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 Risks & Dangers of Quitting Cold Turkey
Despite its silly name, which may evoke images of refrigerated poultry leftovers, "going cold turkey" refers to the dangerous quick-fix approach of abruptly quitting an addictive substance instead of gradually reducing usage. Read on to learn more about the dangers...
Is Addiction a Life Sentence?
“Is there a cure for addiction or will I struggle with it for the rest of my life?” Anyone struggling with addiction most probably wished for something that would make the craving, the pain of withdrawal go away. Forever. But can addiction be cured at all? Is there a...
Addiction – a “Family Disease”
Whether it's a spouse, a child or a parent – addiction not only affects the user but touches the lives of everyone who is close to the person struggling with substance abuse. The entire family is faced with the challenges and devastating effects that follow in the...
Addiction: disease or simply the result of choices?
In the best case, exploring and defining the nature of addiction is crucial for deciding on the most effective recovery treatment. While we explain the currently prevailing view to you in this blog post, we also look at the most discussed alternative models. Why do...
Forms of Addiction Treatment: A Guide to Different Pathways
Choosing and assessing the right treatment program for your personal situation can be a challenging and overwhelming process. Given there is no "one-size-fits-all"-approach to recovery, we have compiled a list of the most important, evidence-based treatment methods...
How Work Stress Can Lead to Substance Abuse
«Just let go at the end of the workday» is a piece of sound advice but sometimes seems impossible to accomplish. When work is stressful, it can be difficult to truly disengage at the end of the day. Even if you love your job, the effects of stress are likely to be...
High-Functioning Alcoholics – the signs, the risks, and how to help them
The stereotypical view of an alcoholic is usually of someone who displays erratic, reckless and damaging behaviours and whose life is falling apart because they drink too much. So, when someone continues to work and maintain their financial and social obligations,...
How to Enjoy a Sober Summer
While many greet summer with open arms, eager to fill the sunny days with backyard BBQs, pool parties, and lazy days at the beach, to those working on maintaining their sobriety, these events may well seem like minefields full of relapse triggers. But don't worry,...
Nature vs. Nurture: Can Your Genes Make You An Addict?
You may wonder why some people become addicted while others don’t. Do genes matter in determining who is more susceptible to substance use disorder? Or does it all come down to lifestyle choices? This article examines the role of genetics in the development and...
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
It begins with your first sip. Not necessarily the first sip of a binge-drinking episode; no, just treating yourself to the odd glass of wine at dinner will suffice to expose your body to the impact of alcohol. You won’t necessarily feel it right away, but you know –...