In this episode, we explore the forms of addiction that often remain hidden behind shame, silence, and social expectations — alcohol, digital devices, pornography, gambling, and the many ways they shape our lives, relationships, and mental health. Our guest is Margarita Koleva, a therapist in training with a focus on addiction.

The conversation traces how a habit turns into compulsion, what sustains addictive patterns, and which early signals we tend to overlook. We talk about loneliness as a primary driver, guilt as a reinforcing mechanism, and the ways in which society — sometimes unintentionally — keeps people locked in cycles that are difficult to break.

In this episode, we also explore:

• what happens when daily life begins to revolve around a substance or behavior
• why addictions often begin as solutions rather than problems
• what the loved ones of a person with addiction experience
• which practices and resources in Bulgaria truly help — from therapeutic communities and day centers to anonymous groups
• why harm reduction may be a more human and realistic alternative to immediate “full abstinence”
• how to seek help — and how to recognize reliable sources and professionals

This is an honest, deep, and gentle conversation about addiction as a human experience — not an identity or a label. For anyone who is struggling, supporting someone, searching for a path forward, or simply wanting to understand more.

Listen now on:

• Youtube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Материалът Single Step Podcast – ep. 5 е публикуван за пръв път на SingleStep.

Материалът Single Step Podcast – ep. 4 е публикуван за пръв път на SingleStep.