Author: Dr. Ghazala Tahir

What is the most addictive drug? Scientists and medical experts rank heroin, nicotine, cocaine, and other substances based on how strongly they hook the brain. Addiction potential depends on how quickly a drug affects the brain, how intense the high is, and how hard it is to stop once started. How Addiction Potential Is Measured Researchers look at several factors: These criteria come from global addiction research, including data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and World Health Organization (WHO). Top 7 Most Addictive Drugs (Ranked) 1. Heroin 2. Cocaine 3. Nicotine 4. Methamphetamine 5. Alcohol 6. Benzodiazepines…

What is addiction? It’s a chronic brain condition that hijacks a person’s ability to control behaviors, often leading to harmful consequences. Addiction isn’t just about drugs—it includes compulsions like gambling, gaming, and even social media. Understanding Addiction Addiction is defined by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite negative outcomes. It alters brain chemistry, especially in the reward and motivation circuits. This makes quitting incredibly hard without help. According to the American Psychological Association and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure. The World Health Organization (WHO)…

Dopamine addiction is the hidden force driving many compulsive behaviors—from endless scrolling to binge-watching to substance abuse. Understanding how dopamine hijacks your brain is the first step to breaking free. What Is Dopamine Addiction? Dopamine addiction refers to the compulsive pursuit of activities that trigger dopamine spikes in the brain’s reward system. While dopamine itself isn’t addictive, the behaviors that flood your brain with it—like gaming, social media, porn, or drugs—can become obsessions. In short, dopamine addiction is the cycle of chasing reward at the cost of balance, control, and well-being. How Dopamine Works in the Brain Dopamine is a…

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen when someone who has been drinking heavily or for a long time suddenly stops or cuts back. These symptoms may show up as mild anxiety, poor sleep, or restlessness, but in more serious cases they can lead to seizures or even life-threatening delirium tremens (DTs). Recovery becomes safer and more effective when you understand what to expect and when to get help. As a holistic recovery coach, I’ve worked with many individuals who underestimated alcohol withdrawal and tried to quit on their own. Knowing the signs, the timeline, and available treatments makes all the difference in…

Dry drunk syndrome is what happens when someone quits drinking alcohol but still struggles with the same negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors they had while drinking. It can feel frustrating, discouraging, and even risky for relapse if left unaddressed. As a holistic healing and recovery guide, I’ve worked with many individuals who found that sobriety wasn’t the end of their struggle, it was the beginning of deeper work. At Mind Healing Ghazala, I help clients move past this stage by building healthier habits, stronger coping skills, and emotional resilience. In this blog, we’ll talk about what dry drunk syndrome really…

Basic netiquette rules are essential for keeping the online world respectful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Just as manners matter in face-to-face interactions, they matter just as much when we communicate through screens. Every post, email, or comment you share reflects not only on you but also leaves a lasting digital footprint. At Mind Healing Ghazala, I help people improve their online habits so they can build stronger, healthier digital relationships. Practicing good netiquette isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing respect, empathy, and responsibility in every online interaction. Here are 20 basic netiquette rules everyone should follow, with practical…

If you feel like shopping is controlling your life instead of the other way around, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with shopping addiction also known as compulsive buying, and the emotional, financial, and relational damage it can cause. One of the most effective ways to start regaining control is to connect with others who understand your struggle. That’s where self-help groups come in. How to Recognize Compulsive Shopping Patterns Everyone enjoys buying new things once in a while, but compulsive shopping feels different. Warning signs include: If this sounds familiar, you might benefit from the support of a community…

What is an addictive personality? The term describes a set of traits that may increase vulnerability to addiction. While it isn’t a medical diagnosis, research shows that certain personality patterns—like impulsivity and high stress reactivity—can raise the risk of developing addictive behaviors. Understanding the Concept of an Addictive Personality An addictive personality isn’t a single trait or disorder. Instead, it’s a collection of tendencies that make some people more prone to compulsive behaviors like substance abuse, gambling, or gaming. Mental health experts caution that the term is often oversimplified and stigmatizing, but it can still help explain risk factors. Link:…

Exercise addiction is often overlooked because fitness is generally seen as healthy and positive. However, when workouts turn into an obsession, exercise can stop being beneficial and start causing serious harm. While staying active supports both body and mind, pushing yourself too far—physically and mentally—can lead to injuries, burnout, emotional distress, and even long-term health issues. At Mind Healing Ghazala, I’ve seen many people struggle with this balance. Exercise should enhance your life, not control it. Understanding the difference between healthy fitness habits and exercise addiction is the first step toward protecting your well-being. What Is Exercise Addiction? Exercise addiction…

What is an etiological model CBT addiction approach? In psychology, an etiological model explains the root causes of a disorder. When applied to addiction treatment within Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it helps identify how biological, psychological, and social factors combine to create and maintain addictive behaviors. Understanding Etiological Models The word etiology means the study of causes. An etiological model in addiction treatment explores why someone develops addictive behaviors—not just the symptoms. These models highlight the pathways that lead to substance abuse or behavioral addictions, making them critical for effective treatment planning. Etiological Factors in Addiction Biological Causes Psychological Causes…