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Man in dark, illuminated by phone screen. Gazing intently, with focused expression.
October 2, 2025
Being addicted to a particular substance is no accident. It’s a carefully identified choice based on several attempts to find a remedy to an uncomfortable feeling. Some drugs just don’t fit the nature of the problem. Other’s fit like a glove and take away all the pain like it never happened. Alcohol Alcohol is the easiest, most socially acceptable emotional and physical painkiller. People drink when they are broken-hearted, lonely, isolated and resentful. It gives us courage when we felt scared, honesty when we fear the truth and intimacy when we felt alone. Traditionally, alcohol was used before going to war, as an ice-breaker in social occasions, a disinfectant for disease and as a numbing agent for amputation. For these reasons, alcohol addiction takes away your ability to feel courageous and confident, to feel close and comfortable with another person and to endure pain and suffering. Without it you resort to feeling alone, agitated and afraid of adversity. Detoxing from alcohol makes you feel anxious primarily. You may get the shakes, nausea and insomnia. Your body gets used to alcohol helping you deal with things, leaving you feeling weak and vulnerable. It takes time for your mind to feel like it can handle stress again if you haven’t practiced for a while. Taking Valium in the first week makes your brain feel like it is still drinking, allowing you to rest and recover during your withdrawal period. Cocaine Cocaine was originally used by South American farmers for centuries to work harder, faster and longer. Similarly, Westerners are now using Cocaine for the same reasons. But the South American farmers never got addicted. So why is it that it is now the most desirable drug in Australia? Cocaine is now worth more than gold per gram. The answer is this. It makes you feel confident. So confident, you don’t have any hesitation or doubt. You feel like a winner, you feel like you can’t fail and you lose your reasoning capacity that keeps you vigilant. You’re Superman. This is why Cocaine addicts go from 0-10 in their addiction real fast. Their habit escalates so fast, they don’t know what’s happening. It can often go with a sex, porn, shopping or gambling habit. Detoxing from Cocaine makes you feel like you are losing your confidence, which can lead to overexercising and making big plans that never eventuate. When you wake up after your long 5 days sleep and you’re feeling refreshed, it’s tempting to think you are all fixed. You feel rested and physically strong again. But your mind isn’t fine, mental recovery takes a lot longer. The cravings start to become insatiable after 5 days and can last up to 9 months. Meth (Ice) Like Cocaine, Meth is in the stimulant family and it shares some qualities such as making you feel over-exited and focussed. It usually makes people feel motivated, focussed, and energised. If you feel more normal than ever on Meth, then you may have ADHD. Meth can be an attempt to self-medicate for ADHD and other behavioural issues. If you start taking Meth, you may have been feeling tired, scattered, unmotivated and lacking direction. If you need to be sharp and get into action, you will find temporary relief with Meth. Then over time you will get used to the effect and need it more and more to stay energised. It is similar to strong caffeine, and addiction to energy drinks are often a sign that the person will move on to stronger stimulants. During a Meth detox you will be very tired and want to sleep and eat all the time. You may be underweight in the beginning and eat through the night to make up for the energy deficit. If you can’t get to sleep asap, you run the risk of drug-induced psychosis, so you may require sleepers to begin your detox. But if you can get to sleep, the rest is just bedrest and hydration. Like Cocaine, the cravings for Meth start at 5 days, so make sure your program is at least 10 days. Cannabis Cannabis is in the family of drugs that appeal to low dopamine people, ie. those that can’t concentrate and have poor motivation. It’s common for people using Cannabis to have underlying ADHD or anger issues. It is a drug that is used for frustration and boredom. Longer term Cannabis use can lead to lack of interest in doing things, which can then lead to using stimulants like Meth or Cocaine. It is definitely addictive and often results in mental health issues such as paranoia and psychosis. Because Cannabis is slow to detox, it takes many weeks to withdraw. It may take 3-4 weeks for most of the withdrawal to be complete, with symptoms of night sweats, depression, anxiety and insomnia being common. Melatonin is helpful for this time. Note that medically prescribed Cannabis is equally as addictive, with the same risks of psychosis.
By Alastair McDonald October 9, 2024
Social Worker and Addiction Counsellor Supervisor Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services
Two People Sitting On A Couch Holding Handsβ€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By srijana June 13, 2024
The most important part of rehab is identifying your addictive voice or using Addictive Voice Recognition techniques. If you can hear a separate voice talking to you, saying ‘have another drink’, ‘just a couple of beers won’t hurt’ or ‘I can stop using Meth anytime’, you’re on the way to recovery.
A Man Covering His Face With His Hands β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By srijana June 13, 2024
There’s a big stigma around Ice withdrawal. The media images of violent outbursts in hospitals creates the impression that detoxing is dangerous.
Cannabis Leaves β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By srijana June 13, 2024
But Cannabis isn’t a drug, it’s a plant. Everyone says it so it must be true. Marijuana has been around for so long, it can’t be harmful. No-one has ever died from smoking a joint.
Colourful Buildings β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By srijana June 13, 2024
We’re now living longer and sport a ‘never divorce’ mindset. Our personal needs weren’t recognised as important when we got married last century. Surviving long-term relationships can be exhausting, if not agonising.
Article About To Heal And Find Freedom β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox March 15, 2023
"It's top secret and very pricey, but this rehab centre is saving lives!" Click here to read the Gold Coast Bulletin's interview with our manager, Janine Elliot.
Vet Rescue β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By wade16 July 29, 2021
In April this year Army Veteran Sam O'Neill found himself in desperate need of help. He had been rejected form several mental health services and hospitals on the Gold Coast and told he was 'too aggressive' at intake.
Rehab Accommodation β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetoxeditor May 31, 2021
We’re in the newspaper. Yes, we are this amazing…. Inside the $1,500-a-day secret rehab Sam Burgess credits with turning his turbulent life around – where guests can stay under aliases and shred their medical files when they go home. Click here to read the Daily Mail’s article   Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us […]
Mature-Onset Addiction β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By revolution August 17, 2020
We’re now living longer and sport a ‘never divorce’ mindset. Our personal needs weren’t recognised as important when we got married last century. Surviving long-term relationships can be exhausting, if not agonising.
Private Detox Clinic β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox April 16, 2020
Your Health is Important and public detox and health centres have long waitlists. Don’t wait until your relationship is ruined or your income is lost due to addiction. Detox in a Private Executive Detox Clinic Today! Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us about our Detox and Rehab Services
Case Study β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox April 9, 2020
Wanting to know if Private Detox is right for you? If you relate to one of the case studies below then the answer is YES! Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us about our Detox and Rehab Services
Janine Elliott Founder β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox April 2, 2020
The woman who introduced a new and fresh approach to drug and alcohol withdrawal. Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us about our Detox and Rehab Services
Client Choices: Addiction Treatment β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox March 17, 2020
Addiction Counsellor Bronwyn Schlesinger talks about moving forward with a flexible and personalised approach to drug addiction and detox in the 21st century. Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us about our Detox and Rehab Services
Cashed Up in Private Home Detox β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox March 10, 2020
Surviving Addiction And Mental Health β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox March 3, 2020
Addiction Counsellor Bronwyn Schlesinger explains new ways to successfully come back from addiction. Are you struggling with Addiction? Contact us about our Detox and Rehab Services
A Sad Man Siting On The Bed β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By revolution February 18, 2020
The Cocaine Explosion By Bronwyn Schlesinger Addiction Counselor admin@goldcoastdetoxandrehab.com High-Flying Cocaine is now the drug of choice for the high flyer. The rich and famous of Hollywood have always fallen under its spell. Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey Jr. and Nigella Lawson have all had their fall from grace using ‘Stardust’. The dazzling power of cocaine […]
Corporate Addiction β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By gcdetox July 16, 2019
Addiction affects every corner of society, including in the boardroom. Janine Elliot tells us just how deeply it affects the workplace.
Gold Coast Feature β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By revolution May 9, 2019
Hand With A Sunset In The Background β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By revolution May 8, 2019
Everything you know about addiction is wrong Drug usage and addiction, alcohol addiction and more! Sometimes it does take a journalist to put research in perspective. Johann Hari spoke at a TED talk in 2015 on the true cause of addiction according to the latest studies around the world. He says, at the very heart […]
A Waterfall In The Middle Of A Lush Green Forest β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast
By revolution May 3, 2019
Who is rehab for? Acknowledging you have an addiction is the first step to recovery. Addiction often refers to a physical or psychological need to continually use a substance. Some substances can be highly addicting than others and some people can become addicted to substances depending on factors associated with their mental, physical and lifestyle […]
Wave Is Breaking In Front Of A City Skyline β€” Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services in Gold Coast, QLD
By revolution May 2, 2019
Professional/ Executive Detox So, you don’t want to line up in the queues for a public detox. Waiting lists can be up to six weeks for government- funded service. And what if someone there recognises you, perhaps the word will get out that you’re in detox. That could jeopardise your reputation in the business and […]
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At Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services, we are passionate about empowering our clients with the knowledge that will help them on their recovery journey. That's why we regularly update our blog with articles relating to the therapeutic techniques we use, detox strategies, the potential benefits of psychedelics and more.


If you have any questions about our articles, or would like to schedule a consultation, don't hesitate to call us today on 0476 468 860. In addition to the Gold Coast, we assist clients in Toowoomba, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and surrounds.

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