Australia's new legislation banning the sale of over-the-counter opioid pain medication becomes effective in February 2018. Some say this measure will reduce addiction risk; others argue it unnecessarily penalizes those who use the medication as directed. We lay out...
’Tis the Season to Count Your Recovery Blessings
Recovery gives us so much to be grateful for, from hangover-free Sundays to restored relationships with family and friends. As you endure the chaos and temptations of the holiday season, take a minute to reflect and count your blessings – they are more abundant than...
Causes of Alcoholism: Why Is Drinking a Problem for Some and Not Others?
Why can some people drink without any issues, whereas others lose control of their drinking from the get-go? When it comes to the causes of alcoholism, biological, environmental and psychological factors are all at play. SharelinesSome of us are at higher risk for...
Women Now Drink as Much, or More, Alcohol Than Men
Drinking behaviour is one way in which the gender gap is closing: new research shows that women are now drinking as much – or more – alcohol than men. This is bad news, as women also incur higher health risks from drinking and enter treatment at a lower rate. We...
Compulsive Over-eating, Binge Eating and Bulimia: When Food Becomes an Addiction
Mounting evidence shows that food addiction may be the culprit for disorders such as compulsive over-eating, binge-eating disorder and bulimia. Fortunately, this new understanding has made way for highly sophisticated and effective treatment. Sharelines Eating in...
Why Weed Addiction is Worse Than You May Think
Many people think of marijuana use as non-addictive and inconsequential, but new research proves otherwise. We explore the prevalence of weed addiction in Australia and what it could mean for your health. SharelinesRegular and long-term pot use can affect your mood,...
Rick Springfield Recounts his Struggles with Sex Addiction and Depression
To the outside world, it seemed like Rick Springfield was living the dream. But in reality, he was battling severe depression and a sex addiction that almost ruined his marriage. Sharelines “It’s like, ‘If I have sex with this pretty girl that’s got to mean something...
Married to an Addict: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Being married to an addict can feel challenging, chaotic and overwhelming, and it can be difficult for spouses of addicts to determine the right course of action. Learn about addiction in relationships, and your best options for dealing with it head-on. Sharelines...
What Shape will Australia’s Drug Policy Reform Take?
Drug consumption and addiction in Australia is among the highest in the developed world. As public concern around the issue of meth and ice rises and current policy continues to be ineffective, what will drug policy reform in Australia look like? Sharelines...
The Gilded Razor: a Painful but Inspiring Tale of Teen Addiction
Sam Lansky, the culture editor for Time magazine, has written a jolting memoir that paints a grim and vivid picture of the toll that substance abuse can take on a young life. We take a closer look at this tragic – yet beautifully written – account of teen addiction....