Understanding
Understanding addiction can change how we respond to it.
Clear, compassionate explanations of what addiction is, why it affects behaviour, and what recovery can look like. Read at your own pace.
This is general information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who knows your situation.
12 articles found
What is addiction?
A clear, plain-English introduction to what addiction means.
Read Understanding · 2 min readUnderstanding alcohol dependency
How alcohol dependency develops, and what families should know about withdrawal.
Read Understanding · 2 min readUnderstanding drug dependency
An overview of drug dependency, covering illegal drugs, prescription medicines and risk.
Read Understanding · 2 min readAddiction and the brain
Why addiction can be so hard to overcome with willpower alone.
Read Understanding · 2 min readWhy addiction affects behaviour
Understanding the lies, mood changes and unreliability that often come with addiction.
Read Understanding · 2 min readThe impact on family relationships
How addiction can reshape roles, routines and relationships within a family.
Read Understanding · 2 min readShame, guilt and stigma
Why so many families feel ashamed, and why it doesn't have to stay that way.
Read Understanding · 2 min readRelapse and recovery
Understanding relapse as part of many people's recovery journey.
Read Understanding · 2 min readCommon misconceptions
Some widely held beliefs about addiction, and what is closer to the truth.
Read Understanding · 2 min readThe emotional impact on loved ones
Naming the feelings that so many families carry.
Read Understanding · 2 min readBoundaries and personal responsibility
Understanding what is, and isn't, yours to carry.
Read Understanding · 2 min readUnderstanding different recovery pathways
There is no single route to recovery. Here are some of the options people take.
Read