Meet Dopamine: The Brain’s Unsung Antagonist Few words spark as much intrigue in conversations about motivation, addiction, or happiness quite like dopamine. It’s often painted as the “pleasure chemical,” the one whispering you into that extra biscuit or late-night scroll through TikTok. But there’s a heck of a lot more to this neurotransmitter than just…

If you’ve ever wondered what sets mutual aid recovery groups apart in the world of addiction support, you’re not alone. Plenty of folks across the UK have found these spaces truly transformative. Myself included, having witnessed more than a few mates rebuild their lives, one courageous step at a time. In 2025, mutual aid group…

Landing in a rehab centre can feel like stepping into another world. One where the usual chaos takes a back seat and space opens up to actually focus on getting better. Over the years, working hands-on with individuals in recovery, I’ve witnessed plenty of raw and real transformation. As we’re halfway through 2025 in the…

The word “dopamine” gets thrown around a lot these days, often blamed for everything from doomscrolling to binge eating and even gambling away your savings. But what actually is dopamine? And why does it wield so much power over our habits, cravings, and even our happiness? If you’ve ever lost time in a TikTok rabbit…

What Are Mutual Aid Recovery Groups? If you’ve ever known someone who’s wrestled with addiction. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself fighting those battles. Chances are you’ve heard whispers about mutual aid recovery groups. These are communities built not around expert advice or paid counselling, but around ordinary people helping each other stay sober. Sounds simple,…

The first time I walked through the doors of an addiction rehab centre in the UK as a support worker, I carried a jumble of hope and doubt. Would the people seeking help here find what they desperately needed? Across the country, thousands face the same daunting question every year. Let’s pull back the curtain…

What Really Drives Us: Breaking the Cycle of Dopamine and Addiction Let’s be honest. Most of us have heard about dopamine being called the “feel-good” chemical, but the real deal is way more complex. I still remember reading about dopamine for the first time during my psychology studies and thinking, Wow . No wonder we…

Dopamine and the Brain’s Reward Circuit Let’s start at the roots. Dopamine. A chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter. Runs the show when it comes to the brain’s reward system. You’ve probably heard it hyped up as the “feel-good” chemical, but its real job isn’t quite so simple. Dopamine helps us learn which actions lead to positive…

Anyone who’s stared down addiction knows it’s a winding path, full of unexpected turns, relapses, and moments when hope feels out of reach. For many in the UK, that road to recovery leads to the welcoming doors of mutual aid recovery groups. A lifeline woven from lived experience, community support, and a deep understanding that…

There’s a moment, for many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, when things finally tip from “maybe it’ll get better” to “I need help.” That point can feel like standing at the edge of the unknown. Overwhelming and, frankly, a little terrifying. But that step, the leap towards recovery, is where rehab shines. If…