An addiction is an insidious destroyer of lives, not just of the victims but those of significant others, family and friends, and livelihoods. What starts as a “social” foray for stress release, whether it’s drugs, alcohol or sex, soon turns into the taboo – something you know is wrong and having a bad effect on your life, but is now out of your control.
A person struggling with addiction is driven by the reward-seeking part of the brain where sense no longer makes sense and he or she is now in pleasure-seeking autopilot mode.
Andy Leach was once in a similar state, decades ago in a previous life – a fact he is not ashamed to share with those he meets and treats, to show them that anyone can change their life. He leads the Intensive Outpatient Programme at Visions by Promises Healthcare.
What happens when someone is addicted
“In addiction, brain activity is primarily in the mid-brain, where you are survival-oriented,” says Andy. “The pre-frontal cortex that is used for reasoning and logic stops functioning optimally and switches to reward-seeking mode, where you are pleasure-seeking, and no longer thinking of consequences.”
He adds that, despite this, getting off drugs or alcohol can be quite straightforward. “We detox the client, teach them tips to stay clean and sober, and work on all areas of their lives to help them get back on track.”
Bu hikaye Expat Living Singapore dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Expat Living Singapore dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
About Black-And-White
A look at the history and locations of Singapore's heritage bungalows.
Protecting Children Online
SARAH and BO from Tekkie Help take you through the steps of using Apple's Family Sharing to configure devices to create a secure online environment for your children while effectively maintaining healthy screen time habits.
Ankle Agony!
Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.
A Sustainability Journey
Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.
Start the Day Right
Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.
Cool & Classy
Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.
Smiles for Miles!
Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.
