What's Addiction ?
Addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain and has far-reaching consequences on an individual’s life. It is considered a chronic disease because it involves long-term changes in the brain’s reward system, motivation, memory, and associated neural circuits. These alterations lead to various biological, psychological, social, and even spiritual manifestations.
One of the key features of addiction is the compulsive pursuit of rewards or relief through substance use or other behaviours, despite the negative consequences that may ensue. Individuals with addiction often struggle with impaired control over their behaviour, experiencing intense cravings for the substance or behaviour they are addicted to. They may also exhibit a reduced ability to recognise the significant problems caused by their actions, both in terms of their own behaviours and their interpersonal relationships. Additionally, addiction can disrupt emotional responses, leading to dysfunctional patterns of coping and emotional regulation.
Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction tends to involve cycles of relapse and remission. Without proper treatment and engagement in recovery activities, addiction can progress over time, leading to severe disability or even premature death.
Recognising addiction as a complex disease with multiple dimensions is crucial for understanding its impact and developing effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. By addressing the underlying biological, psychological, and social factors, individuals struggling with addiction can have a better chance of reclaiming their lives and achieving lasting recovery.
What's a recovery Companion?
5 key reasons why recovery companions are essential:
- Unwavering Emotional Support: we provide empathy, understanding, and encouragement, alleviating feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and self-doubt.
- Promoting Accountability: we create a structured environment that encourages adherence to recovery goals, empowering individuals to stay committed to their sobriety.
- Safeguarding Against Relapse: We recognise triggers, signs of distress, and potential pitfalls, offering proactive intervention and crisis management strategies to prevent relapse.
- Tailored Personal Assistance: They address the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of the individual, offering personalised strategies, resources, and techniques.
- Facilitating Smooth Transition and Reintegration: They help navigate the transition from treatment to regular life, providing guidance in rebuilding relationships, developing healthy routines, and finding purpose in a sober lifestyle.
Overall, recovery companions serve as a vital component of a comprehensive recovery support system, offering emotional support, promoting accountability, preventing relapse, providing personalised assistance, and facilitating a smooth transition and reintegration.
Confidentiality & Privacy
Confidentiality is an essential aspect of any treatment, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics such as alcohol and drug-related issues. The associated stigma and personal nature of these struggles make it crucial for patients to have a sense of trust and assurance that their privacy will be respected. As a service provider, I prioritise and uphold my clients’ right to anonymity, ensuring that their information remains strictly confidential.
In recognising the significance of confidentiality, I strive to create a safe and secure environment where individuals can freely express their concerns without fear of judgment or breach of trust. Any information shared during the course of treatment is held in strict confidence, with stringent measures in place to protect the privacy of my clients.
Rest assured, as a practitioner, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality. I understand that the success of any treatment greatly depends on the trust established between the client and the therapist. By ensuring complete confidentiality, I aim to foster an atmosphere of openness and safety, encouraging individuals to seek the help they need without hesitation or reservations.
By upholding the principle of confidentiality, I aim to alleviate concerns and provide the necessary reassurance that your privacy is of utmost importance to me. Your journey towards recovery and well-being is safeguarded with the assurance that your information remains private and confidential throughout the entire treatment process.
I was born and raised in Ivory Coast and subsequently resided in various parts of Europe before eventually relocating to the United Kingdom. With an extensive tenure of over a decade at a leading mental health, alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility, I have supported a diverse range of clients in regaining control of their lives.
My inherent capacity for empathising with individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds is complemented by my objective and pragmatic approach to treatment and therapy. As a fluent speaker of both English and French, the latter being my mother tongue, I am adept at effectively communicating with clients in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
Caring is giving from the heart.
Abstinence where you really need it.
Making the change to sobriety cannot always be done alone and to truly reintegrate into the world successfully it is much easier when you are surrounded by understanding, patience and compassion.
An intervention is the first step towards sobriety. Serving as an unbiased entity, my methods are led by love and compassion. I will be there for you throughout the whole process ensuring discretion and confidentiality.
Living in a shared environment means I will be on hands. My aim at all time is to maintain a comfortable distance and to respect personal space during a challenging time in your life.
Travel with the knowledge that your journey will be safe from harm or unwelcome temptations.
