Blog
Learn more about the complex fields of addiction and recovery. The new NEOVIVA Library provides in-depth information and advice for affected persons, interested people and health professionals. We feature articles and news on addiction research and policy, regularly updated with new insights and perspectives. The library will grow with time; if you subscribe to updates, we will be happy to inform you when new articles are published.
The only way out is in
When you first meet Jason Milne, the Head Recovery Counsellor at NEOVIVA, you are immediately struck by his calm presence. It's a kind of stillness that doesn't just manifest; it has been cultivated over a prolonged period. Beneath, however, lies a remarkable story of...
Donkeys: The Emotional mirrors in Addiction Recovery
When we think of donkeys, we often picture them piled high with goods, transporting huge loads over rough and mountainous terrains, not as therapy animals. In animal-assisted therapy (AAT), dogs and horses usually steal the limelight. But a quieter, more contemplative...
Rebuilding Social Networks in Recovery
As a recovery counsellor at NEOVIVA, I’ve seen firsthand how important social networks are in the recovery process. Many people enter treatment focused solely on their individual work, but the relationships they create, maintain or relinquish, have a huge impact on...
Recognising the Road to Relapse: A Recovery Counsellor’s Perspective
Addiction recovery is not just about stopping the use of substances; it is about building a life that supports lasting change. Over the past eleven years in recovery, I have learned that relapse is rarely a sudden event. Instead, it is a process—a gradual accumulation...
Why NEOVIVA Stands Out: A Personal Perspective on Addiction Treatment
With 20 years in the addiction treatment field, I’ve worked alongside incredible organisations and individuals who have shaped my understanding of recovery. But I’ve also encountered practices that left me frustrated, disillusioned, and even angry. My guiding...
The Illusion of AI Companionship: What We’re Risking in Mental Health Support
What happens when the search for connection leads people into the arms of artificial intelligence?With mental health issues on the rise, AI has entered the scene as a potential remedy for loneliness and a tool in mental health support. In 2019, the World Health...
Sober Companions
The road to sobriety is a challenging journey that often requires more than just willpower. For many individuals, especially during the early stages of recovery, having additional support can make a significant difference. This is where a sober companion comes into...
Returning home after treatment
“Why don’t they understand?” is a phrase often heard in aftercare programmes for individuals returning home from inpatient addiction treatment. This article explores the challenges faced by people in recovery when transitioning back home and highlights advice from...
From Endurance to Freedom: My Journey to Embracing Abstinence-Based Recovery
As a recovery counsellor at NEOVIVA, my approach to abstinence-based recovery is deeply personal. I understand that every individual has their own journey, perspective, and challenges, and I respect that there is no single path to healing. However, my transformation...
A Journey of Renewal and Transformation: How Ramadan principles apply to addiction recovery
It might feel illogical to explore the principles of Ramadan and apply them to addiction recovery, especially since mainstream Islam prohibits drugs and alcohol. The two are worlds apart. However, certain aspects of Ramadan, such as commitment, resilience, and a...