The following is the opinion of some who have walked this walk and fought the fight with both wins and losses along the way. Our hope here is to share our experiences with a determination to help new sufferers and reduce the pain. Each of us had to take off the mask of denial and come out of hiding. We have felt the pangs of guilt and shame. Our first step was to know: “I am powerless over my addiction and my life has become unmanageable.”

We will strive to offer you real and healthy choices. Should we come across a bit strong and dictatorial it’s because this is no time for so-called political correctness.

Make no mistake this is a battle! Surprisingly, it takes surrender to win it.

• Your First Call
• Next Call
• Interventions
• Treatment
• Recovery
• Mentors
• Special Note

Your First Call:
For a confidential and very safe place to call for help we recommend the alcohol and drug help line at: 604. 660-9383 or 1-800-663-1441 toll free. You will receive a real supportive and non-judgmental person to talk to and they know their stuff!
Your family Doctor – If time and comfort allows one of your first steps should be to call your family doctor. Don’t go it alone. This professional knows you and offers safety, confidentiality, support, care and the right references to specialty help. If you don’t have one, call an addictions counsellor in your neighborhood. They are a recommended next step anyway. We supply a complete list under our Addictions & Recovery Services pages.

A 12-Step Support Group – Choose the one to match your concern. We supply a complete list under Support Groups / Meetings - The Big Book and our 24-hour crisis lines. You could get a voice message, but do it. They call back quickly and they really care. They may even arrange to pick you up. This step can take special courage but bite the bullet with faith. You will be in very good hands and will be glad you did.

Detox or Hospital – If you or your person of concern is really sick, get immediate medical attention either through a detox center or the nearest hospital. Detox centers sometimes take a few days to get in but it is a safe and worthwhile start. The staff and atmosphere is generally very warm, secure and caring. You will find a compete list of Detox Centers under our Crisis and Help lines.

Next Call:
Addictions Doctor and/or Counsellor- This is where the journey to discovery and recovery picks up, with sound, wise, professional help. These people are very good at what they do! This sets your sails in the right direction and they stay on board for the whole journey. There are both publicly funded and private counselling experts available. In either case, the cost is worth it. You will find a compete list of Addictions Counsellors who are either in private practise or at our list of great treatment centres. Please go to our:Addictions & Recovery Services and Counselling & Interventions or Counselling – Personal & Family found within our Directory of Resources pages.

Interventions:
Intervention when necessary, can and should be a very caring and loving action!
Addiction thrives in secrecy therefore by confronting the situation you are no longer enabling the addicted person. If the person is not ready to accept help then you must learn to detach with love and let go of the outcome. In our love for others we often unintentionally provide a safety net that prevents one from facing the full consequences of their addiction. Hopefully the denial will be smashed which acts as a buffer from dealing with the reality of their situation.
“Intervention is not a “confrontation” but a well organized expression of genuine concern for a person that is sick with a chronic illness.”

Treatment:
In most cases this next step is ABSOLUTELY VITAL. Too often people don’t want to put their daily lives on hold for 28 days or three months, depending on the treatment facility of choice. This is a most important time of discovery as well as filling the arsenal with the weapons needed to fight the fight. You put this off and chances are you put your healing off too. There are some great centers close by and often covered by medical. The privately funded centers may offer a bit more comfort and intimacy as well as match you with others from a similar place in life. They can be well worth the added cost. You will find a complete list under our Directory of Resourdes - Addictions & Recovery Services .

Recovery:
You have done the work in treatment and now you get to face the world with your new knowledge, understanding, game plan and those mighty new weapons in your arsenal. But there can still be one very large obstacle often overlooked, you have changed, but the world out there hasn’t. Now is the time for safety first at all costs.

It is critical to realize that treatment programs are not the cure, but a great foundation for recovery. Your success over the next many months could rely mainly on three factors, where you live, the people around you and what is the most critical step now, HOOKING IN WITH A POST-TREATMENT COUNSELLOR! You can find a complete list under Directory of Resources - Addictions & Recovery Services, Counselling & Interventions & Counselling – Personal & Family. We believe that the number one reason for relapse not the result of the treatment centre experience but not including after care counselling. The good news is you get to choose, so choose wisely.

Living in your present environment, you could experience times when even those closest to you may be uncomfortable or even reject the new you. Just as it takes “two to Tango” recovery support programs are often necessary (and highly recommended) for the entire family (addiction can be a family disease). As well as a great selection of addictions counselors to choose from there are some wonderful and very understanding support groups such as “al-anon” and “From grief to Action” who share healthy views and new attitudes of understanding while both sides develop healthy expectations. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community for recovery.

Mentors:
This new life is much about people, places and things. Surround yourself with new, inspiring people from all walks of life. Remember that Spirituality is the foundation of recovery. Repair starts on the inside so find a place of worship that accepts you just as you are and enjoy a new fellowship of imperfect people who simply care for more than just themselves. These folks can be a wonderful new family.

Experience the full peace and joy of your journey, one moment at a time and one day at a time.

Special Note:
If you need the help of a real voice of calm and reason immediately please call one of the dedicated and caring receivers at Information Services Vancouver at 604.660-9382. They are there for you 24-hours each day and we recommend them!

*If at any time you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of another, call the nearest Crisis Centre or 911 for fast, direct help.