SRWC is a unique community-based recovery-oriented agency that offers a holistic approach to recovery from addiction and substance abuse problems, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual and sexual health. We have short wait times for intakes and entering co-ed and gender specific programs for men, women and moms in recovery, morning, afternoon, and early evening, providing individual and group counselling, and family support. SRWC is committed to a flexible schedule in order to meet your recovery needs. SRWC supports health enhancing activities such as, exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and gardening. This month we are illustrating the recovery and healing benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy.

Equine assisted therapy is an up and coming alternative and/or adjunct to traditional talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). EAL incorporates tactile stimulation, and uses the horse as an entity through which we can learn about ourselves and others. EAL is a type of experiential learning that focuses on the horse/human interaction. It allows individuals to be moving and engaged with the horse. This can be done with groups or individual sessions. EAL has been proven to be an effective, powerful, educational tool that allows individuals the freedom to experience and exercise their creativity. Why horses? Horses are a flight animal meaning that they are hyper-aware and observant of their environment. A horse can sense a person’s emotions and is highly attuned to things such as stress or anxiety. Additionally, horses are large and powerful animals that can support and encourage participants as they overcome fear, gain confidence and self-esteem in this healing process.

Do you hide your mouth because you feel embarrassed about missing teeth? Missing teeth not only affects your general health and appearance, it may also contribute to depression and low self-esteem. Social embarrassment as a result of missing teeth and poorly fitting dentures may result in people avoiding social interactions. Don’t let tooth loss or improperly fitting dentures affect the quality of your life. Your denturist can explain the best ways to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Properly fitting dentures can help restore your self-esteem and bring back your smile.

SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community that accompanies individuals, family and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey toward recovery. We offer co-end or gender specific groups, individual, couple, and family counseling programs, that offer support for individuals and their families. Our Access and Exploring Options program offer support for individuals, who are referred, or mandated due to their drug or alcohol abuse, or are awaiting a place in a Residential Program. Our gender specific Continuing Recovery, and Work Sober programs focuses on maintaining their recovery goals. Our Family education and support programs include 1-1 and couples counseling.

Did you know that for every person experiencing a substance abuse problem, on average, at least six others are affected – partners, spouses, children, parents, friends, employers, and co-workers. Although family members, friends, employers and co-workers are often in the best position to intervene, on average, significant others do not seek direct help for their loved ones substance abuse or addiction problem for at least nine years. Those affected by a significant other’s substance abuse, may themselves experience significant physical, emotional, social and spiritual stressors. Some commonly experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness when trying to deal with their loved one. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Family members are often highly motivated to not only understand, intervene and support their loved ones experiencing problems with mental health and substance use, but also able to participate in the change and recovery process in restoring their relationship. The sooner one receives the help they need to recover the better the prognosis for recovery. We are here to help!

Stress can bring on fatigue, mood changes, insomnia, low immune function, sugar cravings, weight gain and more. The symptoms can develop when your brain and adrenal gland respond by regulating some of our stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenalin, and cortisol. A dysregulation (over or under secretion) can cause further problems in the thyroid gland, poor gut health, chronic fatigue, depression/anxiety, addictive behaviours, and more. Blood work and hormone tests, available through a doctor, is a good place to start in stress management but also practicing good self-care with yoga, meditation and exercise are also very effective.

If you have any questions, regarding substance use, or mental health support, please contact us at [email protected]

We are programmed to be movers. Our physical movements can directly influence our ability to learn, think, and remember. Our physical movements call upon some of the same neurons used for reading, writing and math. The relationship between food, physical activity, and learning is hardwired into the brain’s circuitry. The full impact of our lack of movement is just becoming known. We may have literally programmed movement out of our lives with today’s technology-driven society. The sedentary character of our lives is a disruption of our nature, and one of the biggest threats to our continued survival.

Eighty percent of Individuals suffering from substance abuse also have a secondary diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder. Individuals describe themselves as “feeling numb”. Natural forms of stimulation are “boring” against the vivid experience of the drug. As tolerance develops, it takes more and more of the drug to have the same initial intense “feeling.” Exercise increases the release of dopamine and endorphins produced by the body, and can have the same effect of a drug, producing a “natural high.” Many treatment centres now include exercise as an integral part of their programs.