Christian Strydom

In discussions about addiction, factors such as genetics, mental health, peer influence, and socio-economic status often take centre stage. However, one critical aspect that warrants deeper exploration is the role of absent fathers in addiction and how their absence can contribute to the development of substance dependency. While every person’s journey is unique, understanding this …

The Role of Absent Fathers in Addiction: Understanding the Hidden Link Read More »

As we settle into the new year, many of us reflect on the resolutions we’ve set—or perhaps reconsider the goals we want to achieve. While New Year’s resolutions often focus on external achievements like losing weight or exercising more, they can neglect the equally important aspect of recovery and self-care. It’s never too late to …

Incorporating Recovery into Your Year Ahead: A Guide to Sustainable Change Read More »

If you’ve ever wondered whether your substance use—be it alcohol or drugs—might be problematic, the CAGE questionnaire can provide valuable insights. Originally developed to screen for alcohol use disorder, this brief and effective tool can also help identify potential issues with drug use. With just four simple questions, the CAGE questionnaire makes it easy to …

A Tool for Assessing Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Read More »

When it comes to addiction treatment, the environment plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Ideally, treatment centres should strike a delicate balance: they should be less comfortable than home, yet more comfortable than the streets. This approach fosters genuine recovery, encouraging individuals to engage with the process rather than merely taking a break …

The Balance of Comfort: Rethinking Addiction Treatment Centres Read More »

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of individuals and their loved ones. At its core, addiction involves not just the substance or behaviour itself but also the psychological mechanisms that enable it. One fascinating aspect of this is the various personas addicts adopt to support their habits. These personas serve as …

Understanding the Different Personas Addicts Use to Support Their Habits Read More »

Recovery from addiction, mental health issues, and other life challenges is a journey filled with hope and resilience, especially in South Africa. Understanding the unique facts and statistics in our context sheds light on the impact of recovery efforts and the vital role of community support. Here are some compelling recovery facts and statistics that …

Recovery in South Africa: Facts and Statistics That Inspire Change Read More »

Achieving sobriety is a significant milestone for anyone recovering from addiction. However, the journey does not end with rehabilitation. One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining long-term sobriety is learning how to navigate triggers—situations, people, or emotions that can provoke cravings or lead to relapse. Understanding these triggers and developing effective coping strategies is …

Navigating Triggers: Developing Coping Strategies for Long-Term Sobriety Read More »

Addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals and their families. One of the most recognised approaches to recovery is the 12-step program—a framework offering support, community, and a structured path towards healing. This blog explores the origins, principles, and effectiveness of the 12-step program in addiction recovery, with a focus on Celebrate …

Understanding the 12-Step Program for Addiction Recovery Read More »

At Project Purpose Lifestyle & Development Centre, we understand that co-dependency often plays a significant role in relationships affected by addiction. This dynamic can lead to a harmful cycle of enabling behaviours, which not only prolong the addiction but also damage the emotional well-being of both the person struggling with substance use and their loved …

Understanding Co-Dependency in the Context of Addiction: Five Tips to Overcome It Read More »

At Project Purpose Lifestyle & Development Centre, we believe that addiction is not just an individual struggle but a family disease. It affects both the person struggling with substance use and their loved ones. Family members play a vital role in both the development and recovery from addiction. Understanding this dynamic is essential for fostering …

The Role of Family in Addiction Recovery Read More »