived life solely for drugs and the lifestyle that went with it.
Before rehab, Alex was fighting his addiction, homeless and doing community service in Melbourne.
After serviing in the Australian Army, Tim’s life was destroyed by his alcohol addiction and he’s facing jail.
For more than half his life Mark has been living a lie hiding his heroin addiction from friends, family and colleagues.
When Faith started using drugs aged thirteen, it felt like an innocent attempt to gain confidence and have more fun in life. But Faith’s drug taking descended her into a life of addiction, pain and brokenness.
We are proud to be the only private drug and alcohol addiction treatment centre in Queensland to be independantly accredited.