The Far-Reaching Impact of California Fires on Increased Substance Use In recent weeks, the world has watched in horror as California has been ravaged by some of the most devastating wildfires in history. These fires, fueled by climate change and other factors, have not only caused immense destruction within the state but have also sent shockwaves far beyond its borders. One of the most profound ripple effects is felt in Canada, particularly in communities like Fort McMurray and Jasper, which … [Read more...] about When The Smoke Clears
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The Top 10 Reasons to Stop Enabling the Addict You Love
Addiction can take many forms, from mind-altering substances to mood-altering behaviours, and almost everyone on the planet today is either affected by addiction—their own or someone else’s—or they know someone who is. For an addict to have a chance to recover, changes need to happen with their loved ones first. Until a friend or family member changes what they’re doing, it’s unlikely that the addict in their lives will. Loved ones need to let their addicts know that they will not support them … [Read more...] about The Top 10 Reasons to Stop Enabling the Addict You Love
How can we educate young people to understand that even experimenting with pot can be a slippery slope?
Mike asks: How can we educate young people to understand that even experimenting with pot can be a slippery slope, particularly when the family doctor has said it's harmless if they only smoke pot occasionally? Hi Mike, This makes me crazy. When I was first diagnosed with Crohn's all those years ago, my doctors didn't know what to do for me, and addiction wasn't on the radar—so today I cut them a little slack. They didn't know what they were unleashing upon me. But they know now. Doctors know … [Read more...] about How can we educate young people to understand that even experimenting with pot can be a slippery slope?
Accepting “What Is”, Even When It’s Difficult
It is important to accept where we are when we love an addict. Self-Care is the most important goal to have – it will help you and it will become better role-modelling for the addict you love. Increasing your Self-Care is truly the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone around you – a true win-win! … [Read more...] about Accepting “What Is”, Even When It’s Difficult
Our Secrets Keep Us Sick
Because the loved ones of addicts often believe they are to blame for this addiction, they have a tendency to stay silent in shame. But they are not to blame, because addicts make their own choices about how to live their lives. When loved ones start to speak their truth about this, and start to have healthy boundaries, they begin to learn how to HELP their addict rather than continue to enable—and everyone can then start their journey to wellness. … [Read more...] about Our Secrets Keep Us Sick