Series of Blog Posts on Substance Use
There are 41 blog posts in the Substance Use category. Although they were written during COVID, much of the information in them appears to be 'evergreen'. Do you want to keep this blog series? I have cleaned up the formatting of the first 6 blog posts. If you want to keep them, I will show you what needs to be done to format the remaining 35 posts. (Alison)
Substance Use Blog Series: Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model of Substance Use and Recovery
Today’s Substance Use blog post is about the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of substance use. This might sound complicated, but bear with us. All this model really stands for is seeing your substance use challenge as the multifaceted thing it is. This model recognizes that there are many influences behind problematic substance use, and likewise, there are […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Relapse Prevention
Today’s substance use blog post is about relapse prevention. There is no consensus for a definition of “relapse,” but it occurs after you have made a choice to limit a behaviour, in this case substance use. It involves a setback that disrupts the goals you had set previously [1]. Relapse prevention planning involves coming up […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Concurrent Disorders
Today’s Substance Use Blog Series post is about disorders/experiences that can occur at the same time as problematic substance use. This is what concurrent means, which is literally defined as “occurring at the same time” (Mirriam-Webster). Disorders/experiences can co-occur in a variety of ways. They can be active at the same time or different times, […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Mutual Aid Groups Part 1
Today’s substance use blog post is part 1 of mutual aid groups for substance use recovery, which are also called peer support groups. These groups are usually entirely led by peers or have a strong peer-based element. Attending peer support groups has been found to result in higher rates of recovery than those who do […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Mutual Aid Groups Part II
This is part 2 of our 3-part series describing mutual aid groups for substance use recovery. Last week we went through the most common of these groups, SMART Recovery and 12-step programs. This week we are exploring two more groups accessible from Delta and surrounding areas: The 16-step program and LifeRing. 16 steps The 16 […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Mutual Aid Groups Part III
This is part 3 of our series on Mutual Aid groups. So far we have gone through SMART Recovery, the 12-step program, the 16-step program, and LifeRing groups. Today we are going to go through Recovery Dharma and Moderation Management. Recovery Dharma Recovery Dharma is a peer-led organization that supports individuals on their path of […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Learning from Setbacks
Today’s Substance Use Blog Series post is about Learning from Setbacks. Recovery setbacks are usually defined as actions or periods of time spent not following the plan you previously set out for your recovery. These can include physical lapses or relapses that go against your plan. We have written about relapse prevention in a past […]
Substance Use Blog Series: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome refers to a temporary period of time after going through detox where your body is adjusting to its processes without substances. It is associated with most substances, including: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, benzos, amphetamines, methamphetamines, nicotine, anabolic steroids, opiates, and hallucinogens. In this article, we discuss what symptoms you might experience and how to cope with them.
End the Stigma Community Forum
Message at Delta forum: The stigma must end (Delta Optimist April 15, 2022) The End the Stigma Community Forum was held at North Delta Secondary on the evening of Wednesday April 13, 2022, to hear from leaders and advocates on the stigma of drug use and what needs to be done to stop the growing […]