Honour a Life - June 30 Alumni Day

Twice a year The Orchard puts together a very moving ceremony entitled 'Honour a Life' where clients, alumni and staff take a moment to honor the lives of those we have lost through the disease of addiction. Please join us for this special ceremony during Alumni Day on Thursday, June 30th, 2011.

Celebration of Success - August 25 Alumni Day

On Thursday August 25th, 2011 at 12:30 pm, the Orchard invites all Alumni to our second annual Celebration of Success! Come be part of the fun, food and fellowship. There will be a BBQ lunch, upbeat music, outrageous games and tons of hilarity. "We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness", is one of the AA promises. Recovery is freedom. Recovery is fun... and if you are not having fun, you are not doing it right! There is a lot to celebrate when we walk free from addiction. Bring back good, positive and funny memories. Your story is a powerful tool to inspire and engage, as well as a great opportunity to enlighten the lives of others. One year plaque recipients for May and June 2011: Mimi K, Jesse M, Peter M, Lindsay S, Scott L, Jackie L, Ali G, Tina M., and Trevor L- 5 years

Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is a program integrating mindfulness meditation practices with traditional cognitive behavioral relapse prevention skills. It is intended for individuals who have completed initial treatment for substance use disorders, helping them to foster a sustainable lifestyle in recovery. The Orchard counselors are being trained as facilitators and we will soon be offering it as part of our programming.

The Orchard Outpatient Program

The first months of recovery are filled with changes and unfamiliar emotions. Although early recovery is challenging, you do not have to face these changes alone. Our Outpatient Program provides the support necessary for a successful transition from residential treatment to sober everyday living. Those who attend our drug rehab program will develop tools needed for recovery maintenance, establish realistic goals for their future, and gain coping skills to deal with the stress of every day life. Treatment for addiction is just the beginning. Long-term recovery requires a lifetime commitment to healthy decision-making and actions. Give yourself some help along the way. What is the Outpatient Program? Two intensive days programming per week Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 - 4:30pm Recovery maintenance education & group therapy Professional and peer support Who can attend? Orchard alumni who have completed our 42-day program Clients who have completed a similar length program at an Orchard-approved treatment facility Location All sessions take place at our West Vancouver office Suite 300 - 545 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver Cost Included in the fees for Orchard Extended Care clients. $1000 per month plus HST for other Orchard Alumni. $1500 per month plus HST for qualifying referred clients. Minimum commitment is one month. The Orchard's Continuing Care is facilitated by Barb Metcalfe (BSc), Susie Newman, and John Foy - counsellors who also facilitate the Orchard's Primary Care program

Writing a Letter to God

When we used to drink and/or use, we did so to get out of ourselves. It might have been because of stress, to stop all of our whirling thoughts, or to not feel the pain we were going through. Writing a letter to God can be a new, healthier way to escape ourselves and to deal with whatever we are currently struggling with. Getting our feelings and grievances out and onto paper is much like a counseling session, but more personal - it is a conversation between ourselves and whatever it is we choose to think of as our Higher Power. We may simply ask God (or "Higher Power") to take away our difficulties just for a few hours, and leave ourselves the option to pick it up again if it's something we know that we can't let go of or are not yet ready to move on from. Whereas "praying is asking and meditation is listening", writing a letter to God is telling - telling the Universe and ourselves exactly what it is that is eating away at our souls so that we may move on from it and move towards acceptance. It may feel awkward at first, but if we can try new things without judging ourselves we can find a way of life that works. -Luke Winckler

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction are Family Diseases

Addiction and alcoholism are not just a matter of curing the addict or alcoholic, the family also needs to acknowledge their pain and get help.

As Al-Anon states, families and friends are relieved and surprised when they learn they didn't cause the alcoholism, they can't cure it and they can't control it.

The family with an alcoholic or substance abuser becomes dysfunctional and falls into chaos and crisis. It is no longer a healthy vibrant system. As the substance abuse progresses the family also becomes unwell: socially, financially, mentally, emotionally and even physically - with poor health resulting from various stress-related issues.

Spiritually there is a loss of hope and an end to contentment. Family members are unable to separate the illness from the person they love, so there is conflict between loving the substance abuser and holding them in contempt. An environment of trust, courtesy, respect, love and kindness is replaced with one of suspicion, fear, betrayal, depression and resentment.

Co-dependency develops as a response to the chaotic conditions in the family of the alcoholic/drug addict and produces unhealthy patterns of relating and behavior. Often co-dependents develop compulsions of their own and a loss of control very similar to that of the substance abuser.

Dysfunctional emotions, thinking and reactions between family members and the alcoholic or drug addict begin as coping mechanisms to help the family survive as they start experiencing deep emotional pain, but these soon become self-defeating. Co-dependency patterns may include controlling, perfectionism, repression of emotions, oppressive rules, a lack of true intimacy, and behavioral addictions, such as overworking, overspending, overeating, religiosity, etc.

Families with members suffering drug addiction or alcoholism also have patterns of denial. They fail to acknowledge the extent or progression of the problem. Types of denial include anger, blame, minimizing the problem, excuses, evasion and deflection. Denial blinds the alcoholic or substance abuser and their family from recognizing the truth.

Enabling is a common response to addiction that takes many forms. It allows the alcoholic or drug addict to avoid the consequences of his or her substance abuse and behavior. The enabler is a friend or family member who tries to help the alcoholic or drug addict and who will lie for and rescue the substance abuser or alcoholic from various calamities. While the enabler may think he or she is helping the person with an addiction the opposite is true. Enablers allow the disease of addiction to progress to more acute levels.

I believe the client's recovery is contingent on their family's recovery. That's why treatment should include educational and family group therapy sessions. In this safe environment both the addict/alcoholic and the family can be given an opportunity to begin the healing of the sometimes catastrophic consequences of their substance abuse.

Self-care and the care of other family members must become the priority. Don't allow the family life to be overshadowed by the negativity of addiction. Alcoholism and drug addiction can cause isolation, guilt and shame. By breaking the cycle of silence and denial both the addict or alcoholic and their loved ones can begin to understand, release shame and process bottled-up feelings. They learn that everyone is responsible - no one is to blame.

Family members need to realize that they need help regardless of the addict's or alcoholic's commitment to recovery. They can begin by focusing on their own pain, learning about the disease and detaching from the alcoholic or drug addict with love.

I am constantly amazed by the reconciliation and healing that families experience when they reach out for help.

Sharon Jackson

How To Get Help for Drug Addiction/Alcoholism

Whether you are asking "how can I get help for my drug addiction?", "how do I get help for my husband/wife's alcoholism?" or "how do I tell my friend he needs help?", The Orchard can assist you. The Orchard is a private residential drug rehab and alcohol addiction treatment center located on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada. If drug use or alcoholism is wrecking your life - whether it is your own addiction or the addiction of a loved one - we at The Orchard are willing to provide guidance and compassion.

If it is you yourself that is seeking help, ask yourself "is my life unmanageable"? Can I do this on my own? You are the only person who can truly help yourself. If you need help, there are many resources available to you, including residential treatment at The Orchard. We are here to help.

If it is a family member or friend that you are attempting to assist with a chemical dependency, there are a few important things you can do. Educate yourself about addiction by researching the subject and reading literature to gain a better understanding of the addiction process and how it impacts the psychological, physical and spiritual aspects of the afflicted person. Do not nag or make threats, but be firm. By enabling an addict or alcoholic, you may be stopping them from realizing the truth about their problem. Support yourself by associating with others that can identify with your situation. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are groups designed to help those who may not themselves be chemically dependent but have a family member, spouse or friend that is an alcoholic/alcoholic. Learn to say "no" and set boundaries. You may need to hurt an addict or alcoholic's feelings in order to save their life.

If you feel that an intervention may be required for your family member, spouse or friend, contact a professional interventionist. They will provide a proven and effective structure to the intervention process that will result in a proper communication model.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can destroy lives. If you are looking for a treatment center near West Vancouver / North Vancouver (the North Shore), Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and New Westminster, The Orchard is both local and private, situated just off the coast of Vancouver. Our staff of counselors, addictionoligists and recovered addicts/alcoholics provide traditional and holistic treatment for addiction through a program centered around the 12 Steps. 12 Step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous have saved millions of lives through the reeducation of behavioural, spiritual and emotional coping skills. Much of The Orchard's staff is composed of recovered alcoholics and addicts which allows for a personal connection with our clients.

If you are looking for a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation center to help with your drug addiction and/or alcoholism or the substance abuse problems of your spouse or family member, The Orchard can help save your life or the life of the one you love.

Contact The Orchard at 1-866-233-2299 (phone) or info3@orchardrecovery.com (e-mail) for more information about drug addiction and alcoholism, to get more information about our program or to book a bed.

Daryl Samson

OxyContin

The Orchard has noticed a recent influx of patients seeking rehabilitation from OxyContin addiction, and find that our society is generally unaware of the drug and its potential for addiction. OxyContin, a narcotic produced by Purdue Pharma, is the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride. OxyContin was initially made for cancer patients, but is now more commonly prescribed for pain relief (especially neck and back injuries). In recent years OxyContin has become a common drug of abuse used in higher-than-prescribed doses and sold illicitly for non-medicinal purposes. OxyContin is an opiate with effects and addictive properties similar to heroin, though its legality and cultural status may cause people to not see the two drugs as similar. Unlike aspirin or acetaminophen, which have limits to their effectiveness - a "threshold" - OxyContin has a "the more the better" effect that makes it more attractive to its users than a regular analgesic. This leads to abuse as high doses can provide a sense of euphoria. OxyContin works by stimulating opioid receptors in the CNS. Prescribed use calls for ingestion with a glass of water, but OxyContin can be abused through chewing, snorting or injection to produce an instant high instead of the usual extended release. In 2010, Purdue began producing OxyContin designed to prevent grinding, but old pills continue to circulate through the underground economy. As with other drugs, the body builds tolerance to OxyContin and abusers need to increase their doses over time to keep up the drug's effect. Overdoses can be fatal and its withdrawal symptoms are comparable to withdrawal from heroin. Its availability and less-taboo nature make OxyContin attractive to youth engaging in recreational drug use. OxyContin users may later turn to heroin as it is a cheaper alternative with a similar chemical composition - some addicts may pay up to a dollar per mg (i.e $80 for one 80mg pill). OxyContin can often be given out too frequently by physicians, especially when patients "double doctor" to receive multiple prescriptions. Signs of OxyContin use can be lethargy, small pupils, constipation, and appearing "spacy"/disoriented. If you or someone you know needs help with withdrawal/detox from oxycodone you should seek the help of a qualified addictions Doctor. The Orchard Recovery Center's addictionoligists can provide several options to help you/your loved one through this process in a safe, comfortable setting. -Luke Winckler

Big Book Passage of the Month

"Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation -- some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes." -Page 417 (449 in earlier editions)

Random Act of Kindness of the Month

Give a barista at a coffee shop five dollars. Ask her or him to tell the next customer who comes in and buys something worth $5 or less that "it's on a stranger" and to put the change in the tip jar. Make sure that they don't identify you - the idea is not to focus on yourself or to get recognition or thanks. Sit at a nearby table to a) make sure the barista doesn't keep the money and b) to see the person's reaction. If you want self-esteem, do estimable things!