Nov 13

Non-12 Step Programs for Recovery in Canada

There’s no doubt that participating in a support group while in recovery helps Canadians remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol. According to an article published in the Journal of Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, several studies show that engagement in a peer support group can contribute to successful long-term recovery in Canadians. Peer support groups have been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates and help to strengthen long-term recovery. When thinking of group support and...
Read More
Nov 6

Understanding Addiction and Addiction Treatment in Canada

What is Addiction? Addiction is a complex disease of the brain. It focuses on the brain’s reward system in particular. This condition manifests in compulsive behaviors, most often around consuming drugs or alcohol; however, addiction is also associated with behaviors that trigger the reward system, such as sex or gambling.  When you are addicted, you’re compulsively using a substance, or exhibiting compulsive behavior. In that sense, it’s important to recognize that addiction does...
Read More
Sep 3

September is National Recovery Month

Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Recovery Month to both celebrate those living in recovery, and to spread awareness and understanding of mental health issues and substance use disorders. Recovery Month started life as Treatment Works! Month back in 1989 which focused on the efforts of substance use treatment professionals. In 1998 it turned into National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month when the campaign expanded...
Read More
May 14

The Evolution of Addiction Models: How Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Program Thinking...

Introduction The twentieth century saw serious scientific inquiry into addiction and addictive behaviours. The two main addiction models that sprang forth from the discourse are contradictory, and new theories are bringing us closer to a middle ground. These two models were the moral model and the disease model. In response to the pervading idea of sinful addicts, the 'disease of addiction' came about which removed the burden of blame from the substance user. However as the field of addiction...
Read More
May 2

Mental Health Week: Mental Illness Treatment Programs in Canada and Community Gardens

Community Garden Programs Help Those with Mental Illness Thrive Did you know there is a branch of therapy called ecotherapy? Ecotherapy is any kind of therapy that integrates activity in nature. Horticulture therapy is a growing part of ecotherapy as “the essential components of a community garden program (growing plants, spending time with others in a safe and supportive environment, being active outdoors and bringing home healthy produce harvested from the garden) can contribute to...
Read More
Apr 18

Addiction to Remission: Recovery Terminology to Know about Drugs and Alcohol

When working on your substance use issues, you'll encounter some recovery terminology you may not know yet. A lot of the terms sound similar but have quite different meanings. Read on to learn more about what industry professionals mean when they use them, and how they apply to your journey. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is one of the resources used to compile this list of terminology. It is an authority in the world of addiction medicine, and also acknowledges that...
Read More