So now Vancouver has crack pipe vending machines—have you heard?Actually, maybe you didn’t hear. Even if you live in the Vancouver area, you may not have heard. It seems to me that this was on the news, local and nationally, for about two nights and then it was not covered anymore—and has now been virtually forgotten about.But somehow, I am unable to forget about it.According to those scanty news reports, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has approved the Portland Hotel in the Downtown Eastside to … [Read more...] about Crack Pipe Vending Machines: The New Kids on the Block
Recovery from addiction
From Fantasy to Reality on Valentine’s Day: Loving Yourself with Healthy Self-Care
Ah, Valentine's Day, the fantasy-filled holiday that comes right after we've managed to get ourselves through another year of Christmas and New Year's Eve! Have you ever wondered whose bright idea it was to have those three holidays in a row? For many people, the 3-month period of December through February can be the most difficult and depressing time of the year, and this is especially true for those whose significant relationships are problematic. For people with addictive behaviours, as well … [Read more...] about From Fantasy to Reality on Valentine’s Day: Loving Yourself with Healthy Self-Care
New Year’s Resolutions? Try Intentions Instead
In the immortal words of John Lennon, another year is over and a new one's just begun. Isn't it interesting how we, as a society, agree that this is the time to give ourselves and our lives a complete and total new makeover? We have decided that at this time of the year we will revisit the year we're leaving behind, dissecting it to see what worked for us and what didn't. And on top of that, we need to make sure that we meet all of our "resolutions" quickly and perfectly or else we have … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions? Try Intentions Instead
Even More Recovery in Vancouver: Our 2nd Annual Recovery Day is Coming Soon!
It’s hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since our last Recovery Day here in Vancouver. Some of you may remember my VO blog post about it at that time: http://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/psyched/clean-and-sober-vancouver What a great day it was! There was excitement in the air as those in recovery, as well as many of their loved ones, laughed and sang and danced together on the lawn of the Art Gallery in Downtown Vancouver. Children enjoyed the face painting and balloons that were … [Read more...] about Even More Recovery in Vancouver: Our 2nd Annual Recovery Day is Coming Soon!
About Matthew Perry
Last week I did something I rarely do anymore—I bought a People Magazine.I used to buy one faithfully, every week, pouring over it to see what was going on with the rich and beautiful who seemed to have much more interesting lives than the one I was living at the time. Even today, whenever I travel, I always allow myself to buy a People Magazine and devour it from top to bottom. Along with luscious dark chocolate, this is one of my guilty little pleasures that I don’t indulge in very often … [Read more...] about About Matthew Perry