Community News
Gender Differences in Metabolism

Women appear to be more vulnerable than men to the many adverse consequences of alcohol which may include alcohol related organ damage, trauma, and legal consequences. At every age there are a number of reasons for these differences.

Body Water: Women’s bodies contain proportionately less water and more fat than a men’s. Water dilutes alcohol and fat retains it, so organs are exposed to higher concentrations of alcohol for longer periods of time. At any given dose, our blood alcohol levels will be higher than a man’s, even taking into account differences in body weight. As a result one drink for a woman is roughly equivalent to two drinks for a man. As women age their bodies contain even less water and more fat, so blood alcohol
Levels rise even faster

Less Enzymes in Stomach, Small Intestine and Liver: Males and females differ in their ability to metabolize alcohol. Women absorb and metabolize alcohol differently than men. This difference is due to variations in the amount of the enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Women have less of this enzyme in their stomach, small intestine and liver. As 30% of alcohol goes through the stomach directly into the blood stream this means that the alcohol goes through the bloodstream to all cells of the body less diluted and in higher concentrations.

ALERT! Did You Know?

The National Advisory Group has published new guidelines, on the number of drinks consumed each week, and the risk of health issues. The International Agency for Research for decades have classified Alcohol as a #1 preventable Carcinogenic to humans, behind Tobacco and Asbestos– especially for women! Alcohol use in Canada causes nearly $7,000 cases of cancer deaths each year in Canada.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) who advises the Canadian government on alcohol consumption, has drastically reduced what is considered low-risk drinking, Previous guidelines indicated 10 drinks a week for women and 15 for men. The new proposed guidelines indicate that more than 6 drinks per week leads to increased risk of a host of health issues. The new proposed guidelines suggest that the health risks become “increasingly high” when someone has six or more drinks per week. Women who have 3 or more drinks per week, increase their risk of heart, liver and breast cancer.
Alcohol consumption, by women is consistently associated with the risk of breast cancer. Although the liver is the primary site were acetaldehyde and free radicals are produced in the process of alcohol metabolism, normal human breast tissue has the capacity to metabolize alcohol at low concentrations and alcohol dehydrogenase is expressed in human breast epithelial cells. Research has shown that acetaldehyde accumulates in mammary tissue for prolonged periods of time after a single oral dose of ethanol and finally reaches a level considerably higher than in the blood. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

BREAST CANCER ALERT: If you have a family history of breast cancer or – If you have had breast cancer, there is an elevated risk that your cancer will return. There is consensus that no amount of alcohol is safe given the vulnerability of women’s bodies to the intake of alcohol.

Bioenergetics & Women’s Health

Every year at this time women are reminded to focus on their health, but in reality, women should be taking charge of their own physical and mental well-being every day. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through Bioenergetics. This non-invasive computerized analysis determines underlying imbalances in organs and tissues that could contribute to unwanted health conditions. If an imbalance is found Bioenergetics can then help to stimulate correction of the affected organ or tissues to help your body function at its best.

(part 2)

The Power of Support
A supportive community can make all the difference when dealing with PPD. Connecting with others who understand can provide comfort and reassurance.
● Breaking Down Barriers: PPD is tough enough without stigma and access issues. Efforts are growing to make mental health support more accessible through public education, policy changes, community programs and telehealth services.
● Telehealth: Telehealth offers support at home, especially when traditional services are out of reach. Every bit of support counts, and telehealth makes getting the help you need easier.
With community and peer support such as those offered by MDAM (Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba), you don’t have to face PPD alone. Together, we can create a space where healing happens.
Exploring New Avenues: Emerging Therapies
There are also new and promising treatments on the horizon that offer hope for those managing PPD.
● Music Therapy: Music can reach us when words fail, soothing our spirits and helping us bond with our babies.
● Mindfulness & Compassion Therapy: These practices help you be kinder to yourself, cultivating resilience and peace.
● Family Therapy: Family therapy brings everyone together, creating a supportive network that strengthens the whole family.
● New Medications: Innovations like Brexanolone (Zulresso) offer new hope for faster relief from PPD symptoms. While still being studied, these treatments could be the key for many.
These therapies remind us that there’s always hope and new ways to heal. By exploring options with your health provider, you can find the best support for you.

Treatment & Management of PPD

Every Journey is Unique
Recovering from PPD is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone—your experience is valid, and with the proper support, you can find the path that’s right for you. Healing often involves a blend of therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and leaning on those around you. Together, these elements help you move towards feeling more like yourself.
Therapy: A Path to Healing
Therapy is a powerful way to manage PPD. Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been particularly helpful for many.
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) gently guides you to recognize and reshape negative thoughts. Techniques like cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation help you reclaim joy in everyday moments. Mindfulness exercises offer calm amidst the storm, helping you navigate each day.
● Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps you manage changes and challenges in relationships that often come with PPD. Whether adjusting to parenthood, resolving conflicts, or coping with grief, IPT strengthens connections and supports healing.
Both CBT and IPT offer hope and practical strategies for recovery. With the right tools, brighter days are within reach.
Medication: A Step Toward Balance
Sometimes, therapy alone isn’t enough, and that’s okay. Medication can be a crucial part of finding balance.
● SSRIs & SNRIs: Medications like SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac) and SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta) help lift your mood, giving you the boost needed to start feeling better. While they can take time to work and may have side effects, they’ve been a lifeline for many.
● Finding What Works for You: Open conversations with your healthcare provider are crucial to finding what works best. There’s no shame in seeking help through medication—it’s a step toward caring for yourself, and you deserve to feel well.
Combining medication with therapy, lifestyle changes, and support creates a strong foundation for recovery.

(part 2)

The Power of Support
A supportive community can make all the difference when dealing with PPD. Connecting with others who understand can provide comfort and reassurance.
● Breaking Down Barriers: PPD is tough enough without stigma and access issues. Efforts are growing to make mental health support more accessible through public education, policy changes, community programs and telehealth services.
● Telehealth: Telehealth offers support at home, especially when traditional services are out of reach. Every bit of support counts, and telehealth makes getting the help you need easier.
With community and peer support such as those offered by MDAM (Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba), you don’t have to face PPD alone. Together, we can create a space where healing happens.
Exploring New Avenues: Emerging Therapies
There are also new and promising treatments on the horizon that offer hope for those managing PPD.
● Music Therapy: Music can reach us when words fail, soothing our spirits and helping us bond with our babies.
● Mindfulness & Compassion Therapy: These practices help you be kinder to yourself, cultivating resilience and peace.
● Family Therapy: Family therapy brings everyone together, creating a supportive network that strengthens the whole family.
● New Medications: Innovations like Brexanolone (Zulresso) offer new hope for faster relief from PPD symptoms. While still being studied, these treatments could be the key for many.
These therapies remind us that there’s always hope and new ways to heal. By exploring options with your health provider, you can find the best support for you.

Who We Are

SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs. The Access Program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or, our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by offering you the services you and your family need in your recovery journey.

Treatment & Management of PPD

Every Journey is Unique
Recovering from PPD is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone—your experience is valid, and with the proper support, you can find the path that’s right for you. Healing often involves a blend of therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and leaning on those around you. Together, these elements help you move towards feeling more like yourself.
Therapy: A Path to Healing
Therapy is a powerful way to manage PPD. Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been particularly helpful for many.
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) gently guides you to recognize and reshape negative thoughts. Techniques like cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation help you reclaim joy in everyday moments. Mindfulness exercises offer calm amidst the storm, helping you navigate each day.
● Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps you manage changes and challenges in relationships that often come with PPD. Whether adjusting to parenthood, resolving conflicts, or coping with grief, IPT strengthens connections and supports healing.
Both CBT and IPT offer hope and practical strategies for recovery. With the right tools, brighter days are within reach.
Medication: A Step Toward Balance
Sometimes, therapy alone isn’t enough, and that’s okay. Medication can be a crucial part of finding balance.
● SSRIs & SNRIs: Medications like SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac) and SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta) help lift your mood, giving you the boost needed to start feeling better. While they can take time to work and may have side effects, they’ve been a lifeline for many.
● Finding What Works for You: Open conversations with your healthcare provider are crucial to finding what works best. There’s no shame in seeking help through medication—it’s a step toward caring for yourself, and you deserve to feel well.
Combining medication with therapy, lifestyle changes, and support creates a strong foundation for recovery.

Heal Your Mind, Body & Soul

Reiki Energy Therapy is a holistic, light touch Japanese stress reduction, relaxation and healing technique that treats the whole person – mind, body, and soul. Negative thoughts, emotions or experiences can get stuck in our body, potentially causing emotional or mental distress which may manifest in the physical as disease. Reiki benefits the physiological and emotional well-being of a person by reducing stress, fear, anxiety, and depression. Reiki clears energetic blockages in the chakras (energy centres) of our body. It stimulates the parasympathetic nerves in the autonomic nervous system helping the body to relax and activating the body’s own natural healing processes.

(part 2)

The Power of Support
A supportive community can make all the difference when dealing with PPD. Connecting with others who understand can provide comfort and reassurance.
● Breaking Down Barriers: PPD is tough enough without stigma and access issues. Efforts are growing to make mental health support more accessible through public education, policy changes, community programs and telehealth services.
● Telehealth: Telehealth offers support at home, especially when traditional services are out of reach. Every bit of support counts, and telehealth makes getting the help you need easier.
With community and peer support such as those offered by MDAM (Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba), you don’t have to face PPD alone. Together, we can create a space where healing happens.
Exploring New Avenues: Emerging Therapies
There are also new and promising treatments on the horizon that offer hope for those managing PPD.
● Music Therapy: Music can reach us when words fail, soothing our spirits and helping us bond with our babies.
● Mindfulness & Compassion Therapy: These practices help you be kinder to yourself, cultivating resilience and peace.
● Family Therapy: Family therapy brings everyone together, creating a supportive network that strengthens the whole family.
● New Medications: Innovations like Brexanolone (Zulresso) offer new hope for faster relief from PPD symptoms. While still being studied, these treatments could be the key for many.
These therapies remind us that there’s always hope and new ways to heal. By exploring options with your health provider, you can find the best support for you.

Bioenergetics & Women’s Health

Every year at this time women are reminded to focus on their health, but in reality, women should be taking charge of their own physical and mental well-being every day. A good first step is to find out how well your body is functioning so you can target any areas that need assistance. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through Bioenergetics. This non-invasive computerized analysis determines underlying imbalances in organs and tissues that could contribute to unwanted health conditions. If an imbalance is found Bioenergetics can then help to stimulate correction of the affected organ or tissues to help your body function at its best.