NEWSLETTER
Alcoholism and Drug Addiction are Family Diseases
 | "Addiction is not just a matter of curing the addict, the family also needs to acknowledge their pain and get help," says Sharon Jackson, a counselor with the Orchard Recovery Centre.
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. More...
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Dr. Patrick Fay Becomes Fellow
 | Dr. Patrick Fay, physician and addictions specialist at the Orchard was made a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) at the ASAM Annual Conference in San Francisco on April 17th 2010.
Initiated in 1996, the Fellows program celebrates the exceptional contributions of the leading members in the field of addiction medicine. As a new ASAM Fellow, Dr. Fay joins a distinguished list of approximately 300 colleagues worldwide to whom ASAM and its members look for guidance and leadership in addiction medicine. |
Orchard Alumnus Enters IronMan
 | On April 25, 2006 Bruce M entered the Orchard a desperate man who for the first time in his life was willing to accept help. At the time he was a pack a day smoker, a chronic alcoholic and a heavy drug user. More importantly, he was on the verge of losing his family - his partner Leigh and their daughter Sawyer, who was almost two. Bruce is very grateful to the Orchard for the introduction to the 12 step program it provided. Today, he has been clean and sober for over 4 years and continues to work on both his physical and mental health.
On August 29th, 2010 Bruce will be competing in his first Ironman in Penticton. Bruce and his family are dedicating his Ironman Canada race to Camp Moomba, a summer camp for children living with AIDS. Make a donation. Read more about Bruce. More...
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Join Us for Alumni Day Thursday June 24
 | On the last Thursday of every month the Orchard hosts its alumni for an afternoon and dinner followed by a meeting. If you've never participated come and experience the fun and support. The afternoon is filled with fellowship. Reconnect with Orchard staff and share your experiences, strengths and hopes with other alumni. Meet alumni who have been in recovery for years and who may be able to share some useful guidance with you.
The lunch and dinner are delicious reminders of the healthy food we serve. In order to attend alumni day just show up at the Orchard at 12:30 p.m. You must have been clean and sober for 28 days to participate.
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The Orchard Makes Music Therapy Available
 | Music therapy is the use of music as a therapeutic tool to restore, maintain and improve mental, physical and emotional health. The nonverbal, creative and affective nature of music facilitates contact, self-expression, communication and growth. It is available to Orchard clients on weekends for an additional fee.
The therapy will be taught by Ruta Yawney. A professional musician, recording artist and therapist, Ruta is passionate about sharing music and providing a safe place for people to tell their stories. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from Capilano University and has been in private practice since 1995. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology.
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Meet with Friends from the Orchard
 | Recovery at the Orchard is a unique experience. Set in its beautiful and serene location on Bowen Island the Orchard was where you found freedom from drug addiction and substance abuse based on a 12 Step model. You can continue to share the experience of the Orchard and continue your 12 Step aftercare at Friends of the Orchard (FOO) meetings in West Vancouver. Let us know if you would like to start a FOO in your city. Contact sue@orchardrecovery.com
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When Stress is good for you
 | Not all stress is bad. It turns out that joyous, mirthful laughter is a good type of stress. Such laughter involves complicated brain activities leading to a positive effect on health. Norman Cousins first suggested the idea that humor and the associated laughter can benefit a person's health in the1970s. His ground-breaking work, as a layperson diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, documented his use of laughter in treating himself-with medical approval and oversight-into remission. He published his personal research results in the New England Journal of Medicine and is considered one of the original architects of mind-body medicine. More...
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Understanding Relapse and How You Can Avoid it
 | Why is drug addiction a chronic, relapsing disease? In this 10 min. video from Home Box Office, addiction experts explain that relapse is not the failure of treatment but part of the disorder. A good aftercare program, such as the Orchard alumni program, and participation in AA and NA meetings are key to avoiding relapse. More... (click on HBO.com)
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Tea is a Treat for Your Brain
 | The British had it right. Tea is good for you! Drinking tea soaks your brain in antioxidants, potentially slowing down brain decline. Dutch researchers found that tea keeps blood vessels that feed the brain healthy. More...
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"You yourself as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."
Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.
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