Find Meetings in BC
One of our top types of calls in people looking for meetings. It appears that online searches for peer support groups is challenging for many of those in need, especially in BC. We hope to help ease future searches for meetings and peer support with this blog. Here is a link to all peer support groups in BC: http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/British-Columbia-NA-AA-Narcotic-Anonymous-Alcoholic-Anonymous-Meeting.html#mutual There are a variety of different peer support groups on the webpage such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, secular support groups such as LifeRing and Smart Recovery, and family support groups like Al-Anon and Co-Dependents Anonymous. This is the contact information for AA meetings in all of BC: Alcoholics Anonymous (BC Yukon Area 79) PO Box 42114 Vancouver, BC V5S 4R5 Phone: (604) 435-2181 E-mail: info@bcyukonaa.org Website: www.bcyukonaa.org On the BC Yukon area 79 website, you can search for meetings nearby or all over BC, by clicking on different areas of the map. If you need assistance finding other recovery resources, contact us by emailor...
OxyNEO Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is being seen more and more among all ages and demographics. Painkillers, or Opioids, like Oxycodone and Methadone are some of the most commonly misused prescriptions. These medications can become very addictive if not effectively monitored by both patient and physician. In the last few years, Canada has seen many changes to the popular painkiller, Oxycontin. Manufacturers changed Oxycontin’s formula shortly before their patent on the painkiller expired (which would allow generic copies to be produced). While Oxycontin was originally developed as a slow-release painkiller, it was quickly learned that snorting or injected it allowed users to experience the drug’s entire effect all at once. Oxycontin’s New Identity This change in formula made Oxycontin (renamed OxyNEO) harder to abuse. When a person tries to alter OxyNEO for snorting or injection, it forms into a gel and becomes too gummy for such purposes. This change has garnered both support and criticism. Advocates believe OxyNEO lowers levels of abuse and addiction in addition to reducing the risk of fatal respiratory relapse. Others believed it only translates into different problems elsewhere. Outcomes of OxyNEO One of the problems noticed shortly after OxyNEO’s debut was a spike in heroin use. With the inability to use OxyNEO in the same ways as its predecessor, many people turned to the next closest substance – heroin. Heroin is much cheaper and easier to access than prescription opioids. But because illicit substances like heroin are not regulated, users do not know how much heroin they’re ingested or if there are other substances cut in. The risk of overdose, serious health complications, and death are much higher among heroin users. People have also found ways to abuse OxyNEO. A quick search on google will show you how to remove the plastic coating responsible for creating its gummy consistency. Approaching Substance Use Differently Simply removing or changing a substance does not counteract substance abuse or addiction issues within a community. People struggling with substance dependency will find other ways to stimulate their experiences while using substances. Not only is the adoption of substances like Heroin more dangerous, but heroin’s withdrawal symptoms can also be life-threatening. It’s difficult to know what stance you should take on issues like this, especially when authorities are so divided on solutions for people with mental health and addictions. Who do you believe? How do you know who is right and wrong? The truth is you can’t be black-and-white about it. There were likely some people who went into recovery after Oxycontin was taken off the market, meaning that the change worked for some. Additionally, not everyone prescribed Oxycontin in the past developed a dependency to it or the other painkillers than have been around for years. For this reason, unique, individualized approaches to opioid addictions are more effective than simply wiping something off the shelf (alcohol prohibition in the United States is a good example of this). The post OxyNEO Drug Abuse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Slip Vs Relapse
Families of individuals with addictions are not just an important part of treatment, but an important part of recovery (i.e. life after treatment). Relapse can be one of the biggest worries once loved ones return home from treatment, yet many can’t identify what true relapse looks like. TO complicate matters, there is no universally agreed upon definition for “relapse”. What is Relapse? While there are many definitions available, a relapse can be defined as “a return to previous levels of substance use or behaviour(s) after a period of improvement”. Generally, total relapse reflects a higher severity in the return to addictive behaviours. Many factors can influence relapse. To start, it’s not a sign or lacking willpower and control. Certain characteristics affect treatment outcomes and recovery. One study found those with higher self-efficacy, less avoidant coping styles, and a readiness to change showed better outcomes. In contrast, untreated concurrent mental health problems, multiple substance dependencies, and high impulsivity were linked to increased vulnerability for relapse. According to the same study, people experiencing mental health issues like distress, depression, and anxiety are also at higher risk for relapse. Negative emotions account for 30% of relapses and increase the chances of a ‘slip’ turning into relapse. What is a Slip? A slip is defined as “a break in abstinence” or “the act or instance of back-sliding”. A popular belief is that slips are not as detrimental as relapse. The belief is that it is different from relapse, because a slip is not a complete return to addictive behaviours. However, there are a number of people who don’t believe in slips; abstinence is “all or nothing” to them. Any consumption of substances is considered relapse. This belief doesn’t work for everyone. Behaviour & Process Addictions Adding to the confusion surrounding slips and relapse, are those with process addictions such as food, sex, video games, and internet use. For this group, it is not necessarily realistic to abstain permanently. For example, people with food or sex addiction need to develop moderate, healthy sexual or eating behaviours. Harm Reduction Definitions of relapse and slips also become confusing when the definition of recovery shifts from the traditional view of abstinence to moderate removal. For example, individuals with opioid addiction may need to taper in order to achieve long-term recovery. They may even need to use other painkillers to ease an injury or recover from surgery in the future. Recovery is not a State, it’s a Process Recovery is a learning process and a slip or relapse may be a necessary part of that individual’s learning. Individuals who slip or relapse learn more about themselves and better ways to prevent slips in the future. Relapse can also be a sign of boredom and a lack of meaning and purpose. Individuals who slip or relapse have an opportunity to look at their life and find ways to make it more meaningful. This insight can greatly improve their recovery and prevent relapse in the future. Your Role As friends and families, it’s important not to react drastically to a loved one’s slip or relapse. Our negative reactions can translate into failure in their eyes. This sense of failure can cause your loved one to believe they’re hopeless and return to old patterns. Individuals with more supportive relationships with families and friends show better treatment and recovery outcomes. The post Slip Vs Relapse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Family Support for Daughter’s Drug Use in BC
This family wanted information on how to talk to their daughter about using substances. She struggled with drugs in the past and stopped using on her own, but they suspect she is using again. They want to know how to provide safe environment so they talk to her about recovery in non-threatening way. We suggested the following options/steps: Set up couple/family therapy sessions to help Contact the mental and addictions office to see if they have any services for affected loved ones Attend traditional meetings groups like al-anon and narcanon Find tips in our family resources Find tips in our enabling and boundaries page We told this family that once they know how to approach their daughter, they should call us back to get treatment resources for her once she chooses to seek recovery. Here is a counsellor in Maple Ridge that might be best suited for your needs: Miller, Sandy – MA, RCC Oakhill Counselling and Mediation Services 200-11830-223 Street, Maple Ridge Phone: (604) 607-1035 Note: Sandy has over 20 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families on issues such as trauma/abuse, addictions, grief, gender identity issues, and health issues. MENTAL HEALTH and ADDICTION OFFICE Here is your local mental health and addiction office. I would contact them to see if the can provide any support for affected family members. Alouette Addiction Services 22477 Lougheed Highway Phone: (604) 467-5179. Note: Also serves families and has support groups including a dual diagnosis support group. Hours are 8:30 to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (closed noon hour). MEETING GROUPS Al-Anon/Alateen 101-3680 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A9 Phone: (604) 688-1716 Website: www.bcyukon-al-anon.org E-mail: afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca Nar-Anon British Columbia or Nar-Anon Vancouver PO Box 38734 126 W 3rd St. Vancouver, BC V7M 3N1 Phone: (604) 878-8844 Website: www.nar-anonbcregion.org E-mail: naranonbc@shaw.ca Additional Websites: (1) Nar-Anon Vancouver (2) http://www.naranonchat.com/ (3) Online Al-Anon Outreach Here is the link to resources page for families: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-addiction-help/ There is a ton of information on this page that you can read through to find out what’s relevant for you and your situation. From the family help page I have pulled a list of printed resources for boundaries and enabling: Addictive Relationships: Reclaiming Your Boundaries (1989) Joy Miller Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life (1997) Jan Black, Greg Enns Boundaries – Where You End And I Begin: How To Recognize And Set Healthy Boundaries (1994) Anne Katherine Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self (1993) Charles Whitfield Boundaries in Marriage (1999) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries in Marriage – Participant’s Guide (2002) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries: When to say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life (1992) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (2000) Anne...
Al-Anon & Family Support Resources in Interior BC
Molly*, who lives in Nelson, has a brother, living in Golden, who is addicted to alcohol. Molly is looking for Al-Anon meetings and other support resources. She also wanted to know of similar resources in Golden for her parents. This link will take you to helpful information about family/friends and treatment and recovery for addicted loved ones: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family–addiction-help.html This is a list of printed resources on boundaries and enabling in families with addiction: Addictive Relationships: Reclaiming Your Boundaries (1989) Joy Miller Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life (1997) Jan Black, Greg Enns Boundaries – Where You End And I Begin: How To Recognize And Set Healthy Boundaries (1994) Anne Katherine Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self (1993) Charles Whitfield Boundaries in Marriage (1999) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries in Marriage – Participant’s Guide (2002) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries: When to say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life (1992) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (2000) Anne Katherine Al-Anon/Alateen Phone: (604) 688-1716 Website: www.bcyukon-al-anon.org E-mail: afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca Note: Go to the Kelowna section for the BC Interior Office. NELSON Nelson Al-anon: http://www.bcyukon-al-anon.org/~bcyukon-al-anon/pdf/DISTRICT22.pdf (There are two meetings in Nelson on this list) For adults with addiction or concurrent mental health/addiction issues, contact: Nelson Mental Health & Addiction Services 2nd Floor – 333 Victoria Street Phone: (250) 505-7248 Note: Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed during noon hour). GOLDEN For adults with addiction issues contact: Golden Family Center (GFC) 421 9 Avenue North Phone: (250) 344-2000 Offers services for substance-affected family members, screening and assessment, and family of origin work for adult children of alcoholics and relationships. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00 PM (closed noon hour). OR For adults with mental health or concurrent mental health/addiction issues contact: Golden Mental Health 907 9th Avenue South Phone: (250) 344-7555 Hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30 pm (closed during noon hour). Al-anon: http://www.bcyukon-al-anon.org/~bcyukon-al-anon/pdf/DISTRICT23.pdf (One meeting listed in Golden) RESIDENTIAL If Molly’s brother wished to attend treatment, this is the public treatment program for the region: Bridgeway – Intensive Residential treatment 760 Hwy 33 W. Kelowna, BC V1X 6A9 Phone: (250) 763-0456 ext. 402 Fax: (250) 868-7791 E-Mail: info@thebridgeservices.ca Website: www.thebridgeservices.ca/intensive-residential-treatment This is a link to all BC residential programs (public, private, and charitable): http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/BC/British-Columbia-Residential-Alcohol-Drug-Rehab-Programs.html#adult DETOX Most public treatment centres require some length of sobriety prior to admission. Below is the medically supervised withdrawal unit for the Kootenay area that helps individuals detox: Phoenix Centre 922 3rd Avenue Kamloops, BC V2C 6W5 Phone: (250) 374-4634 Text: (250) 320-0341 (m-f 9am-3:30pm) Toll-Free: 1(877) 318-1177 Fax: (250) 374-4621 Website: www.phoenixcentre.org email:...
