For many women, a drink at the end of the day to relax and unwind is normal. After all, for the last three decades, it’s been thought that a glass a day and drinking at a moderate level is good for us. It turns out...
Depression can be a debilitating mood disorder that affects sufferers emotionally and physically. We all feel low from time to time when life presents unexpected challenges. However, in time, the worries subside and life returns to normal. Clinical or ‘major’ depression symptoms are quite different to...
This is my story of hope… I celebrated my 40th birthday this year and it’s been almost two years since I’ve been at South Pacific Private. I’m proud to say that it’s also been that amount of time since I’ve had alcohol or an illicit substance...
I must admit that I’m still overwhelmed at how significant a change my life has had. I have come to realise that the world is bigger than the one inside my head. Thinking back now, it’s frightening to come to terms with what I had accepted...
Sometimes we face challenges that are hard to deal with and while you may feel like you have to face them alone, this isn’t the case. Help is always available. While stigma around mental health is slowly changing, asking for help is never easy. For men,...
This week I celebrated being clean for One Year. South Pacific Private has played an integral role in my Recovery journey. When I came back to SPP in February I was in a critical stage in my Recovery, my mental health had taken a huge dive...
This week, 33 South Pacific Private staff and external professionals participated in training to be better equipped to recognise and respond to vicarious trauma (VT) and transform the experience into a source of resilience and growth. Developed by Pearlman and Saakvitne, the definition of vicarious trauma...
The Role of 12 Step Programs in Improved Treatment Outcomes At South Pacific Private we support the 12 Step philosophy that addiction is a disease with emotional, physical and psycho social components, and that this disease can be arrested, but not cured, through abstinence. Wherever...
While Christmas can seem like a happy time of the year, for many, it can be challenging. We’re often rushing around buying presents, attending social events, making sure the kids are looked after during school holidays, cooking, cleaning… the list goes on. While the responsibilities of...
South Pacific Private's annual alumni and families newsletter has just been released. In this year's edition we focused upon looking after yourself in Recovery in what can be a really triggering time of year. Articles include advice for early Recovery, staying safe over the holidays as...