Understanding Addiction: Taking Steps Towards a More Positive Future

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Addiction can have a devastating effect on lives, not just that of the addict but their friends and family too. Dealing with addiction can be a turbulent time- facing anger, denial, anxiety, and confusion can be incredibly troubling. Here are some things to think about if you or someone you know is battling it.

Who Gets Addicted?

Addiction doesnâ€™t discriminate. It can affect anyone, no one is immune regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, social class, education or background. Research has shown that there can be a genetic element to addiction (meaning some people are more predisposed to it), every one of us has the capacity to become addicted. Many of us are addicted to things without even realising- caffeine, sugar, even exercise. However itâ€™s when addiction starts disrupting our life and health that it becomes a huge problem.

What Kinds of Addictions Are There?

Addiction is generally divided into two categories: chemical and psychological addiction. Chemical (or physical) addiction occurs when the body is physically dependent on a substance and cannot properly function without it. Alcohol, certain drugs, and cigarettes are all examples. Psychological addiction is when an emotion drives you to an action. Gambling, sexual activity, even shopping are examples of this type of addiction. Itâ€™s important to realize that psychological addiction is no easier to deal with than chemical addiction. These behaviors are driven by a strong compulsion and urges that people simply arenâ€™t able to ignore. Both ways can be devastating and are similar in the fact that they activate the same regions in the brain.

What Kinds of Treatments Are Out There?

The type of treatment is based on the type of addiction. Chemical addiction can be a little trickier since most users are addicted both physically and psychologically. The first step is to safely withdraw the body from the substance. Itâ€™s important to use a clinic or rehab specializing in the recovery process from alcohol and drug use since itâ€™s dangerous to simply go â€˜cold turkeyâ€™ in some cases. Once the body has physically withdrawn, they can begin the process of counseling to control the habit and emotional aspect to their addiction. This is the step those with a psychological addiction would begin with.

What Is The Outlook

The problem with addiction is the chance of relapsing. Gaining professional help and following the advice of doctors and therapists will give the best chance of a positive future. Itâ€™s definitely possible to turn your life around after addiction, be sure to reach out and take any advice and help given to you to keep you on the right path. Attending weekly meetings or having a â€˜sponsorâ€™ to mentor you through the difficult times can be very beneficial for some people. Moving away and starting fresh, getting away from old acquaintances can help too.

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Recognising you have a problem is the first step. In the early stages, addicts are often in denial which is a coping mechanism. Admit to yourself first that things arenâ€™t right, then you can take the next step which is reaching out for help.

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ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Light It Up: Keep Your Home Looking Bright and Airy

March 30, 2017 TipsfromTia

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Even if your home is perfectly decorated, without the right light levels, it can look dark, enclosed and drab. We might not all be lucky enough to have huge windows in our property, but we can still maximize the light we do have coming in. Here are a few ways you can go about it.

Use a Plain Light Wall Colour

Light colors will make your rooms look bigger and brighter, and darker or bolder colors will make it look more enclosed. Bold or busy pattern will also bring in the room. If you want to maximize space and keep a bright and airy look, your best bet is to turn your space into a blank canvas. Smooth, plain white walls work well. Thereâ€™s no need to worry about it looking stark, the right accessories will dress the room, so it still looks homely and personal. Itâ€™s also useful for if you come to sell your home later down the line too. Plain white walls will appeal to just about everyone, and so you wonâ€™t need to completely redecorate your house to get the best price for it.

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Replace The Windows and Doors

Bigger windows will of course mean more light coming in. You could also consider a skylight, adding sliding glass patio doors or even changing your front door to one with a large glass panel in it. You could get some quotes from local window companies if youâ€™re considering replacing home windows. Newer models will be more energy efficient too, and less prone to condensation so itâ€™s a win-win.

Use Large Mirrors

A large mirror in the room not only helps to accessorize and bring in personality but helps to make the most of the daylight too. A big statement mirror (ideally positioned opposite the window) will contribute to bouncing the light around and can make a dramatic difference. Mirrors can be used in just about any room and is an easy way to make any space look brighter.

Find The Right Curtains and Blinds

While thick curtains are great for keeping out drafts, and blackout blinds are good for keeping the room dark and shaded- if your room feels too dark and dingy you may need to consider changing what you have up at the window. To get the best of both worlds, how about a blackout roller blind, with a pair of thinner â€˜dress curtainsâ€™ over the top? That way when you need the room dark, you can roll down. But for the rest of the time, have it rolled right the way to the top. Lighter curtains still make the window look complete but without blocking out too much precious light.

Add Lamps and Lights

Finally, adding additional light sources to your home for use in the evening helps to keep everywhere looking nice when itâ€™s dark outside too. Along with your main overhead light, you need a couple of table lamps, in larger rooms, you could add a statement floor lamp too. LED strip lighting under cupboards and counters works well, you could even have some wall sconces fitted.

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Do you have issues with the light levels in your home?

BEAUTY, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

10 Amazing Essential Oils for Beautiful and Flawless Skin

March 30, 2017 TipsfromTia

By Guest Blogger, Hannah D.

BEAUTY, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

How To Save Money And Stay Gorgeous

March 27, 2017 TipsfromTia

How To Save Money And Stay Gorgeous

Being beautiful is no easy business. Not only do you have to do your best to ignore those little tendrils of self doubt that tend to creep in every time you look at yourself in a mirror, but it can also be pretty darn expensive, especially if you have a skincare routine that takes more than three minutes a day. Luckily, there are some ways that you can stay gorgeous without totally breaking the bank…

Quit The Gym

Letâ€™s face it, that gym membership isnâ€™t doing anyone any good except for the gym itself. Not only is it a lot of money to hire a personal trainer if you have one, but the costs of being a gym member can be pretty extortionate too, especially if you donâ€™t end up going as often as you intend to (and who does, really, in this busy world?). Instead, cancel your gym membership and start walking instead – get off the train a stop early in the morning and walk to work from there, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and go for a brisk walk when you get home from work in the evenings. You could even borrow a friendâ€™s dog to do so! You could even invest in a home gym – it might seem expensive but itâ€™ll be financially worth it in the long term.

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Go Vintage

Vintage fashion will never go out of style. Nineties clothes are particularly in at the moment, so rummage through your old clothes from when you were younger or make a trip to your local thrift store or maybe even eBay for some fashionable bargains. You can also use this promotional code if you want to get some bargains in your local stores. So long as you steer clear of the old nineties chunky highlights, youâ€™ll look absolutely great.

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Eat Better

One way to lose weight, stay in shape and get glowing skin is to eat well. If youâ€™re not quite sure how best to accomplish that, then start from scratch and buy more fresh food instead of convenience food. If you arenâ€™t the worldâ€™s greatest cook, thatâ€™s totally okay – now is the time to start. If you tend to snack too much during the day, it could make your skin look less bright and fresh, so make sure that you eat a good healthy breakfast like granola, yogurt and berries to fill you up all morning.

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Sleep Well At Night

One of the best ways to both look and feel good is to get a decent nightâ€™s sleep. Of course, if you have young children then sleeping well probably seems out of the question, but if not, there are a few things you can do to help yourself sleep better if youâ€™re having problems. Black out blinds will stop you waking up when the sun rises first thing in the morning, and making sure that you turn off all electronic devices like your phone, computer and TV an hour before you go to bed will ensure that they donâ€™t disrupt your circadian rhythms, which can be hurt by too much blue light which electrical equipment can emit. A good nightâ€™s sleep will leave your skin fresh, taut and glowing.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

The Ultimate Guide for Gluten-Free Eating

March 27, 2017 TipsfromTia

By Guest Blogger, Kanisha H.

Everyday Tips from Tia