Harrison Mwaura Irungu

11/02/2025

When Marto was in college, he spent his leisure time by engaging in gambling, alcohol and women.
If he won in gambling, he would use the money on alcohol, women and fashion. If he lost, he would seek an alternative by taking a loan and placing a bet again. His family was completely unaware of his lifestyle because he was studying in Mombasa while the family was in Kisumu.
His mother went into early retirement due to sickness and she wanted Marto to help her in securing her NSSF pension which was to be used in their school fees and her treatment. Marto got all the documents and agreed to help his mother. At the NSSF offices, it was established that Marto's mum had saved 950K and the money was transferred to her account.
Since Marto had the ATM and knew his mum's pin, he was supposed to withdraw 27K for his fees and 10K for upkeep and leave the rest to his mother.
Unfortunately, the money landed in his mum's account on a Friday, this meant that he removed more for the weekend. He was also quick in paying his debts and placing several bets. His life involved swapping and withdrawing. His friends saw the sudden change in lifestyle and everyone wanted to be in his company.
His mother knew she activated the message service from the bank, so she thought the money hadn't landed in the account because she didn't receive any message. Whenever she asked Marto, Marto would lie that NSSF was still processing the payments.
Marto was introduced to casinos by a friend who told him that he would reap bigger than depending on football since there were days that didn't have any worthy match. Since Marto had spent close to 300K, he saw this as the perfect option of replacing that cash. He started visiting casinos and betting on good money, nothing less than 50K on those games. He would win and lose in equal measure. Winning meant he developed a bigger appetite to gain more, losing meant he had to bet again to replace the cash.
The mother was getting worse by the day and Marto was now close to zero. He started evading his mum's and siblings calls because he was running out of lies. Evading the calls was already an indication to his mum that something was amiss.
His mama decided to visit the NSSF offices to claim her payments since it was over two months since her son visited them and claimed they were taking him in circles. At this time, his siblings were out of school due to fees and his mama needed to undergo surgery on her stomach. By bad or good luck, she was informed that the money was disbursed.
Efforts of looking for Marto to give her the money back proved futile because Marto switched off his phone and deactivated his social media accounts. His mother visited the college to inquire the hostel where Marto was living only to be told that Marto had rented outside the campus so they didn't know his house. Badly broken, his mother left for the village with nothing. While at the village, Marto's sibling noticed that someone had blocked messages from the bank on Mama's phone. Everyone guessed Marto must have done that way earlier when mama was still thinking of accessing her pension.
Marto switched on his sim card after some months only to find nasty messages from his siblings and relatives accusing him of killing his mother. Apparently, his mother couldn't raise money quickly for the operation so she succumbed. At that point, Marto was also swimming in debts and the news of his mother's demise pushed him to end his life.

07/02/2025

How Alcohol and Drug Treatment Works: From Admission to Recovery
Recovering from drug addiction is not just about quitting substances; it’s about healing the mind, body, and soul. Rehabilitation provides a structured and supportive environment where individuals can break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. But how does rehab actually work? Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens from admission to discharge.
________________________________________
1️⃣ Admission & Assessment 🏥
The first step in rehab is admission and assessment. This involves:
✅ A medical and psychological evaluation to understand the severity of addiction.
✅ Identifying any co-occurring mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety).
✅ Developing a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's needs.
Some people enter rehab voluntarily, while others are encouraged by family, friends, or even court orders. Regardless of how one arrives, admission marks the beginning of a life-changing journey.
________________________________________
2️⃣ Detoxification (Detox) 🧪
Detox is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. This is often the hardest step because withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Depending on the substance, withdrawal can include:
⚠️ Tremors, sweating, nausea, and headaches.
⚠️ Anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
⚠️ In severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
To ensure safety, detox is often medically supervised in rehab. Doctors may provide medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Detox alone is not enough for recovery—it’s just the first step.
________________________________________
3️⃣ Therapy & Counseling 🧠💬
After detox, the real work begins—understanding and healing from addiction. Rehab includes different types of therapy to address the root causes of substance abuse.
🔹 Individual Therapy (One-on-One Counseling)
This is where a person meets with a therapist to:
✔️ Identify the emotional and psychological reasons behind their addiction.
✔️ Learn coping skills to deal with cravings and triggers.
✔️ Set personal recovery goals and work on self-improvement.
Common therapies include:
🧩 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
🧩 Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Encourages self-motivation for change.
🔹 Group Therapy 🤝
Addiction can feel isolating, but group therapy helps individuals realize they are not alone. In a group setting, people:
✔️ Share their experiences and struggles.
✔️ Support and learn from one another.
✔️ Build a sense of accountability and belonging.
Hearing other people’s recovery journeys can be incredibly inspiring.
🔹 Family Therapy 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it affects the entire family. Family therapy helps rebuild trust and repair damaged relationships. This includes:
✔️ Educating family members about addiction and recovery.
✔️ Teaching healthy communication and boundary-setting.
✔️ Helping families heal from past conflicts and move forward together.
________________________________________
4️⃣ Life Skills & Relapse Prevention 🛠️
Rehab isn’t just about quitting drugs; it’s about preparing for life after rehab. This involves:
✔️ Learning healthy coping strategies.
✔️ Managing stress and emotions without substances.
✔️ Developing skills for employment, budgeting, and self-care.
✔️ Creating a relapse prevention plan to handle cravings and high-risk situations.
Some rehab centers also offer spiritual counseling, meditation, or fitness programs to help people develop a balanced lifestyle.
________________________________________
5️⃣ Aftercare & Discharge 🏡
Recovery doesn’t end when a person leaves rehab—it’s a lifelong journey. Before discharge, the rehab team creates an aftercare plan that includes:
✔️ Continued counseling (outpatient therapy).
✔️ Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
✔️ Sober living arrangements if needed.
✔️ Regular check-ins and mentorship programs.
The goal of aftercare is to help individuals transition back into society while staying sober.
________________________________________
🌱 Recovery is Possible!
Rehabilitation is not easy, but it works. With the right support, therapy, and commitment, anyone can overcome addiction and rebuild their life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait—seek help today.

06/02/2025

Alcohol Addiction Kept Me Moving… But Going Nowhere 🍻🚶‍♂️
There was a time in my life when alcohol controlled every decision I made. I remember getting my salary—KSh 8,000—and instead of it bringing me peace, it made me restless. That money wasn’t for rent, food, or savings. In my addicted mind, it was fuel for the next drinking spree.
That weekend, I couldn’t sit still. Alcohol had me on the move, chasing the next high, the next bar, the next drink. From Nakuru to Nairobi to Nyeri, I wandered aimlessly, spending money I didn’t know I have on me a habit that was slowly destroying me. I wasn’t traveling for fun—I was running. Running from my thoughts, my pain, and the reality that my life was spiraling out of control.
But no matter where I went, the same story played out. Wake up broke, filled with regret, swearing I’d stop… only to start again. That’s the cycle of addiction—it doesn’t care where you are; it follows you until you decide to break free.
I share this story not to glorify my past but to show that addiction is real, and it can take you places you never intended to go. But the good news? You can take back control. I did, and so can you.
If alcohol is making you restless, keeping you on the move but going nowhere, it’s time to stop running and start healing. Help is out there, and recovery is possible.
💬 Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of addiction? Share your story or message me privately—I’m here to listen.

06/02/2025

Why Is Gambling So Addictive and Hard to Quit? 🎰
Gambling isn’t just about winning or losing money—it’s a powerful addiction that can take complete control of your life. Many people wonder, “Why is gambling so hard to stop?” The answer lies in how it affects the brain, emotions, and decision-making.
🔹 The Brain’s Reward System
When you gamble, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that creates excitement and pleasure. The rush of winning (or even just the anticipation) can be as addictive as drugs or alcohol. Over time, the brain craves that rush, making you chase the feeling—even when you’re losing.
🔹 The Illusion of Control
Gamblers often believe they can “figure out” the system or develop strategies to win. But in reality, the odds are always against you. The house always wins in the long run, yet the brain tricks you into thinking “one more bet” could be the big win that changes everything.
🔹 Near Misses & Chasing Losses
Casinos and betting sites use psychological tricks to keep you hooked. Even when you lose, a “near win” can make you feel like you're so close to winning, encouraging you to keep playing. Before you know it, you’re chasing your losses, convinced that if you just keep going, you'll win back what you lost.
🔹 Escaping Reality
For many, gambling becomes an emotional escape—whether it’s stress, boredom, depression, or financial struggles. The temporary excitement of a bet can make real-life problems seem distant. But in the end, gambling only makes things worse and creates a vicious cycle of loss and regret.
💡 Why Is It So Hard to Quit?
✅ Denial – Many gamblers don’t realize the depth of their addiction until they’ve lost everything.
✅ Financial Traps – The hope of winning back lost money keeps people gambling longer.
✅ Emotional Attachment – The highs and lows create an emotional rollercoaster that’s hard to step off.
✅ Easy Access – Online betting and mobile apps make it easier than ever to gamble anytime, anywhere.
🔴 Breaking Free from Gambling Addiction
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. The first step is admitting there’s a problem. Seek support, talk to someone, and remember: you can take control of your life again. Gambling doesn’t have to define your future.
By Harrison Irungu
Counselling Psychologist and Addiction Counselor
💬 Have you or someone you know struggled with gambling? Share your thoughts below—let’s break the stigma together!

30/05/2024

Best statement to describe addiction..
Sylvia, a lawyer for a large firm, who played video poker for several hours a night, phrased this well when she said, “Imagine resisting the hardest thing, like laughing when you are tickled, or worse, maybe sneezing when you need to. My compulsion to gamble was worse than that. It was a behavior that I just couldn’t resist.

30/05/2024

I once a bet of Ksh 224,000, but as insanity of betting, always a predictable outcome, I still lost that amount to betting, I only bought live chicken worth Ksh 1,000. We have no notable government anti-gambling organization as NACADA is against drugs of course for obvious reasons. I always tell my clients in gambling battle you are alone. No one recognizes the emotional damage and the ever rising anxieties. A simple way to know whether you are battling gambling addiction
1. Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
2. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
3. Has repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
4. is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
5. Gambles to escape problems or relieve a dysphoric mood (e.g., helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
6. After gambling loss, often returns to “get even” (i.e., “chasing” one’s losses)
7. Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of gambling involvement
8. Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
9. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of gambling
10. Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

28/05/2024

Muguka is a plant grown commonly in the horn of Africa. The leaves of khat are chewed by the people for its stimulant action. Its young buds and tender leaves are chewed to attain a state of euphoria and stimulation. Khat is an evergreen shrub, which is cultivated as a bush or small tree. The leaves have an aromatic odor. The taste is astringent and slightly sweet. The plant is seedless and hardy, growing in a variety of climates and soils. Many different compounds are found in khat including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The phenylalkylamines and the cathedulins are the major alkaloids which are structurally related to amphetamine.
The vast majority of those ingesting khat do so by chewing. Only a small number ingest it by making a drink from dried leaves, or even more rarely, by smoking dried leaves. The chewer fills his or her mouth with leaves and stalks, and then chews slowly and intermittently to release the active components in the juice, which is then swallowed with saliva. The plant material is chewed into a ball, which is kept for a while in the cheek, causing a characteristic bulge. After about 2 hours, tension, emotional instability and irritability begin to appear, later leading to feelings of low mood and sluggishness. Chewers tend to leave the session feeling depleted. Khat contains many different compounds and therefore khat chewing may have many different effects. The major effects include those on the gastro-intestinal system and on the nervous system. Constipation, urine retention and acute cardiovascular effects may be regarded as autonomic (peripheral) nervous system effects; increased alertness, dependence, tolerance and psychiatric symptoms as effects on the central nervous system. As cathinone, and to a lesser extent cathine, are held responsible for the effects of khat on the nervous system, the effects of the many other constituents of the khat plant are frequently overlooked. As a consequence, much research has been focused on the pharmacological effects of cathinone and cathine, and much less on the other constituents of khat.

19/03/2024

12/03/2024

How to correct a child’s behaviour
1. Avoid apologizing for disappointments
"I'm sorry" has its place in family life—when you lose your temper, for example, or accidentally throw away your child's precious artwork—but there's no need to be remorseful about not being able to buy your child a shiny new toy or beloved pair of brand-name boots. It's beneficial to empathize with their disappointment, since doing so shows that you respect her feelings, just don't harp on what caused it. Say something like "I know you're sad that we can't get those boots, but it's not in the budget." Helping a child accept that they won't get everything they wants is an important life lesson," notes Karen Ruskin, PsyD, a family therapist in Sharon, Massachusetts.
2. Manage tantrums
No parent likes listening to a tantrum, whether it's from a child who refuses to leave a playdate or an 8-year-old who slams their door over your refusal to buy a cell phone. But giving in is far worse. The main reason a kid will continue to have tantrums is that they're successful. Don't engage in the behavior and it will stop... eventually. If you're home, simply ignore it as long as your child is not in danger of hurting themself or others, suggests Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time.... While you need to keep an eye on your tantruming child in a public place, giving the behavior too much attention virtually guarantees a repeat performance. Instead, calmly take your child to the car where they can finish. When kids realize that you won't be manipulated when they make a scene, they're less likely to try that tactic in the future.
3. Teach your kids the lost art of patience
Spoiled kids feel entitled not only to get the things they want but to get them immediately. We live in a touch-screen world of instant gratification. You can reach someone via text in seconds. These technologies cause kids to develop unrealistic expectations about getting what they want when they want it, says Dr. Ruskin. And since many requests—for cakes, biscuits, sweets, and more—offer easy ways to bring a smile to their face, we tend to say yes more often than we should. But doing so won't help your child learn to be patient. Refusing or at least holding off on indulgences will help your child develop self-discipline and allow them to place a higher value on the things they receive. It's critical to teach your kids restraint by example as well. Look for opportunities for them to see you waiting for the things you want. If you see a pair of jeans at the mall that you decide not to buy, for instance, let your child know why. Say, "They fit well, but my old jeans still look good" or "I'll wait until they go on sale or I have money.
4. Give encouragement instead of gifts
"A child who receives compensation for every little accomplishment will start to lose their natural drive to excel at things," says McCready. By contrast, specific praise ("You've worked hard on your passing, and it paid off in today's match") will stick with your child a lot longer and boost their motivation. It is great for their self-esteem. That said, there's nothing wrong with acknowledging your child's achievement, whether it's for a great effort in building a block tower or a positive report card, as long as you label your treat a celebration rather than a reward. Letting them pick their favorite place for dinner won't spoil them. Promise.
When challenging issues arise in the family, remember seeking counselling services of a family therapist may help you resolve matters easily so that you can maintain unity within the family. When such issues arise remember we are only a call away
Harrison Mwaura Counseling psychologist and Addiction Counselor
0724149965

07/03/2024

Cure to gambling
 Gamblers Anonymous
The most popular treatment program is GA, a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). GA is a self-supporting fellowship group founded in September 1957 in Los Angeles, California. GA adopts the twelve steps and other features of AA, including sharing one’s experiences with addiction with the group
 Therapy and Counseling
Many psychologists, therapists, and counselors specialize in addiction issues and can assist gambling addicts with psychological issues related to their addiction
 Medication
Because gambling addiction is similar to substance addiction, medications can be effective in reducing an addict’s urges to gamble.
 A Combination Approach
Many experts believe that the best treatment programs combine therapy, medication, and attendance in a 12-step program
Most experts agree that the key to recovering from gambling addiction is to seek help as early as possible. Some gambling addicts are able to educate themselves about their addiction and beat it on their own, but others need the help of a 12-step program or an addiction specialist. Regardless of the treatment method chosen, gambling addicts should not be discouraged if they relapse. I know many people who have been abstinent for decades, for whom it took six, seven, eight times before they got it right.
Harrison is a certified addiction counsellor registered by the counselling and psychologist board of Kenya
0724149965

07/03/2024

Cure to gambling
Gamblers Anonymous
The most popular treatment program is GA, a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). GA is a self-supporting fellowship group founded in September 1957 in Los Angeles, California. GA adopts the twelve steps and other features of AA, including sharing one’s experiences with addiction with the group
Therapy and Counseling
Many psychologists, therapists, and counselors specialize in addiction issues and can assist gambling addicts with psychological issues related to their addiction
Medication
Because gambling addiction is similar to substance addiction, medications can be effective in reducing an addict’s urges to gamble.
A Combination Approach
Many experts believe that the best treatment programs combine therapy, medication, and attendance in a 12-step program
Most experts agree that the key to recovering from gambling addiction is to seek help as early as possible. Some gambling addicts are able to educate themselves about their addiction and beat it on their own, but others need the help of a 12-step program or an addiction specialist. Regardless of the treatment method chosen, gambling addicts should not be discouraged if they relapse. I know many people who have been abstinent for decades, for whom it took six, seven, eight times before they got it right.
Harrison is a certified addiction counsellor registered by the counselling and psychologist board of Kenya
0724149965