Author: Dr. Ghazala Tahir

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…

Television addiction symptoms are often overlooked because watching TV feels harmless compared to other addictions. Yet, spending hours glued to a screen every day, losing track of time, neglecting responsibilities, or feeling restless when you can’t watch are all signs that television may be more than just entertainment. As a holistic healing and behavioral health practitioner, I’ve seen how television addiction and excessive screentime can quietly disrupt lives. At Mind Healing Ghazala, I work with clients to build healthier habits and regain balance when screens start taking over. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of television addiction, the risks…

What is gambling addiction? Gambling addiction also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction where a person cannot resist the urge to gamble, even when it causes financial loss, relationship damage, or emotional distress. It is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a diagnosable mental health disorder. Understanding Gambling Addiction Unlike casual gambling for entertainment, gambling addiction involves a loss of control. The individual feels compelled to keep betting, often chasing losses, despite devastating consequences. This disorder functions much like substance addiction, as it rewires the brain’s reward pathways. Link: What Is Addiction? Signs…

What is pornography addiction? It’s a compulsive behavior where a person repeatedly views porn despite harmful consequences to their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. While porn use isn’t inherently harmful, addiction to it can spiral into emotional isolation, distorted thinking, and loss of control. Understanding Pornography Addiction Porn addiction—also called compulsive sexual behavior or problematic porn use—is not officially classified in the DSM-5. However, it shares key traits with other behavioral addictions, like loss of control, escalation, and continued use despite negative impact. At its core, pornography addiction is about the compulsive need to seek out increasingly stimulating sexual…

Leadership comes with its own set of pressures and responsibilities. Leaders are expected to inspire, guide, and support their teams while making sound decisions in high-pressure environments. However, one issue that many leaders face, often unknowingly, is having blind spots in aspects of their leadership style or behaviour that they are unaware of, which may hinder their effectiveness. These blind spots can affect decision-making, relationships with team members, and overall team performance. One powerful tool that can help address these blind spots is stress management. This blog will explore how stress management can enhance leadership awareness and reduce blind spots,…