Recovery fall2014

FALL 2014

THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

RECOVERY CENTRE

RECOVERY www.thorperecoverycentre.org

“ I came in no longer knowing who I was. This program has helped me re-connect not only with myself, but with the one I love. I am now going home with tools that I will be able to use in my journey of recovery!”

INSIDE: • 2013 Thorpe Recovery Centre AGM • The Gender Difference • Older Adults and Substance Abuse • Thorpe...how can I help out?

• And more...

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THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

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Women & Substance Abuse

Welcome...

“...for most, booze is a loan shark, someone they trusted for a while, came to count on, before it turned

...to the first edition of RECOVERY, a new publication from Thorpe

4

ugly.”

Recovery Centre. Addiction encompasses the whole gamut of mental, spiritual and physical sides of a human being. Our themes, articles

The Gender Difference

and images are all about enriching

Women and addiction - How has treatment changed

your understanding of the disease

over the last 50 years. What are the major differences

and reinforcing the time tested roads to recovery.

6

between men and women? What are the challenges that women face?

This edition is devoted largely to women and addiction. Since 1994 the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by

Older Adult Substance Abuse

women has virtually doubled and

The proportion of older adult admissions into

now they represent about 30% of

treatment reporting heroin as the primary substance

addicted users in Canada.

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abuse has more than doubled since 2008.

Is Canada Working Toward Legalizing Marijuana?

Will the next federal election change Canadian’s

13 If you would like to receive this publication on a regular basis please contact: Pat Henry

access for recreational use?

Change a Life, Save a Life - How Can I Help?

path@thorperecoverycentre.org

There are so many ways that you can help.

RECOVERY

Thorpe Recovery Centre P.O. Box 291 Blackfoot, Alberta T0B 0L0 www.thorperecoverycentre.org

PH: 780.875.8890

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Everything from volunteering during the week to working on a special project or making a financial donation...the need is great.

In Our Next Issue: Winter 2014 •

All in the Family, Addiction a Family Disease

•

A Walk Through the Thorpe Family Program

•

TRC’s 40th Year Celebrations

FALL 2014

THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

“Welcome to the first edition of TRC’s newly revamped RECOVERY publication.”

Teressa Krueckl Executive Director Thorpe Recovery Centre

--T. Krueckl, Executive Director

RECOVERY

publication is to help provide a

quarterly and will include features

centred

conduit of information between

on staff, ways to become involved,

individuals and families through an

our most valuable assets: Society,

upcoming events, messages from

integrated continuum of care. We

Alumni,

our Alumni and educational pieces

welcome ideas and contributions

on addiction and recovery.

from those who share our mission

our

Donors,

Funders

and

Community

partners.

As

will

be

published

TRC provides innovative, client

The purpose of the RECOVERY

in

addiction

and

Publications

are

available

by

collaborative

joining our email list at http://www.

partners or financial supporters,

thorperecoverycentre.org/join-

you are all vital to the success of

our-email-list.html or you can call

Thorpe Recovery Centre.

us at 780.875.8890 and asked to be

mental

health,

services

for

and we look forward to working

ambassadors in your communities, advocates

addiction

together to achieve it.

included in our mailing list.

Thorpe Recovery Centre

39th Annual General Meeting Wednesday, Sept 24, 2014

Overcoming Addiction to Improve Lives

Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.

Turkey Dinner Meal 6:30 p.m.

Please reserve your tickets by calling Thirza at 780.875.8890 or register today on-line www.thorperecoverycentre.org

Tickets: $10.00 per person

RECOVERY CENTRE

Please join us for a look at the past year. Our year end report and financials will be presented at the meeting.

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Women and Substance Abuse A Ruinous Relationship Fueled by Chemistry

From - Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol.

By Ann Dowsett Johnston

Hang out in the brightly lit rooms of A.A., or in coffee shops, talking to dozens of women who have given up drinking and this is the conclusion you come to: for most, booze is a loan shark, someone they trusted for a while, came to count on, before it turned ugly.

Every person with a drinking problem learns this the hard way. And no matter what the circumstances certain parts of the story are the same.

Here is how the story goes.

At first, alcohol is that elegant figure standing in the corner by the bar, the handsome one in the beautiful black tuxedo.

Or maybe he’s in black leather and jeans.

It

doesn’t matter. You can’t miss him. He’s always at the party -- and he always gets there first.

Maybe you first saw him in high school. Many do. Others meet him long, long before. He finds his moments, some time when you’re wobbly or nervous, excited or scared.

You’re heading into a big party or dance all of a sudden your stomach begins to lurch. You’re overdressed, or under-

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dressed; too tall, too short; heartsick or

fact, he knows where you live. Need

You decide you’ve had enough. You

hair-in-your-mouth-anxious.

some energy?

Doesn’t

Need some sleep?

ask him to leave. He refuses. A deal

Need some nerve? Booze will lend a

is a deal he says. He wants payback

slides up with a quick hit of courage.

hand.

You start counting on him to

and he wants it now. In fact, he wants

You grab it. It feels good. It works.

get you out of every fix. Overworked,

it all: room and board, all your money,

overstressed, overwhelmed? Lonely?

your assets, your family --plus a lot of

Or maybe you’ve fallen in love. You’re

Heartsick?

love on the side. Unconditional love.

at a wedding, a dinner, a celebration.

need him most.

matter. Booze wastes no time.

He

Booze is there when you

You want this moment to last. You fear

You do the only thing you can think to

it won’t. Just as your doubts begin to

do: you kick him out, change the locks,

get the best of you, booze holds out

get an unlisted number. But on Friday

a glass, a slim stem of liquid swagger,

night, he sneaks back in, through the

pale blond, bubbly. You take a sip and

side door. You toss him out again. He’s

instantly the room begins to soften.

back the very next day.

So do you: your toes curl a little, your heart is light. All things are possible.

Now you’re scared. This is the toughest

Now, this is a sweetheart deal.

thing you’ve ever dealt with.

You

decide to try the geographical cure: This is how it begins. And for many this

you quit your job, pull up stakes,

is where it ends. Turning 21 or 25 or 30,

relocate to a new city where no one

some will walk into a crowded room,

knows you. You’ll start fresh. But within

into weddings or graduations or wakes

And when you don’t. Suddenly, you

days, booze comes calling in the

and for them he’s no longer there.

realize booze has moved in. He’s in

middle of the night. Like all loan sharks,

Totally disappeared. Or perhaps they

your kitchen. He’s in your bedroom.

he is one step ahead of you and he

never saw him in the first place. And

He’s at your dinner table, taking up two

means business.

he doesn’t seek them out. They’re not

spaces, crowding out your loved ones.

his people.

Before you know it, he starts waking

This is how it happens.

you up in the middle of the night, But you? You’ve come to count on

booting you in the gut at a quarter to

him, this guy in black.

four.

And as the

This is addiction.

You have friends over and he

years pass, he starts showing up on a

causes a scene. He starts showing you

daily basis. Booze has your back. In

who’s boss. Booze is now call the shots.

We know being a woman in addiction is very difficult.

But...we know there is HOPE! Thorpe Recovery Centre offers the environment and client centred programing necessary for women to begin their road to sobriety.

• • • •

Detox program Client assessment Residential programming with a focus both on substance abuse and co-occurring disorders like trauma and depression.

Individual and group counseling

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The Gender Difference

The way that men and women experience addiction has many similarities, but there are also many differences. Emotional, physical and social barriers often work against women getting the treatment they need.

1 How has addiction to drugs and alcohol changed for women over the last 50 years?

Sex differences in rates of substance abuse have been consistently observed in the general population and treatment seeking samples, with men exhibiting higher rates of substance use, abuse and dependence.

However,

recent epidemiological surveys conducted

Alcohol and illicit drug use among women has virtually doubled since 1994.

in Canada and elsewhere suggest that this gap is narrowing. Although rates of alcohol and illicit drug use among Canadian women have remained relatively stable over the last five years, finding from the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey, which was one of the most

By Serena Campbell-Barnes, MSc Addictions Counselor Thorpe Recovery Centre

comprehensive and detailed addiction surveys every conducted in Canada, suggest that alcohol and illicit drug use among women has virtually doubled since 1994. Although alcohol has remained the most common substance used by women, in recent years women have come to represent about 30% of illicit drug users, and are known to use prescription and non prescription drugs, including painkillers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants and diet pills at consistently higher rates than men.

In fact rates of benzodiazepine use have been consistently twice as high for women than men since the 1970’s.

2

What

are

the

greatest

physiological

differences between men and women with

Women and Addiction

regards to drug and alcohol addiction?

Overall women experience and perceive significantly more health problems related

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to substance abuse than men and

twice as likely to experience depression

substance

typically present in treatment with

as men, and eight times more likely

inter

medical, behavioural, psychological

if they are drug dependent.

These

substance use greatly shapes the lives

and social problems than men, despite

findings have significant implications

of women, as they are more likely to

having used less of the substance

for women who abuse substances,

use substances to regulate affect than

and having used the substance for a

as

males.

shorter period of time. Women tend to

have the potential to exacerbate

progress more quickly than men from

the health and social consequences

Substance dependent women often

initial use of an addictive substance

of substance abuse and negatively

grow up in troubled and abusive

to dependence.

affect treatment outcomes.

families

known

as

This phenomenon

telescoping,

has

been

co-morbid

psychiatric

disorders

users.

connections

where

The

emotional

associated

they

are

with

exposed

to drugs and alcohol early in life;

consistently observed among women

3

What are some of the challenges

and although substance abuse is

across all type of substances used,

that women face that their male

common in their families of origin,

including alcohol, opiates, depressants

counterparts do not?

female substance use initiation often

and stimulants. For example, research

occurs within the context of sexual

suggests that of men and women

Women with substance abuse have

or interpersonal relationships.

addicted to heroin, women are more

lives that are often characterized by

different than males, who are more

likely than men to become addicted

stark

few

likely to report experimentation or

to heroin within 1 month of initial

financial resources, low educational

peer-influence as the context for

exposure, escalate their use of heroin

attainment and unstable housing and

substance use initiation.

more rapidly, become addicted in

employment. They are more likely than

typically tend to use substances to

a shorter period of time, and seek

men to be the primary caregivers of

improve mood, increase confidence,

treatment earlier in the course of

children, despite being less financially

reduce tension, cope with substance

addiction.

secure and more dependent on family

users, use substances in isolation and

members and social welfare systems

use in their homes rather than in public

Moreover, lifetime rates of mood

for financial support. They often have

places. Gender differences have also

and anxiety disorders are significantly

life histories repeat with emotional,

been observed in the situations that are

higher among women than men, with

physical

violence

associated with relapse. For women,

and without substance use disorders.

increasing the probability that they

conditions connected with relapse

Women are more likely than men to

will use substances, use them earlier,

are living apart from one’s children,

report the onset of anxiety or mood

more often and in greater quantities.

being depressed, having a stressful

disorders before alcohol dependence

However, in a cruel twist, substance

marriage and using within the context

and there is some research that

use puts women at a greater risk for

of a sexual relationship, whereas for

suggests that in alcohol dependent

experiencing

men they include living along, positive

populations, females are more than

creating a vicious cycle for female

disadvantage,

and

including

sexual

further

abuse,

often

This is

Women

emotional affect and social pressure.

Despite the fact that women are more likely to complete treatment and remain abstinent once they enter treatment, women have a harder time accessing addiction treatment.

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4 Are women more vulnerable to the

that if their addiction problem is known,

address the broader social context in

effects of alcohol?

their children will be taken away from

which women exist. So for example,

them and/or they will be judged

addressing a woman’s role as a

Females are particularly vulnerable to

harshly. This is a huge barrier to women

mother, supporting her to navigate

entering treatment. Because there is a

other systems she may be involved in,

lot of stigma associated with women’s

such as child welfare, the legal system,

substance

or financial

the physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs even at substance use rates lower/or similar to males. For example, compared to men, females develop alcohol-related liver disease after shorter periods of use and are more susceptible to cardiac problems, hypertension,

osteoporosis,

breast

cancer, gastric ulcers and brain and reproductive impairments;

they are

also twice as likely to die from alcohol related problems as men. This greater vulnerability

to

the

physiological

impact of substances make females more

vulnerable

to

dependence

use.

Consequently,

support systems and of

substance dependent women report

course addressing her mental health

more feelings of guilt and shame

needs and history of abuse.

related to their substance use and their roles as parents.

This is especially important because we’ve

really

come

to

recognize

Lastly, women are less likely to be

the significant role trauma plays in

diagnosed as having an addiction.

addiction for both men and women.

When substance dependent women

Most women who enter into treatment

seek help, they are more likely to go

have experienced some sort of trauma

to their medical doctors of the mental

such as childhood physical or sexual

health system than to substance abuse

abuse, domestic violence and/or rape.

treatment programs.

In fact, approximately 30% to 60% of women who enter treatment have

substance use.

adequate attention to the addiction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

and will often leave women’s addiction

This is a two to three times higher rate

5 Has it been harder for women to go

treatment needs unmet.

than what we observe in men.

into treatment for drugs and alcohol addiction?

Despite the fact that women are more likely to complete treatment and remain abstinent once they enter treatment, women have a harder time accessing addiction treatment due to child-care pressures, lack of money

6

avenues

Unfortunately, provide

and other problems associated with

these

may

not

So

while there is no universal definition Have treatment methods changed

of substance abuse treatment for

because of the increase of women

women, it is generally accepted that

willing to attend treatment centres?

it refers to reducing the barriers to women entering into treatment such

Historically,

addiction

has

been

as addressing the childcare and/

viewed as a male issue; this has had

or financial needs and then once in

profound implications on prevention

treatment, providing a comprehensive

research, policy and practice.

service

As a

approach

that

addresses

result traditional treatment models,

psycho-social

which are for the most part considered

women. Including parenting support,

gender-neutral, are often most relevant

sexual health and HIV prevention,

to men and do not address the unique

and integrated mental health services

pathways women experience both

that address abuse and trauma in a

into and out of addiction. In recent

gender specific environment, such as

treatment.

years we’ve come to understand that

a women-only therapy group.

Moreover, women are more likely

attention to the different and unique

and transportation problems.

Low

educational attainment and unstable employment commonly experienced by substance dependent women, also means they are less likely than men to work in industries that will pay for

this is not sufficient and we must pay

to be in an intimate relationship with someone who also uses drugs.

Consequently, they typically receive less

emotional

support

from

their

partners and often less overall support from family and friends, for entering treatment.

8

issues

And many women fear

needs of women, including distinctive etiology and disease progression and the larger rational context of women’s lives. For example traditional treatment models typically considered relational issues

outside

the

scope

of

the

program, whereas now we realize that it is critical that treatment interventions

Serena Campbell-Barnes is an addictions councelor at Thorpe Recovery Centre.

relevant

to

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Impaired Driving Kills More Than 90 Albertans Each Year.

Between 2008 and 2012, on average

general public all pay a tremendous

in Canada. Throughout August, 2014

each year, more than 90 people were

price for impaired driving.” - Wayne

RCMP and integrated Traffic officers will

killed and 1,480 people were injured

Drysdale, Alberta Minister of Transport.

be conducting additional Checkstops

in collisions involving a driver who had

across the province to address this

consumed alcohol in the province of

Choosing to drive while impaired by

serious problem. We want to remind

Alberta.

drugs or alcohol may result in a crimi-

drivers that there are other safe options

nal record and cost to your freedom,

such as cabs or calling a sober friend

“Drive impaired, whether by alcohol,

your dignity, your job and even your

for a ride, other than getting behind

drugs, fatigue or distraction, imposes

life or the lives of those around you.

the wheel after drinking.” - Inspector

enormous cost to our society. Fami-

Stephen Grand, “K” Division Traffic

lies, the health care system, the legal

“Unfortunately, impaired driving is still

system, insurance companies and the

the leading criminal cause of death

Impaired Driving Facts •

•

One in 5 drivers involved in fatal collisions had been

collisions. As the severity of the collision increases, so

p.m. to 3 a.m.

•

Those 18 to 21 years of age were most likely to have

•

alcohol before a collision.

•

The highest number of casualty collisions involving

At 0.5 blood alcohol content, the probability of being in a crash doubles.

been drinking before a collision, with male drivers more likely than female drivers to have consumed

On average, 8,600 people are convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year.

does the likelihood that alcohol was a factor •

Most casualty collisions involving death happen on weekends, and the most likely time periods are 11

drinking prior to the crash. That compares to an average of about one in 20 drivers involved in injury

Services.

•

Even at 0.5 blood alcohol content, drivers may experience impaired judgment, lowered alertness, difficulty steering and reduced coordination.

alcohol during warmer months, from April to September, are often associated with long weekends.

Statistics courtesy of the Government of Alberta, Checkstop Promotion - 2014

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The Changing Face

of Older Adult Substance Abuse Excerpts from Christina Reardon, MSW, LSW Social Work Today

The proportion of older adult admissions into treatment reporting heroin as the primary substance abuse has more than doubled since 2008.

A surprising number of Baby Boomers

top substance of choice amoung

drugs were widely available and their

are abusing drugs and alcohol into

adults, the aging Baby Boomer cohort

us had a certain allure. Another reason

their elder adult years. Take a minute

has resulted in illicit drugs accounting

is economic: Boomers are increasing

to do a quick visualization exercise.

for a growing portion of users and

their illicit use because the recession

Close your eyes and imagine someone

admissions to treatment facilities.

and its aftermath have heightened

who is addicted to cocaine, strung out

their anxiety about job security and

on heroin, or high on pot. What do

So, why are aging Baby Boomers more

retirement savings.

Finally, a third

you see? Who do you see? Do you

likely than their older counterparts

reason is emotional:

Aging Boomers

see a gray-haired grandmother? Do

to use illicit drugs?

may turn to illicit drugs to cope with the

There are three

you see a wrinkled man who is getting not.

grief and loss issues such as the death

Chances are

An increasing number of Baby

But you should, because this is

Boomers were able to function

ready for retirement?

of a spouse or the end of a career.

the changing face of elder substance

for many years despite their

The majority of Boomers who use illicit

abuse in the US and Canada.

substance abuse may be

drugs had some experience in their

entering treatment because

20’s and 30’s. An increasing number

There are approximately 78 million

their bodies are aging and

of Baby Boomers were able to function

Baby Boomers in Canada and the

they can no longer tolerate the

for many years despite their substance

US and estimates are that a Boomer

effects drugs are having on them

abuse may be entering treatment

turns 50 every seven seconds.

physically and mentally.

because their bodies are aging and

And

many of these Boomers are taking the

they can no longer tolerate the effects

abuse of cocaine, heroin, marijuana

drugs are having on them physically

and other illicit drugs into their “golden

primary reasons. One is cultural: Baby

and mentally.

years”. Although alcohol remains the

Boomers grew up in an era when illicit

and damaging effects illicit drugs can

10

Despite the serious

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THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

have on older adults recognizing such

physical and mental health conditions

to use drugs because of the years they

drug use often is not easy. In fact, it

that effect elders.

put in at work and in raising a family.

can be more difficult to recognize use among younger users.

However, like any person, no matter of

Many of

Even if older adults are suspected of

age or socioeconomic circumstances

the signs of substance abuse among

using illicit substances, convincing users

recovery only comes when you want

older adults, such as anxiety, memory

that they have a problem and need

it.

loss, disorientation, headaches and

to treatment can be an uphill battle.

incontinence,

Such users may believe they deserve

mirror

symptoms

of

When Old Age and Addiction Collide Carol’s Story Carol Aronberg’s story is common: she grew up outside New York City in a privileged family full of drinkers; both her parents were alcoholics and her father was a mean drunk whose verbal abuse damaged her self-esteem.

described as an approaching tidal

When Audrey came to the treatment

wave of addiction in America: older

centre she was in a wheelchair. Her

adults and members of the Baby Boom

unsteady gait caused her to walk with

generation now in their early 50’s to

fear of stumbling or falling. She was

their mid 70’s who develop addictions

covered with large black bruises and

and get sober late in life.

burns from her kitchen stove. She no longer had an appetite, so she ate little

Still, she

and was emaciated. Her skin had lost

went to college, got married, had kids

its elasticity and seemed to hang from

and started a successful business. And

her bones. Her eyes had the watery,

then, eight yours ago, her mother died

aged look of a ninety year old.

and Carol’s drinking blossomed and she expanded her repertoire to include

Once Audrey was in treatment and

drugs. Finally, after three overdoses on

weaned off the alcohol, Valium and

booze and benzodiazepines and a

Placidyl, she bloomed. She attended

pharmacopeia of her pills (“the ‘Cets”,

lectures, group therapy and a grief

she calls them - Percocet, Fioricet, the combinations of painkiller or sedative with acetaminophen), she checked into rehab. Now she has 18 months clean and sober.

Here’s

the

biggest

Audrey’s Story came into treatment after her doctor

between Carol’s story and that of most alcoholics: she was 69 years old when she became an addict.

She

is part of what some analysts have

addiction

to

treatment alcohol

Her

children attended the

family program.

Audrey, a seventy year old widow recommended

difference

group.

and

for

her

mood

altering prescription drugs. Her health was failing fast, she was unable to care for herself and she suffered from deep

Audrey’s memory

improved, her appetite returned, she regained her energy and she started walking,

swimming

every day.

and

exercising

She made friends in

treatment and learned the importance of working a recovery program. Ten years later Audrey is still sober.

depression.

•

Between 1 January, 2013 and 1 July 2014 3.8% of clients treated at the Thorpe Recovery Centre were 60 years of age and over.

•

2012 study shows that 20% - 30% of people ages 75 to 85 have expereinced drinking problems.

•

3.5% of adults ages 60 to 64 report using an illicit drug.

•

People age 65 and older consume more prescribed and over the counter medication than any other age group.

Statistics Courtesy of camh Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

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Addiction Does Not Discriminate Even after all the progress the recovery community has made in recent years, the stigma of addiction remains strong in our society. The question is why?

There is no simple answer for this

is rich, poor, famous, unknown, man,

central nervous system depressants

question. Many of the beliefs prevalent

woman or even a child. Addiction is

and alcohol, every socioeconomic

in our society include the idea that

an equal opportunity destroyer not

group is at risk. For many, it is a slow

those with addictive disorders are

only preying on the homeless living on

progression from needing to wanting

weak, deserving of their fate and less

the streets or the people who struggle

the drug of choice. Fortunately, there

worthy of care. Many people still think

economically, but also the white

are treatment plans and therapy for

of addicts like the drunk on the side of

collared, financially secure and middle

those who suffer from this life changing

the highway with his brown paper bag

age class. Addiction to any substance

disease.

or that line up of a very shakey men

including drugs or alcohol, is more

and women waiting for the local liquor

than capable of taking control of

For more information about drug and

store to open.

one’s life no matter how “in-order” life

alcohol addiction and the programs that

seems. Addiction does not begin with

Thorpe Recovery Centre offers please call

not

a concious idea to become an addict.

780.875.8890 or check out our website:

discriminate; it does not care if one

Because of the availability of painkillers,

www.thorperecoverycentre.org

The

truth

is

addiction

does

Top 5 Robin Williams Movies to Inspire Your Search for Sobriety Addiction treatment can be very

recovery and all of the hard work that

recovery are so sharply

challenging, but inspiration can do

you’ll need to put in can be well worth

and dissimilar. Get inspired and know

so much to help you do so much to

it. Sometimes we can get inspiration

you’re headed to a wonderful place -

help you on your journey.

There is

from other sources like films, books or

the journey of recovery.

so much greatness awaiting you in

music. Let these five films staring the late actor Robin Williams (1951 - 2014)

2. Patch Adams

who also had his own struggles with

The importance placed on laughter

mental illness and addiction inspire your search for sobriety.

1. Awakenings

and positive energy with the healing process is a great theme to be inspired by. Your sobriety journey requires your hard work and dedication, but it’s

The concept of catatonic patients

also a great help to get you feeling

awakening after decades due to a

good. Positive thinking is a great stress

new treatment can be compared to

management tool and stress can be

“awakening” from the life of addiction

one of the major triggers for substance

when you finally enter the recovery

use.

process. The worlds of addiction and

12

contrasted

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THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

3. Dead Poets Society Dead Poets Society focuses on the theme of living life to the fullest. When you leave the darkness of addiction and enter the light of the recovery

Is Canada working toward Legalizing Marijuana?

process, it is almost like entering a

by Mark Kennedy

new world. There are so many things you miss out on in life and so many consequences and suffering to endure while you are entangled in the world of addiction. Leave addiction behind and embrace Life.

The political debate over marijuana legalization in Canada could soon intensify, following a New York Times editorial that calls for the U.S. Federal Government to repeal its 44 year ban on pot.

4. Good Will Hunting Let

addiction

treatment

be

your

guide to finding direction in your life.

Treatment can help you improve your relationship with yourself and others as well as help you see things clearly. It’s the first important stepping stone to reaching the path of your promising future.

In Canada, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau favours a system of legalization that regulates the sale of pot and keeps it out of the hands of minors. The Liberals argue it’s a “smarter” way to deal with the issue because it would take away the pot market from organized crime and gangs, while also addressing the effects of marijuana use on individual health and communities.

The governing Conservatives are firmly against legalization and have claimed in flyers distributed in some ridings that Trudeau wants to make marijuana available to kids - an example they say, of why Trudeau lacks the judgment needed to be Prime Minister.

The issue is slowly bubbling away and could emerge as a hot issue in next years federal

5. Hook The classic Peter Pan themes of getting back to a youthful spirit are expressed in a modern fashion. Feel inspired by the healthy lifestyle and reinvigoration that

awaits

you

in

the

recovery

process. Clients in recovery may enjoy renewed spirits and refreshed outlooks on life and you can too!

election. “Unlike Justin Trudeau who wants to make marijuana easily available to our children, we have passed laws to crack down on those who sell drugs near schools,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s press secretary, Carl Vallee, said in a recent written statement.

In 2012, legislation came into force that includes a mandatory six month jail term for growing as few as six marijuana plants for the purpose of trafficking, and two years in prison for those caught trafficking near a school. Justice Minister Peter MacKay is considering a proposal from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to all police officers to issue tickets to people caught with small amounts of marijuana. But, that is as far as the Tories seem prepared to go on softening the law.

Earlier in July, Harper told supporters in Calgary that he will ask voters in next years election

Some last thoughts...

It’s important to stay inspired about your recovery. Your efforts to continue to live in successful sobriety is a life long challenge. Robin Williams died far to young, yet the inspiration of his work and his ability to affect other peoples lives will never be forgotten.

to take a hard took at what Trudeau is offering them. He suggested Trudeau wants voters to “close their eyes” and dream.

In 2012 the Liberals passed a resolution at their convention in favour of legalization.

According to that resolution on marijuana, the government should “ensure the regulation and taxation of its production, distribution and use, while enacting strict penalties for illegal trafficking, illegal importation and exportation and impaired driving.

The party also wants programs to promote awareness of the health and dependency risks of marijuana, especially amongst youth.

Since then, Justin Trudeau has become party leader and has indicated he supports legalization About the Author: Mark kennedy arrived on Parliament Hill in 1988 as an Ottawa Citizen political reporter and has covered eight federal election campaigns. He won a National Newspaper Award for enterprise reporting and spent a decade specializing in health-care coverage. He is currently parliamentary bureau chief at The Ottawa Citizen.

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THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

FALL 2014

Photo by P. C. Henry Thorpe Recovery Centre Marketing

Joceyln, Todd, Jackie, Thirza, Sara, Wendy, Fraser, Brenda, Faye - Welcome Back banner.

A diverse group of talented people helping our clients find recovery.

Nurses,

to each other, to our clients and to the quality of the

Care

work we do together. We know the challenges our

Aids (CCA) - A diverse group of talented people all

clients will face. This allows us to go beyond the buzz

with a strong desire to do their jobs with the utmost

words and treatment trends to deliver strategic, best

professionalism and an equally strong commitment

practice programs that support our client’s recovery.

Thorpe

Recovery

Administrators,

Centre’s

Cooks,

Counselors,

Custodians,

Client

Career Opportunities Residental Program Nurse To provide competent, holistic care to clients of all ages. To facilitate treatment by maintaining the medical health of clients through assessment, consultation and administration of controlled, prescribed and OTC medication.

Client Care Aid (CCA) To provide residential support services to the staff and clients of TRC. Promote and participate in effective communication with other staff and clients in support of TRC’s commitment to maximize the recovery assistance provided to our clients.

Residential Custodian / Maintenance Position contributes to a team who performs custodial duties general bulding and property maintenance ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for all TRC staff, clients and visitors.

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We often have career opportunities available for full time, part time and casual positions. There are also ways that you can volunteer.

For detailed information on any of these opportunities, please go to our website at: www.thorperecoverycentre.org

HR Generalist Responsible for organizing, directing, controlling and analyzing the operations of the Human Resource Department. Key areas of responsibility include policy and procedure development, human resource planning; labour relations; training and development; recruitment and selection and the analysis and improvement of HR KPI’s.

Clinical Director Accountable for the organization, development/expansion and management of Clinical Services including programming, personnel , therapy modalities, productivity and quality of client care. The Clinical Director plans for client care services with the organization to strategic objectives and priorities and for leading initiatives to raise awareness of our program.

FALL 2014

THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

Change a life, save a Life Ways to Donate

Thorpe Recovery Centre is a non profit

I

orgnization dedicated to providing

heart.

client-centred and community based

people.

addiction services.

Our clients, both

not drunken, selfcentred crocodile

A monthly gift provides a continuous

men and women, come from across

tears. I have found the peace, love

source of funds to support the mission

Canada. Each looking for that second

and acceptance in recovery that I

of

chance at a sober life.

searched for years for the bottom of a

Monthly donations can be made

glass.”

simply through pre-authorized debit or

laugh

today,

right

from

my

I don’t shape shift to please I cry real, genuine tears,

Why Get Involved?

Because of a Letter Making a Donation to Thorpe...

Like This.

“Drinking was everything to me.

It

cured my anxiety, animated me and was the mortar to my many cracks.

It started right away, this love affair.

From the very first drink, as that warm confidence sliped throgh my veins and I thought: so THIS is how normal people feel.

I can’t imagine a life without alcohol.

It was my everything -- until it ripped me apart.

My recovery journey began in 2007 after a 30 day rehab stay. Going back to my regular life was the hardes thing I have ever done. How to be a mom without wine? How to socialize without my liquid courage? How to figure out who I am and what I want from my life.

Day by day, my real self emerged. I

Monthly Giving

the

Thorpe

Recovery

Centre.

credit card charges.

In Memoriam A donation to TRC in memory of a family member, friend or loved one

...is not just about keeping the lights on

is a meaningful way to express your

or adding a new piece of equipment.

sympathy.

It is really about the people who walk through our doors and providing them

In Honour

with the best opportunity to change

Donation gifts in recognition can be

their lives and the lives of the people

made to an individual who has worked

around them. By donating to Thorpe

hard in their recovery.

Recovery Centre you help us reinforce

notification and/or thanks can be sent

the value of treatment and recovery

to the individual honoured.

A letter of

and help us stamp out the stigma of addiction in families and communities.

How to Donate There are many ways to make a

Sobriety Birthday Celebrating your own sobriety by helping

another

begin

the

more

important day of their life. An annual

donation to TRC. •

Access PayPal and Canada Helps on our website.

•

Cash or Cheques

•

Credit Card

•

Appreciation Publicly Listed Stocks

got through unimaginably hard times without my liquid crutch: the sudden death of my dad, cancer.

More

importantly, I learned to navigate everyday life totally present through emotions: boredom, resentment, anger, sadness, joy and celebration.

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THORPE RECOVERY CENTRE

FALL 2014

gift of $250 will go towards sponsoring treatment for someone unable to

We Are Not a One Man (or Woman) band.

financially support the cost. Donations

rs 0 Yea ver 4 For O

can be made in full or as a monthly

Thorpe

contribution.

RECOVERY CENTRE

Leave a Legacy A Legacy gift can be made by

The Thorpe Recovery Centre is a large facility that requires the funds, donations and hard work of many to ensure that the clients who take part in our programs get the best possible care.

including one sentence in your will.

Legacy gifts will not affect your current income and may ease the burden of probate fees on your estate and can provide a tax benefit to your loved ones or next of kin.

Staff, Volunteers, Board Members, Society Members and Alumni all have a stake in ensuring the future of Thorpe Recovery Centre.

Matching Gifts Many companies will match employee donations to recognize charities. Ask your employer if they have a matching gift

program

and

double

your

organized

by

contribution.

Third Party Events Special

events

There are so many ways that you can help us out!

community groups, companies and families are a great way to raise funds for the Thorpe Recovery Centre. If you are planning a golf tournament or a

There are several items on our Thorpe Wish List. Some small, some large,

corporate event and wish to support

some simply require volunteers to help out. Please look over this list or

a not for profit organization, please

check out our website and see where you might be able help out.

consider the Thorpe Recovery Centre.

Directing Your Gifts General Fund Donating to the Thorpe Recovery Centre supports our mission and values by strengthening all of our programs.

Your gift goes directly to the heart of the matter by providing broad based funding to meet longterm projects.

• • • • • • • • •

Milk & food items Light bulbs Office & art supplies Personal hygiene items Alarm clocks Bath towels Volunteers for yard work and building maintenance Yoga & meditation leaders Donated plants & trees

• • • • • •

Gym equipment Computers for the client area.

Recovery related reading material Extension Cords DVD Movies Cleaning and laundry supplies

For more information please contact the information desk at 780.875.8890 or www.thorperecoverycentre.org

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