Traditionally addiction treatment centres in Ireland are abstinence 12 step based, using a combination of educational talks, one to one counselling and group therapy where clients are admitted for a 4 to 6-week program. However, the increasing popularity and success of complementary therapies have meant that some treatment facilities now incorporate some of these therapies into their treatment program. So what complementary therapies are being used and how does it support client’s treatment and recovery? Complementary Therapies such as equine therapy and yoga are excellent practices when recovering from an addiction. Equine Therapy Equine therapy is an effective treatment for people struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol dependence. Horses are sensitive animals who are tuned into what people are projecting and feeling. The horse will react differently depending on how the person is projecting and the horse will react by either approaching [...]

While no one sets out to become dependent on a substance or behaviour when living with a parent who has a substance abuse disorder childhood innocence is robbed. The most distressing part of addiction is the abuse and neglect of children. Parents are meant to nurture and protect their children, but if they are dependent on a substance this will take over leaving children feeling lonely and scared. When there is addiction in the home communication can be unclear and parent’s behaviour can be erratic varying from loving and caring to angry and withdrawn. This chaos and inconsistency leave children feeling anxious, angry, confused and insecure. Children love their parents and worry that they don’t love them enough to stop drinking or using drugs. They may not understand that their parent’s mood can be dependent on the volume of alcohol or drugs in their system. What is child abuse [...]

What is Anxiety? At some point in our lives we all feel some form of anxiety and this is a normal response to stressful situations. It is usual to feel anxious before exams, in awkward social situations or starting a new job. What makes one person anxious may not create the same reaction in another. While anxiety is an everyday feeling, it can become an issue when there is no apparent cause for that anxiety, or when it continues for more than a few of weeks. Anxiety can cause physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms which can develop over time, and because we all experience anxiety at some stage, it can be hard to know how much is too much. It becomes an issue when the symptoms affect everyday living. It occurs when the person has a severe overreaction to a situation than what might be typically expected in [...]