Rehab Blog

Latest news from Asia's Best Rehab

Addiction related information and news from Solace

Sports Gambling - A Controversial Issue

Sports Gambling - A Controversial Issue

July 22, 2021

Sports gambling is a form of betting on sports events. The higher the stakes, the greater the high. It has the potential to become an addiction.

Five Reasons Not to choose a rehab in Thailand.

Five Reasons Not to choose a rehab in Thailand.

July 22, 2021

Many addicts are choosing to have their treatment for addiction in Thailand. For just a couple of minutes, read on and ponder why Thailand shouldn’t be the place of choice for treatment from addiction.

Religion and Codependency

Religion and Codependency

July 22, 2021

Religions predispose people to codependence due to its theology, dogma, and organizational structure. Yet, once people can make the decision to be fruitful, honest, loving, and caring over the demands of their respective religions, their practice of religion, may in fact, ennoble them to be better human beings.

Eating Habits in Addiction: Health & Nutrition

Eating Habits in Addiction: Health & Nutrition

July 22, 2021

“The damage caused by substance abuse may appear to be severe and have significant impact; however, it can be reversed through a proper and structured diet.” -Cathaline Tangau (Solace Nutritionist)

Prescription Drugs – The Cure or The Curse?

Prescription Drugs – The Cure or The Curse?

July 22, 2021

The Legal Peril: Prescription Drugs – The Cure or The Curse?

The Matrix Model of Drug Treatment

The Matrix Model of Drug Treatment

July 22, 2021

The Matrix model is an integrative model for treating drugs. The model helps to treat drug addiction such as cocaine and methamphetamines. The Matrix model was invented by Dr. Richard Rawson.

Xanax – Alprazolam abuse

Xanax – Alprazolam abuse

July 22, 2021

Xanax is the trade name for the drug, “Alprazolam”, which is one of the drugs categorically known as Benzodiazepines.

What is Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT)?

What is Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT)?

July 22, 2021

Evidence-based treatment or practices (EBTs/EBPs) are treatments that have been researched academically. They have been scientifically proven effective and replicated by more than one investigation or study.

The Difference Between Medical and Non-Medical Detoxification

The Difference Between Medical and Non-Medical Detoxification

July 22, 2021

Drugs and alcohol take some time to exit the body's system. Detoxification is a necessary step in becoming alcohol and drug-free.

Community Service: Solace partners with Sri Emas International School

Community Service: Solace partners with Sri Emas International School

July 22, 2021

To teach and empower students of Sri Emas International School to make a choice and a difference.

Cocaine Addiction and Treatment

Cocaine Addiction and Treatment

July 22, 2021

In seeking that "high", cocaine use develops into an addiction due to tolerance. The damage results when cocaine replaces everything in life. At this point, the addict will need treatment to recover from cocaine addiction.

How Peer Pressure is a gateway to Addiction

How Peer Pressure is a gateway to Addiction

July 22, 2021

Pressure here refers to any stimuli that pushed the addict towards an addiction. It could be that a family member or friend was abusing substances, and steered the addict towards it. Or it could be the absence of care provided by loved ones who were not aware of what was happening to their loved ones.

Addictive Personality

Addictive Personality

July 22, 2021

The Inner Addiction – An Addictive Personality.

What are Dopamine Agonists?

What are Dopamine Agonists?

July 22, 2021

A dopamine agonist is a compound that activates dopamine receptors in the absence of that receptor’s physiological transmitter.

Dry Drunk Syndrome: What is it?

Dry Drunk Syndrome: What is it?

July 22, 2021

Dry drunk is a condition wherein someone who has been sober from either alcohol, drugs, or other addictions are no longer enthused by their recovery.

Acceptance In Recovery

Acceptance In Recovery

July 22, 2021

Addicts do not suffer from an addiction to drugs, alcohol, nor behavioural addiction. These are merely symptoms of a life denied of acceptance. What's fundamentally at the root of addiction is a lack or denial of acceptance.

Addiction Coping Mechanisms Part 1 - The Masks We Wear

Addiction Coping Mechanisms Part 1 - The Masks We Wear

July 22, 2021

Everyone uses masks to entertain their various roles in society. The masks people wear can be equated to the many hats we wear for the roles we play.

Solace at Erada International Addiction Conference

Solace at Erada International Addiction Conference

July 22, 2021

Held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, UAE, the Erada International Addiction Conference (EIA) takes place on the 2nd & 3rd of March 2018.

Solace Asia to Open Office in Abu Dhabi

Solace Asia to Open Office in Abu Dhabi

July 22, 2021

As part of our efforts to expand our scope of treatment, a Solace representative office is currently being established in the capital of the United Arab Emirates,

SOLACE TURNS 4

SOLACE TURNS 4

July 22, 2021

On Friday 06th of April 2018, Solace Sabah celebrated its 4th year in operation since its establishment.

What is the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)?

What is the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)?

July 22, 2021

In 1881, Carl Wernicke discovered an acute neurological dysfunction caused by thiamine deficiency (lack of Vitamin B1) in 3 patients, who had died due to this disorder.

What is the serenity prayer?

What is the serenity prayer?

July 22, 2021

The widespread use of the serenity prayer can be found in all 12-step programs. One would find that meetings usually start with the prayer and end with it.

Alone on Valentine’s Day?

Alone on Valentine’s Day?

July 22, 2021

Loneliness is a common emotion, albeit an unpleasant one. Although many factors can cause a feeling of loneliness, it is most commonly attributed to the simple state of being alone or isolated, especially for prolonged periods of time. The feeling may also be amplified when someone finds themselves alone at times which people generally spend together, such as Christmas or Valentine’s day. Sounds sad, doesn’t it? Being alone on Valentine’s day? Well, it doesn’t have to be.

Stinking Thinking in Recovery

Stinking Thinking in Recovery

July 22, 2021

Facts Every Recovering Addict Needs to Know: “Stinking thinking” is a colloquial term for cognitive distortions. They are a set of negative thoughts and beliefs about a particular situation, which in the long run makes life unmanageable without some kind of panacea.

Anatomy of Addiction

Anatomy of Addiction

July 22, 2021

The Origins of Addiction

Getting Back The “Natural High”

Getting Back The “Natural High”

July 22, 2021

An informative article from Solace on how to get high - without drugs.

Personality Traits of Alcoholic Children

Personality Traits of Alcoholic Children

July 22, 2021

Growing up in an alcoholic home, will leave alcoholic children in roles that would cause a life of pain.

Why Counselling is important for Gambling

Why Counselling is important for Gambling

July 22, 2021

Addiction is a disease of perception. This is ever more so apparent with pathological gambling.

Herbal Treatment for Drug Addiction

Herbal Treatment for Drug Addiction

July 22, 2021

The NHS (National Health Services) in the U.K. has noted that some herbal remedies may be unsafe for your health.

Addiction Treatment For Women

Addiction Treatment For Women

July 22, 2021

There's an imperative need to recognise ways in which women can be treated for addiction. In treating women, it's important to realize that gender, relations with family and friends; play an important role.

I saw Quaaludes in Wolf of Wall Street - What is it?

I saw Quaaludes in Wolf of Wall Street - What is it?

July 22, 2021

The word “Quaaludes”, which is a brand name for Methaqualone is a portmanteau for the phrase “quiet interlude”.

What are triggers?

What are triggers?

July 22, 2021

Triggers are the stimuli that make an addict want to use again. They originate from the addict’s memory in active addiction. Triggers can be any sensation: sights, sounds, smells and touch. At an emotional level, triggers could be: anger, sadness, depression, anxiety and fear to name a few. Spiritually, or in essence triggers happen due to a lack of serenity and connection in one’s life.

Why people who invest or trade have a higher risk of addiction or becoming addicts.

Why people who invest or trade have a higher risk of addiction or becoming addicts.

July 22, 2021

Albeit true, markets are unpredictable and putting one’s happiness in the lap of unpredictability is just asking for trouble.

The Benefits of Internal Locus of Control

The Benefits of Internal Locus of Control

July 22, 2021

Some people are motivated by their inner resources, whilst others find outside inspiration to tag them along to the next part of their lives.

Does smoking turn into a risky habit for addicts?

Does smoking turn into a risky habit for addicts?

July 22, 2021

There are a number of reasons for ceasing the smoking habit, notably wanting to live a drug-free existence.

Delirium Tremens and the Alcoholic

Delirium Tremens and the Alcoholic

July 22, 2021

Delirium Tremens (DT) is a state of hallucinating, sweating unusual amounts (diaphoresis), fast heartbeat (tachycardia), hyperthermia, hypertension and agitation as a result of abstaining from alcohol over a period of time.

Does Giving Up Drugs Mean giving up Smoking?

Does Giving Up Drugs Mean giving up Smoking?

July 22, 2021

Giving up drugs does not necessarily mean giving up smoking – The Perspective of Smokers in Recovery.

Alcoholic Hepatitis – A Fatal Illness!

Alcoholic Hepatitis – A Fatal Illness!

July 22, 2021

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and alcoholic hepatitis is a liver disorder caused by the overconsumption of alcohol.

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual Awakening

July 22, 2021

Spiritual Awakening: Is it a must to get enlightened in recovery?

Acamprosate – The Alcoholic’s Gateway to Abstinence!

Acamprosate – The Alcoholic’s Gateway to Abstinence!

July 22, 2021

Acamprosate or branded as Campral is a prescribed medication to help alcoholics initiate sobriety from active addiction

Common symptoms and behavior of addiction

Common symptoms and behavior of addiction

July 22, 2021

Addiction doesn’t just happen in a vacuum or one day you just become addicted without any precursor. We became addicted because of… certain traits we have as addicts, which may have been inherited from our ancestors, or were predisposed to in our genetic make-up.

The New Danger: Online Drugs

The New Danger: Online Drugs

July 22, 2021

Drugs can be purchased just about anywhere and by any means. It is not simply sold by scrawny, suspicious, dirty-looking street-peddlers, as the old cliché would depict them as; but ubiquitously.

Anhedonia – The Secret Killer.

Anhedonia – The Secret Killer.

July 22, 2021

The word “anhedonia” is Greek for “without delight”. It is a condition in which the capacity of experiencing pleasure is totally/partially lost.

Drug Addiction and its Treatment in Malaysia

Drug Addiction and its Treatment in Malaysia

July 22, 2021

Drug Addiction in Malaysia has had an incremental history in spite of desperate measures by the government to prevent such things from happening. The ubiquity and pervasiveness of drugs has been due to the small time drug dealers who operate in the private spaces of the young due to having access to easier means of communication such as the ability to be online and connected through mobile and computing devices.

Recovery and Humility

Recovery and Humility

July 22, 2021

Recovery is about dispatching or sending the ego off. This will involve learning to be humble and patient with the self and others. It means replacing a life of fear for a life of love.

Sexual Addiction - A Controversial Issue

Sexual Addiction - A Controversial Issue

July 22, 2021

Is sexual addiction an illness worthy of any diagnosis? In the field of mental health, it is still a controversial issue.

When life has more meaning to offer, why not “live for life”

When life has more meaning to offer, why not “live for life”

July 22, 2021

It has been a while since I last had a chance to sit down and put some thoughts together….

How to deal with anxiety in recovery

How to deal with anxiety in recovery

July 22, 2021

Many in early recovery relapse over the inability to deal with anxiety as and when it arises.

Why Gambling is an addiction

Why Gambling is an addiction

July 22, 2021

Other addictions are easier to detect than gambling because there are many fallacies and myths, which keep problem gamblers at ease with their addiction.

Is mindfulness a religious or spiritual practice?

Is mindfulness a religious or spiritual practice?

July 22, 2021

At Solace, we describe what is Mindfulness and quell myths that surround it.

How Childhood Trauma Affects Addiction

How Childhood Trauma Affects Addiction

July 22, 2021

Trauma is a deeply disturbing and distressing experience, which can have severe emotional repercussions later in life.

Denial Breaking

Denial Breaking

July 22, 2021

I AM NOT AN ADDICT.

Harm Reduction in the South East Asian Context

Harm Reduction in the South East Asian Context

July 22, 2021

Harm Reduction - The Singapore and Malaysia perspective.

Binge Drinking as a symptom of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Binge Drinking as a symptom of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

July 22, 2021

Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD is a problem. Anyone with a drinking problem who meets 2 out of the 11 question criteria of AUD will be diagnosed as AUD. This can range from mild binge drinking to severe alcoholism. In all this, binge drinking is a defining symptom of this illness.

Binge Eating Treatment

Binge Eating Treatment

July 22, 2021

There are a number of treatment options available for Binge Eaters to overcome the problem of binge eating.

Why is program completion rate a wrong measure for rehab success?

Why is program completion rate a wrong measure for rehab success?

July 22, 2021

When rehabs are in denial.

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

July 22, 2021

Solace Sabah explains what is PAWS and how it affects one in Recovery.

What is the DSM-V?

What is the DSM-V?

July 22, 2021

An explanation of the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Alright for Recovering Alcoholics?

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Alright for Recovering Alcoholics?

July 22, 2021

Recovery is a period of experimenting what works well for an individual. These experiments take on many forms; one of which is the alcoholic retreating to non-alcoholic beverages to soothe the sorrows of “not drinking”.

Dentistry in Recovery: The Importance of Assessing dental health.

Dentistry in Recovery: The Importance of Assessing dental health.

July 22, 2021

Meth, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, and eating disorders have also contributed to oral illnesses. Tooth decay, gingivitis, and other chronic oral infections await the unwary addict in recovery. This is because dental illnesses may still pervade long after sobriety is achieved.

Virtual Drug Deals - The cyber danger

Virtual Drug Deals - The cyber danger

July 22, 2021

Drugs can be purchased just about anywhere and by any means. It is not simply sold by scrawny, suspicious, dirty-looking street-peddlers, as the old cliché would depict them as.

An Addiction Rehab Destination for Singaporeans

An Addiction Rehab Destination for Singaporeans

July 22, 2021

Why Singaporeans choose Solace Sabah

What is Aversion Therapy?

What is Aversion Therapy?

July 22, 2021

It is therapy based on associating unpleasant feelings or consequences with a particular pleasurable behavior, which has been deemed undesirable.

New Age Addiction: Desomorphine

New Age Addiction: Desomorphine

July 22, 2021

There's a drug that's capable of changing humans to become crocodiles or zombies. It's cheaper and easier to produce than Heroin.

What happens after Relapse

What happens after Relapse

July 22, 2021

If experiencing relapse is good for continual growth in recovery, why is it viewed as a failure in the process? What exactly happens after a relapse?

Sober Living - Does it help recovery?

Sober Living - Does it help recovery?

July 22, 2021

A Sober Living setting is supposed to provide those who have left treatment with adequate structure, social support, and stability to face the world outside the walls of the rehab facility.

Unrealistic Expectations in Recovery

Unrealistic Expectations in Recovery

July 22, 2021

What can we expect of our recovery? Can we expect a big house, lots of money, a successful career or all of these at once? Maybe, maybe not – that all depends on how much effort we are willing to work the basics of recovery.

Complications of Polysubstance Abuse

Complications of Polysubstance Abuse

July 22, 2021

Drug addiction is a formidable foe. Needing an often-illegal substance just as much as you need food or water is not a nice thing, to say the least. Some addicts abuse one drug while some abuse numerous. The case is generally classified as polysubstance addiction when the number of simultaneously abused substances reaches three or more. Sounds like a sticky situation, right?

The Benefits of being Clean and Sober from addiction

The Benefits of being Clean and Sober from addiction

July 22, 2021

Active addiction with all its perks and pleasures. Getting high and wasted. Why would anyone who is satisfied with that blissful existence want to change? That was how I thought 2 years ago, but using did not deliver one thing – Life.

Rehabilitation from Addiction and the Middle East: Malaysia & Solace Asia

Rehabilitation from Addiction and the Middle East: Malaysia & Solace Asia

July 22, 2021

Drug addiction is present in most, if not all societies and cultures. In the Middle East specifically addiction has been on a sharp rise.

The Cause of addiction in the LGBTQ Community: Discrimination and Trauma

The Cause of addiction in the LGBTQ Community: Discrimination and Trauma

July 22, 2021

Like institutionalised racism and sexism, many LGBTQs suffer from legalised "heterosexism". It is no wonder that the ratio for substance abuse between non-LGBTQs and LGBTQs has been reported as 3:10.

4 Benefits of Journaling in Recovery

4 Benefits of Journaling in Recovery

July 22, 2021

Writing a daily journal is one fine way of being honest and transparent. In early recovery, there could be many reasons why you would not want to open up to others due to fear, shame, anger, and sadness.

The Importance of Emotional Sobriety

The Importance of Emotional Sobriety

July 22, 2021

It's not just addicts who dream about being emotionally sober. It's everyone's dream to be able to be calm in stressful situations. Yet, for the addict, such transformations to higher levels of emotional well-being is a must.

Why do people take drugs?

Why do people take drugs?

July 22, 2021

I was reading a Time magazine post about how Kay Warren, an American woman, fought drug use in her family. It is a horrible tale. Her younger brother fell prey to heroin addiction and pretty much lost everything. Then it took tons and tons of forgiveness, love and courage by that family to reclaim his life. He was virtually dragged back from hell leaving a trail of destruction and awe.

Am I an Addict?

Am I an Addict?

July 22, 2021

Here are some clues for figuring if one is an addict or not from Solace Sabah.

Opium, Addiction Treatment and the War For and Against the West

Opium, Addiction Treatment and the War For and Against the West

July 22, 2021

The last thing you want is a parrot invading your poppy fields and eating your poppy! That is, if you are an opium farmer from India…

The Solace Continuum: Unique and Scientific Aftercare Program

The Solace Continuum: Unique and Scientific Aftercare Program

July 22, 2021

Addiction treatment and care, even as it helps to find the rhythm of your life, always runs the risk you going back to the state of chaos. It has a name: relapse. And at Solace Asia, it has a solution; it has a phrase: The Solace Continuum.

Drug addiction among young people / Adolescents in the Middle East.

Drug addiction among young people / Adolescents in the Middle East.

July 22, 2021

Youths in the Middle East, face a mental health crisis. But, local attitudes towards mental health are scornful and judgmental. This is due to the conservative nature of Middle Eastern states.

Coping With Resentments

Coping With Resentments

July 22, 2021

Resentment is to feel a feeling again. Anger kept long enough breeds resentment. It’s the obsession of an angry moment repeated time without number.

Overcoming Barriers to Communication in Recovery

Overcoming Barriers to Communication in Recovery

July 22, 2021

In recovery, we learn how to overcome barriers to communication. It's like learning how to talk once again.

Tobacco! When smoking turns into a slippery habit for addicts

Tobacco! When smoking turns into a slippery habit for addicts

July 22, 2021

Introducing the interloper, “Nicotine”, the substitute addiction deserving of no attention in the recovery cart.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment at Solace Asia

Tramadol Addiction Treatment at Solace Asia

July 22, 2021

Tramadol functions as an opioid analgesic. It's a painkiller. It releases opioids such as endorphins into the user. Dependency to the drug can cause lifelong addiction.

The Drug Issue in Southeast Asia: THE Golden Triangle

The Drug Issue in Southeast Asia: THE Golden Triangle

July 22, 2021

The Drug Issue in Southeast Asia: The Latest Updates from the Golden Triangle.

Dealing with medication in recovery

Dealing with medication in recovery

July 22, 2021

You have the same issues on pain with the necessity for relief, like the rest of humanity. How do clinicians go about prescribing drugs to recovering addicts? How do we also overcome this controversy so that you can live pain-free?

Character Defects Or Flaws - A list of major defects.

Character Defects Or Flaws - A list of major defects.

July 22, 2021

Character Defects Or Flaws - A comprehensive list of the major defects. One of the main reasons why addicts suffer in recovery is due to their character flaws.

How exercise aids in addiction recovery

How exercise aids in addiction recovery

July 22, 2021

Working out, going to the gym, pumping iron, yoga, Tai-Chi, martial arts, going for a run, a walk, crossfit classes, sports of any kind: take your pick!

What are Central Nervous System Depressants? How does it work?

What are Central Nervous System Depressants? How does it work?

July 22, 2021

Central nervous system or CNS depressants are chemicals that slow down brain activity.

Who is a sober companion at Solace Asia?

Who is a sober companion at Solace Asia?

July 22, 2021

A sober companion is somebody who is watching the addict when he/she is not in treatment.

Me, Me, Me – Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Addiction

Me, Me, Me – Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Addiction

July 22, 2021

For the narcissist, the world revolves around the self. Everything and everyone around them serve only one purpose: to please the narcissist.

Addiction Coping Mechanisms: The Masks We Wear, Part 2

Addiction Coping Mechanisms: The Masks We Wear, Part 2

July 22, 2021

Welcome back to learning about the masks we wear in addiction. This article is part 2 of a 2-part series on "Addictive Coping Mechanisms: The masks we wear."

What is Codependency?

What is Codependency?

July 22, 2021

Codependency is an addiction to others. It is a relationship addiction. In the beginning, it was used only in reference to loved ones of alcoholics or drug addicts.

Eels, opioid deaths and caffeine in Thames: A watch out call

Eels, opioid deaths and caffeine in Thames: A watch out call

July 22, 2021

Imagine this: the lord of death has arrived and is in a mood to award you a boon. It tells you, “Dear…, your time in the world is up. But given that I am on a high, I am letting you live. But death will come to you nonetheless. You can either die by overdose of opioids or by a motor vehicle crash. The choice is yours!” And the deity simply disappears.

Treatment for Hashish Addiction

Treatment for Hashish Addiction

July 22, 2021

Hash or hashish is a drug made from the same substance as marijuana. It contains THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). As a result of that, it has acute addictive and withdrawal effects.

What causes addiction?

What causes addiction?

July 22, 2021

Is addiction caused by drug abuse? Is it caused by behaviors gone out of hand? Not so!

Is Gaming Addiction Really an addiction?

Is Gaming Addiction Really an addiction?

July 22, 2021

Gaming addiction is a legitimate illness as it contains within it the neurochemistry of addiction.

Trauma as cause for addiction

Trauma as cause for addiction

July 22, 2021

Survivors of trauma will thus suffer from post-traumatic stress illness (PTSI). PTSI is a comorbidity among addicts. This means that addicts could be suffering PTSI alongside addiction.

Addiction: How to discover it and how to treat it? Dialogue with the psychologist Specialist in the treatment of addiction Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam

Addiction: How to discover it and how to treat it? Dialogue with the psychologist Specialist in the treatment of addiction Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam

July 22, 2021

Questions answered by the psychologist specializing in addiction treatment Premkumar Shanmugam in this interview

Life after Marijuana Dependency

Life after Marijuana Dependency

July 22, 2021

Marijuana is the most commonly used recreational drug (World Drug Report, 2015) but there has been very little evidence on what it is like being a user of marijuana who is in recovery. This brings upon the question of “what are the effects of heavy users who have abused drugs before who have currently quit using?

MALAYSIA HONORS SOLACE WITH A 5 STAR AWARD FOR HIGHEST QUALITY TREATMENT IN THE NATION

MALAYSIA HONORS SOLACE WITH A 5 STAR AWARD FOR HIGHEST QUALITY TREATMENT IN THE NATION

July 22, 2021

With eleven criteria used to asses each facility, Solace is proud to announce to have been awarded a 5-star rating by the National Anti-Drugs Agency Director-General CP Dato' Sri Zulkifli Bin Abdullah, ranking at the highest of its category in Malaysia.

The Gateway Hypothesis?

The Gateway Hypothesis?

July 22, 2021

The gateway hypothesis insinuates that “lighter” substances like alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and sugar are capable of further increasing the risk of using or abusing other “harder” substances.