NEWSLETTER
Drug Addiction, Alcoholism and Malnutrition
By Daryl Samson, Program Director at the Orchard Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
 | Malnutrition is common in substance abusers. In some cases the drug itself, for example, heroin, is an appetite suppressant. In other cases, such as chronic alcoholism, the malnutrition leads to Korsakoff's syndrome, a brain disease that results in amnesia, and Wernicke's encephalopathy which can lead to serious brain damage and affect the coordination of the muscles.
Proper nutrition and vitamin therapy are essential to effective substance abuse therapy. More...
|
Alumni Golf Tournament July 29th
 | If you haven't yet registered for the Orchard Alumni Golf Tournament on Thursday July 29, you better hurry up! The deadline for registration is Wednesday, July 21. Golf costs $27, club rental is $10 and a push cart costs $4. To register for golf e-mail roy@orchardrecovery.com or call the Orchard at 604-947-0420 and ask for Luke.
This is a non-competitive event where we will play "best ball" format on a nine-hole course suitable for all levels of golfers. There will be prizes, including a prize for the most outrageous golf outfit. You could be outrageous by going for the traditional look at left or you could wear whatever you think is fun to wear for this activity.
If you don't want to play golf, join us for a hike at no cost. See you on Alumni Day. |
Sunshine Coast 8th Annual Woman to Woman Retreat
 | September 17, 18 and 19 at the Salvation Army Camp Sunrise, Langdale, BC. This retreat brings together women from Al Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous to provide a safe place for sharing and to experiencing the joy of being a woman. Cost is $130. For more details or to register, phone 604-985-0101 or e-mail wtwsunshinecoast@hotmail.com
|
Comedian Craig Ferguson Talks about His Recovery
Craig Ferguson uses his show to provide insight into addiction and treatment. He has been sober for over 15 years. Click here to watch.
How and Why the 12 Steps and AA Meetings Work
 | At the Orchard we provide treatment based on the 12 Steps. We do this because the 12 Steps have been proven to be the most effective treatment for recovery. Recovery is a process, not an event. While clients begin their step work at the Orchard, they must continue it as part of their aftercare program.
A step-coach is assigned to each Orchard client to help them in their step work for a year following their treatment. The client is also encouraged to join Alcoholics Anonymous and attend meetings on a regular basis. Why such an emphasis on the 12-Steps and AA? How does it work? This question is extensively explored in a new article by Brendan I. Koerner in Wired magazine. He outlines how research into addiction, the brain, behavior, and group relationships is starting to provide more clues. More...
|
Don't be Fooled: Kombucha Tea Is an Alcoholic Beverage
 | Kombucha tea, also called Manchurian Tea, Mo-Gu or Fungo Japon, ferments in the bottle and may have up to 3% alcohol, which is similar to some beers. The US Treasury Department is considering classifying it as an alcoholic beverage for regulatory purposes. More...
Kombucha tea, which is made by combining black tea with the kombucha mushroom, is promoted as a cure-all, including a cancer treatment. The BC Cancer society warns that there is no evidence to suggest that the drink lives up to its claims. In fact, there have been reports of death from acidosis and other side effects from the tea. The beverage contains various bacteria and yeast colonies. More...
|
Ignoring Stress Leads Recovering Addicts to more Cravings
 | In An Act of Surrender Jim Stimson shares what it takes to not only abstain from drugs and alcohol, but also achieve a life of happiness, joyfulness and freedom. This book helps families to understand why their loved ones continue to destroy themselves with drugs and/or alcohol. It also helps adult children of addicts realize the extent to which they have been spiritually wounded. Author Jim Stimson spent ten years as an active drug addict and alcoholic. He has been in recovery for 37 years and has spent his entire professional career helping individuals, workplaces and communities deal with addiction and the pain it causes. More...
For more information on coping with stress click here.
|
Book Review: Mommy's gone to Treatment
 | The intended readership for this book is children aged 4 to 8. It outlines the issues children face when an addicted parent seeks help. The book includes a guide for parents on how to talk with children about addiction and treatment.
The author, Denise D. Crossen, PhD has been a nurse for 25 years, a nurse practitioner for nine years and a nurse researcher for five years. Throughout her career she has worked with children and their families. More...
|
Everyone's Favorite Summer Fruit is also good for You
 | Now that summer is here we all love to eat fresh cherries, but did you know that these delicious fruit also contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants? Normal body functions and other lifestyle habits, such as smoking, produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells. Antioxidant vitamins fight against the effect of free radicals. More...
|
"Living out your dreams can be more therapeutic than analyzing them."
Advertisement for a Hawaiian hotel
|
|
