Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday June 1st. 2023 @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome some of the cast from "Visions" a play about addiction and recovery. “Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs. Joining us on the show will be Andrew, Nate and Bob for the full hour. Be sure to catch the full interview LIVE on Talk Recovery 's Facebook page at 12-1pm PST. Show will be played on CO-OP Radio 100.5fm the next week.

“Visions” The Play On Addiction and Recovery

“Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs.

“Visions” has reached tens of thousands of people. The “Visions” troupe performs where few actors would ever dare, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, shelters, youth houses and correction centers. The cast and crew set up amidst the cafeterias, beds and conference rooms of treatment centers using the powerful medium of theater to educate about drug/alcohol addiction and show that recovery is possible. In the wake of the play the cast and crew of “Visions” are witnessing men and women, many who are caught in the wake of addiction, weeping after the performances, for they are given a renewed sense of hope. These special performances are usually “closed” to protect the anonymity of the clients. When the opportunity arises and we are able to acquire a large area with a stage for a performance, the clients are bused in from various rehabilitation centers and shelters and treated to a free night of theater, coffee and cake. It is not unusual to bring in four to five hundred people to witness a “Visions” show. If we can’t come to them, we bring them to us.

The play has also been presented to churches, schools and those at risk. It has been shown to educators and open to communities. There is rarely a fee to see the play, except to raise money for charitable organizations, and any donations received are used to bring the play to those who have nothing. to continue our work in the prevention field a not for profit organization, Visions Recovery Inc was formed in 1993 dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery education.

Visions Social Media

Website | Facebook

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday April 20th @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two guests, first on the show is Kevin Kraussler, a person in recovery who is a registered clinical counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic, he is going to share how he helps people who struggle with addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. Second on the show Franky shares his personal story of being a gay man in recovery who is settling in Canada from Mexico. Franky will talk about his journey in recovery and what he does to enjoy his life in recovery. Join us for the full hour from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page.

Guest one

Kevin Kraussler

Born and raised in Vancouver’s lower mainland, Kevin Kraussler is a compassionate and experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic. He completed his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of British Columbia.

Kevin's approach to therapy is client-centered and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. He has a wide range of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. As a person in recovery, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his work and incorporates his personal experience with addiction to complement his professional training.

If you're looking for a therapist who is both empathetic and knowledgeable, Kevin can provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome life's challenges.

Why Choose Skylark Counselling?

Our team has been handpicked as the best trauma therapists throughout the Lower Mainland. We work together to ensure you receive the latest in psychological research, counselling techniques, and transparent care. We define trauma as any life circumstances that have negatively changed the way you see the world. We are the people you can talk to about anything.

Skylark Social Media

Website | Facebook |Instagram

Guest 2

Franklin's Personal Story

Franklin is a person in long term recovery who moved to Canada from Mexico. He is part of the LGBT community in Vancouver and is very entusiastic in the recovery community helping with many events as a volunteer. Hear Franky's story live this week on Talk Recovery.

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 30th @12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Andy C a person in long term recovery and author of multiple books joins us to talk about Meditation and Addiction Recovery. Catch the whole show on our Facebook page LIVE from 12-1pm PST.

About Andy

My name is Andy C., and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since November 3rd, 1977. I am sponsored, have sponsees, am involved in service work and use the Steps. In keeping with our traditions and principles of anonymity, I have not published my last name. But I am eager to engage with you. Send me a note by clicking on the ‘message’ button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can. You know you are in AA when you don’t know the last names of all your best friends. There can be too much anonymity. The apocryphal story of the guy showing up at the hospital admission desk asking for “Big Mike from the Monday night meeting” is a story that shows the problem with too much anonymity. We are not a secret society; we are an anonymous society. So, feel free to contact me. I will reply.

Andy's Books

“Gems: Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

Where did these GEMS come from? When I am listening to fellow alcoholics share at Meetings, I take notes. Not transcriptions, just notes of things that catch my attention. By jotting a reminder, I can later recall the thought. One night, my sponsor asked me, “what do you do with your notes?” “I keep them and reread them, often the next morning during my morning quiet time,” I replied. “They bring to mind the wisdom and humor that I heard. I meditate on the comments and see the insights that I missed. I feel grateful all over again… then I throw them away.” “You should write your thoughts down and share them,” he said, “you might have some fun and it might do some good.” So I started writing my meditations. In the beginning, I only shared them with my sponsees, who passed the notes to their sponsees, and then others in the Program. A couple of the recipients, involved in treatment centers with newsletters, reposted them in their newsletters and websites. They seemed to attract attention, so I started a website the4thdimension.ca and posted them online. One day I thought, “maybe a book is a good idea.” 

“More Gems: A Second Volume of Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

My wife and I were walking together. I glanced at my watch as we walked along the boardwalk and took note of the time. Two steps later, she asked, “what time is it?” I could not remember; I had just looked at my watch, noted the time, but I could not recall it when asked. I had to look again. Memory is strange. I look at my watch and immediately forget the time. I hear shares at AA meetings and admire the insights, but they slip from my mind. Likewise, wisdom seen in AA conversations evaporates within minutes. These books, GEMS and More GEMS, catch and retain AA shares at meetings and thoughts that come up in conversations. We can recall the wit and wisdom and feel the love of AA meetings and conversations. Each of these GEMS is an AA share or thought among people recovering or recovered from a seemingly hopeless condition of mind and body. They are worth remembering. 

“Still More Gems: 12 Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts”

Discover the power of recovery and spiritual growth through Still More GEMS: 12-Step Meeting Shares, Notes and Thoughts. Written by alcoholic old-timer Andy C., this helpful guide provides readers with a collection of meditations on recovery in the 12-Step Recovery Community. Deepen Recovery with Still More GEMS, 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts This powerful collection of reflections and insights offers a unique look at the spiritual growth that happens in 12-step programs together with ways to support and foster it. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone in recovery.

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 23rd @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome John Clerides, a business owner downtown Vancouver who advocates that the city needs to be safer for members of the community as well as business owners. John has been a business owner for decades in the downtown core and says it has never been as bad as it has been recently when it comes to safety. You can catch the whole interview on Facebook live from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page.

About John

John was the first president of the Davie Village BIA, when it ran from Burrard to Jervis Street only. The budget was $40,000 a year so we had to save in order to spend money on capital improvements. Now it is called the West End BIA with a full time ED and a larger budget.

John is an advocate for safety in Vancouver "we all have right to walk down any street in Vancouver, like we use to, without the fear of getting attacked & helping those who need help"

John’s daughter started a Facebook group called “Vancouver Break-Ins & Crime Collective” the group purpose is the following.

“This page aims to support small businesses and citizens alike who have experienced and/or witnessed break-ins and criminal activity in the city of Vancouver.”

John's Social media

Facebook | Twitter 

Media Attention

Below are some articles that John has been interviewed for as a business owner in Vancouver

‘Worst I have ever seen it’: Vancouver business owner says city not taking crime seriously.

Windows smashed, storefronts vandalized in Vancouver's West End overnight

Vancouver vandalism the 'worst ever seen' by West End shop owner

Mayor claims Vancouver is one of the world’s safest cities, but is he right?

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday February 16th @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Johanna O'Flaherty, Johanna, is a psychologist, author, consultant and keynote speaker. She is the former CEO of Central Recovery Treatment (CRT) and Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center. Currently, Johanna spends much of her time traveling and speaking to audiences throughout the behavioral health industry about generational trauma. Catch the full hour interview with Johanna on our Facebook page Talk Recovery Radio or next week on 100.5fm.

About Johanna

Dr. Johanna O’ Flaherty, PhD, is an expert in crisis management from a psychological perspective, and a renowned expert in the field of trauma, addiction and recovery. She was the Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center from 2006 to 2013, before serving as CEO of the Las Vegas Recovery Center, Senior Fellow of Clinical Services, from 2013 to 2016. She is an Advanced Level Nationally Certified Addiction Specialist, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and a Certified Trainer for Critical Incident Crisis Debriefing Programs. She received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California. In addition, Dr. O’Flaherty adds her 40 years of personal recovery to her long list of accomplishments.

Dr. O’ Flaherty developed and implemented Crisis Response Programs for Pan American World Airlines, TWA Airlines, and has facilitated the training of Crisis Response Teams for several other airlines as well. In her role as Corporate Manager of Pan American Airways’ Management of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s), she was responsible for the oversight of bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of the 1988 Lockerbie disaster.

This experience led her to become a pioneer in the aviation industry, organizing, training, and responding to aviation disasters, and facilitating trauma processing, grief counseling, and critical incident stress debriefing. In 1988, she also founded an educational program for chemically dependent women in Calcutta, India through Catholic Charities. In 1996, she provided counseling services to the family members of 230 individuals who perished in New York on TWA Flight 800, the third-deadliest aviation accident in US history. In 2000, she received the FBI’s “Exceptional Service in the Public Interest” award. In 2001, Dr. O’Flaherty was again called to New York to assist with counseling airline employees and facilitating the Crisis Response training for the New York City Transit Authority after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. She has conducted critical incident response training for the FBI and first responders.

At the time of this writing, Dr. O’Flaherty is providing counseling to the first and last responders of the October 1, 2017, massacre at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip, at which 58 people were killed and another 546 injured. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the US and has reignited the debate over gun laws. She is the author of two previous books: “The Correlation Between Trauma and Addiction” (2014) and “Daddy Goes to Meetings” (2015). She maintains a consulting practice and an active schedule as a keynote speaker in crisis management and addiction.

Dr. O’Flaherty has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC and CNN as well as several podcasts as an expert in her field.

Dr. O’Flaherty lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Johanna's Social media and Website

Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Johanna's Book

My intention in writing this book is to share with you the story of my own trauma and the difficult, often circuitous and self-destructive path I took to acceptance, forgiveness, and love. First, tenuously, acceptance of those who had hurt me. Acceptance, in time, unfolded into forgiveness. The longer, harder path was to learn to love myself: it can be easier to love others than it is to truly love our own flawed, fragile selves. My hope is to show that suffering is not meaningless, and that, in fact, the very thing that brings us pain can, in time and with care, bring us a sense of liberation and purpose. I believe that inherent in suffering is an opportunity to transform pain and consciously use the experience as a progenitor of a new way of being, a new way of living, a new way of seeing the world, and perhaps being able to help others do the same. We are all unique individuals, many of us with deep wounds from our pasts. But we do not need to let those scars define, or defeat us.

The shape of my life, including my career as a psychologist and specialist in community-wide crisis management, was imprinted on my psyche by traumatic events in my early childhood. My journey of self-exploration, of learning and deeply knowing myself, required, requires still, years of reflection and personal reckoning. Looking back at my formative years and experiences, my travels in search of spiritual meaning and comfort, and the arduous route to recovery from alcoholism, I know that all these elements in time formed my perspective, my work, and my very soul. While my life was filled with poor decisions and bad choices, my experiences created the tapestry of Me.

Colored in hues dark and brooding alongside bright tones of lightness and hope, all threads twist and intertwine. I can no sooner disentangle this complicated tapestry now than I can predict its completion.

Buy the Book Here

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday Feb 2nd, 2023 @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two tattoo artists in recovery from addiction, Dre Gail and Riley Maten. They will both share their stories of recovery and talk about how they got into tattooing and how it has effected their recovery journey. Babydoll tattoos has been around since 2017 and has grown to a fully equipped multi artist shop in 2022. Catch it all on our Facebook page Thursday at 12pm. The show will be replayed on radio at 12pm PST on Thursday February 9th, 2023.

Dre Gail - BabyDoll Tattoos Owner

Babydoll Tattoos, as a business, originated with Dré acting as a one woman show and slowly building her brand over the first few years.  In 2017, she built and licensed her first shop in a simple office space (with a sink of course).  From there, in 2020, miraculously post lock-down, Dré expanded the studio and moved it into a location where multiple artists could work.  Finally, in January of 2022, Babydoll Tattoos recognized their opportunity to achieve their five-year goal of opening a storefront, fully-equipped, multi artist shop. Meet Dré Gail aka Babydoll of Babydoll Tattoos. After a long relationship with art, Babydoll Tattoos was born out of a simple desire - to tattoo one’s knuckles.

Dré had a love for the movie Sucker Punch and identified with the character, Babydoll’s, descent into dreamy fight scenes at times of discomfort. While exploring appearance modification, Dré wanted to tattoo “baby” and “doll” on her knuckles but her resumé at the time did not accommodate such tattoos. Wanting to maintain employment, and with her qualifications thus far landing mainly in the corporate professional world - she decided to build her own empire that suited her own wants and needs and to spread that empowerment to others. She created a job that would allow her the flexibility to express her creativity in a financially beneficial way. On a deeper level, after struggling with severe body dysmorphia and a feeling of displeasure within her own skin, Dré changed the means by which she tried to take control of her body. Rather than starving, belittling and hating - she embraced it with art. Treating her body as a partner and an expression of her experiences was therapeutic and a love for tattoos began.

Her dream grew and she transferred her artistic education, corporate experience, and empathic nature, to tattooing. Babydoll Tattoos intends to offer all clients an opportunity to embrace their bodies and physical appearances in which ever way they choose and coach them through the process. Tattoos are a personal and often spiritual experience and as an artist, Dré respects and appreciates her involvement in such an intimate experience. The client’s comfort and individual needs are put first and foremost by our skilled artist and she holds her artists to the same standards, hunting out employees who share her values and can embrace the shop philosophy.

Riley's Vision

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday Dec. 8 @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk with Reed McCaskill about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery program followed by David Pavlus on his 39 years in recovery.

Reed McCaskill - Behavioural Health Tech at Back2Basics

Reed McCaskill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He went through the Back2Basics program along with the Transition program in 2020. During that time he found a deep appreciation and level of gratitude for the community and values of the program. He took a three month internship with Back2Basics while in the Transition program and decided to join full time upon completion, to give back as best as he can. Working toward building his life further in Flagstaff, Reed plans to attend NAU in pursuit of a BA in Social Work while exploring new avenues to live a fulfilling sober life.

What is Back2Basics?

Back2Basics is an outdoor adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males, from 18-35, with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program clients are exposed to a weekly combination of wilderness therapy and addiction treatment program that have proven to be successful in recovery.

Beyond the Basics is an additional 6-month transition program that follows the Back2Basics program and is focused on transitioning our clients into ‘real life’. In Beyond the Basics we provide for the groundwork to gradually transition our clients from rehabilitation and recovery into living real life with long-term sobriety.

Back2Basics is committed to the recovery of our clients through a series of concentrated hands-on therapy and life-skill building that is rooted by our unique programs, daily in-depth study of the 12-steps, and innovative and traditional therapeutic counseling modalities. Back2Basics is dedicated to providing personnel and professional expertise, along with the concrete recovery infrastructure, that is essential to the long-term transformation of our clients into a self-sustaining AND sober adult.

David Pavlus -Founder of Last Door Recovery Society

David Pavlus is the founder of the Last Door Recovery Society, a New Westminster non-profit organization that has been providing long term residential addiction treatment and adjunct family services for over 30 years. David is a man who embodies both vision and the will to execute that which he believes in. His approach to all thing is life is equal measures of practicality and common sense. While others are still considering ideas David is well on his way to making his ideas a reality. While it can and has been said that David’s leadership style is unorthodox, the success of Last Door and its clients under his leadership is undeniable.

David has innate charisma tempered with humility and strong will; he is able to readily inspire others to his vision and excite them to action. He is man who is able to stay true to a course of action despite the incessant winds of change. Last Door itself is a reflection of his unusual leadership style. It is program filled with folks who produce excellent results while operating from the heart.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome five amazing woman who are making sure parents in early recovery have gifts to give to their kids this Christmas. Alexis, Kimberlea, Britt, Linda and Amanda from Recovery Kidz are talking about the importance of helping parents get gifts to their kids at Christmas. Join us Thursday from 12-1pm PST on Facebook Live and on 100.5fm Co-op Radio Recovery Kidz

WHO DOES RECOVERY KIDZ HELP?

Recovery Kidz is an organization that strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery from addiction. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey.  We also see addiction as a family disease and seek to help normalize the holiday season for children affected by addiction. Your donations of toys, gift cards and cash will bring a smile to so many children whose parents are, in some cases, unable to see them because they are in a treatment facility this year.

OUR HISTORY

Since 2013, Recovery Kidz has helped thousands of children by providing gifts for kids that have parents residing in recovery centres over the holiday season. This year our goal is 300 kids spanning over 7 recovery houses and treatment centres and we are asking for your support to create joy for them on Christmas morning regardless of what they might be experiencing.

OUR VISION Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays.   It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning.  In past years, with your support we have been able to do much more and we hope that this year is even better, but we need your help!

This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Candace Plattor joins the show to talk about her book "“Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction”, also with the holidays coming up Candace will talk about loving and supporting an addict through the holiday season, one guest one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio. Catch the full show on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page and on 100.5fm.

Loving an Addict

Loving someone who has an addiction problem is like being trapped on a roller-coaster of painful emotions. You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next. It can be like living a re-occurring nightmare that you can’t wake up from. The ongoing lies and the broken promises, the constant worry and fear, the dwindling hope that someday things will change. You know the story… It’s downright exasperating. Whether the addict in your life is your spouse, partner, parent, child, friend, or colleague, the goods news is there is a way to end your suffering and Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction shows you how. It doesn’t matter what kind of addictive behavior your loved one is struggling with. It could be alcohol and drug misuse; an eating disorder; smoking; gambling; an Internet, relationship, or sex addiction; or compulsive shopping and over-spending. All addictions have negative consequences for loved ones. It’s not news that many family and friends get caught in the “cycle of addiction” and don’t know how to untangle themselves from the spiral of destruction the addict is engaging in. Candace shows you that the key to changing this painful reality for yourself lies in shifting your focus from your loved one’s addiction to your own self-care. She shows you how to stop doing the things that are not only making your own life miserable, but which are also “enabling” the addict to continue on the path of destruction. However, thanks to this ground-breaking book you can now discover how to help yourself disengage from the ugly path of addiction. Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself Shows You How to Stop the Cycle of Pain and Chaos Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself presents a dramatically fresh approach to help you get off your loved one’s roller-coaster chaos of addiction, maintain your own sanity and serenity, and live your best life.

About Candace

Candace Plattor is an Addictions Therapist in private practice, where she specializes in working with the family and other loved ones of people who are struggling with addiction, in her unique and signature Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy Program. As a former addict with over 35 years clean and sober, Candace has learned that overcoming addiction is a family condition: everyone in the family is affected by addiction and everyone needs to heal. For more than three decades, she has been helping both addicts and their loved ones understand their dysfunctional behaviors and make healthier life choices.

The results Candace achieves have been astounding: addicts stop using and families regain their lives from the ravages of addiction. Not only has her success led to a waiting list of clients but she is a sought-after leader in the field of addictions. As the developer of the Love With Boundaries Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy method, Candace now works with her team of top counsellors and coaches, helping both the families and their addicts break the devastating cycle of addiction for good. If addiction is causing pain and suffering in your family, and you’re ready to do what it takes to reclaim your sanity and serenity so you can live your best life, you can contact Candace for a free 30-minute consultation.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Emily, Kiola and Lainy join the show to talk about Sober Mom Squad. The Sober Mom Squad is just as it sounds: a Squad of Moms who are already sober, those who are just dipping their toes in exploring an alcohol free lifestyle, and everything in between! Join us on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page streamed live Thursday from 12-1pm PST  

About Sober Mom Squad  

Sober Mom Squad was formed during the pandemic of 2020. Many moms found they were feeling disconnected and were drinking more than ever. Messaging around alcohol and motherhood was rampant. ​Maybe you're sick of the wine-mom narrative. Maybe you want to explore what an alcohol-free life looks like. Maybe you just need a community that isn't focused on boozing! We are women like you, who don't want their kids to grow up with a mom who needs wine to survive them. Our common goal is to raise children in homes where alcohol is not the focus, and help other women do the same.  

Meet the Squad!

 Emily

 Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and the forthcoming Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing (May 2023). She has given two powerful TEDx talks, both challenging the status quo of parenting, alcohol use, and feminism as we know it. Paulson has also been featured in major publications such as the Today Show, New York Times, Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, Next Question with Katie Couric, and the Tamron Hall Show. She resides in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.

 Kiola

I’m a certified nutrition coach and sober community facilitator. After working for over a decade in the fitness industry, I pivoted my coaching to serve exclusively in the recovery and sobriety space. As a woman in recovery, I’m passionate about teaching my community how to use fitness and nutrition to support our sobriety. I’m currently working towards the California state license as a Peer Support Specialist and I feel so grateful to be able to live out my life’s passion in a community that is so important to me.  

Lainy

I work full time as a marketer in the financial services industry. While I do very much enjoy my day job, I have a  passion for mentoring women in the recovery community. I have been sober since August 31, 2020; joining sober mom squad as a member at 90 days. I fell in love with the community and became a host 1.5 years ago. I have made the best friends through SMS and truly look forward to helping women every day. Sobriety, recovery work, and Sober Mom Squad has changed my life in so many beautiful ways.

This Week on Talk Recovery Radio Lester Morse joins the show, Lester is the director of Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery, an online tool to help people access addiction treatment services. Joined by Lester, Sojna Pewter tells her story of addiction recovery. Tune in on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook live event, Thursday 12-1pm PST. Talk Recovery airs every Thursday from 12-1pm PST on 100.5 fm Co-op Radio.

About Lester

Lester has worked in addiction treatment for over 30 years. He founded a sober living project in Watford for 9 years before opening a 45-bed residential rehab in Suffolk for 15 years. He is currently the director of East Coast Recovery online and RehabsUK. Lester’s projects & community programmes have countless success stories!

Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery

Rehabs UK  is a free and confidential addiction recovery support service. Partnered with a broad range of trusted clinics throughout the UK and in Europe, the Rehabs UK team work to find the best possible match for each individual at the beginning of their recovery journey.

East Coast Recovery opened its doors on the peaceful Suffolk coast in 2001 and since that time we have supported thousands of people and their families into recovery. Our residential side of the company closed its doors at the end of May 2022. Due to the pandemic and thousands of people turning to the online world we made the move to create an online rehab programme which enables more people than ever before to get the help they need. We are not only an online rehab but our treatment advisors work collaboratively with our sister company, Rehabs UK, who can help to direct individuals to the right residential rehabilitation center.

Rehab UK and East Coast Recovery Social Media Pages

Rehab UK

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website 

East Coast Recovery

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Sonja's Story

Sonja Pewter used Class A drugs for nearly two decades and has been to HMP approximately 13 times for various offences from shop lifting to street robberies. Her last sentence was long enough for her to have the opportunity to think about what she wanted from her life and is where her journey into new beginnings started. Sonja left HMP for last time on the 4th of February 2006 and went to treatment where she lasted 9 days before being introduced to Lester. Sonja joined a mature AA fellowship in Watford whom she is forever grateful to and although she ended up using a couple of times from February 2006 to October 2006, she still attended meetings, got herself a sponsor and started working through the steps. She has been clean since October 1st 2006 and continues to be actively involved in 12 step fellowships and has been in employment since getting clean. Sonja was ECR’s Recovery Centre Manager working alongside Lester before leaving in June 2022 to begin a new adventure back in her old home town, Southend. She has bought her own house, gained her level 5 in Leadership and Management along with other studies and training. Sonja has been all around the world on lovely holidays and her relationships – daughter included are better than she ever imagined.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Joel Soper author of "Never Enough Zeroes" He joins us to talk about his memoir and share his personal story of recovery from gambling addiction. Catch the show on Facebook Live Thursday at 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio, also catch Talk Recovery Radio weekly on 100.5fm co op Radio.

Never Enough Zeroes

About the book: When Joel Soper placed his first “sure thing” bet at the Detroit Race Course back in 1987, he never imagined that such an innocent gesture might lead him down the path to gambling addiction. But now, after tossing millions of dollars into the bonfire of unfulfilled dreams, Joel is stepping out of the shadows to bare his soul about the realities of compulsive sports betting. Never Enough Zeroes is an unflinching and searing portrayal that exposes the all-too-human foibles of a man trapped on the treadmill of obsession. Co-author Philip Wyeth captures the essence of Joel’s tortured existence by telling his unforgettable life story with compassion, humor, and literary flair. The result is a memoir that will touch readers from all backgrounds as it throws a lifeline to anyone caught in the relentless undertow of addiction who also dreams of creating a better version of themselves. “I’ve made millions of dollars with my silver tongue, but it always just slips through my fingers...” As more states legalize gambling across the nation, Joel’s story is an especially timely warning about this scourge where losses often extend beyond money into broken relationships and mental health issues.

The proliferation of live betting has the potential to turn a generation of unwitting sports fans into nothing more than rats frantically tapping their phone screens for the next dopamine rush. This book is a call to action! It raises a banner of hope amid a sea of desperation, and signals the start of a new alliance which is weaving a safety net so that addicts of all stripes might never hit rock bottom again. As Joel continues his difficult journey as a “work in progress,” he hopes that Never Enough Zeroes will be a worthy addition to the self-help canon, as well as a companion piece to the mental health professional’s bookshelf.

About the Author

Joel Soper grew up in Livonia, Michigan, the youngest of four siblings. After graduating from Western Michigan University he moved to San Diego, California. For nearly three decades Joel has run some of the most successful residential landscaping businesses across Southern California. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Samir Baksh director of marketing for FAYYR which is a organization that supports charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. Second on the show to join Samir is Alex O an artist in recovery, and Alex will share his story of recovery from addiction and how art helped Alex in his journey. Catch it all on our Facebook live video on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page. Also on 100.5fm noon-1pm PST.

FAYYR

Our Purpose

We believe that everyone has a role in making the world a better place. Our vision is to empower global participation in supporting social good using emerging blockchain technology. To this end, we have created a platform that connects charities, artists, and their supporters to the crypto economy and to each other. Fayyr was created to support charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. A non-fungible token, or NFT, is a unique digital asset that is stored on a cryptocurrency blockchain. Fundamentally, a blockchain is a digital database used for recording transactions that is distributed throughout a network of computers to keep information and assets safe. We use the NEAR blockchain because it is fast, cheap, and climate neutral.

Our Story

Our small, dedicated team has worked hard during the pandemic to make our vision a reality. While we’re driven by this vision, we have also had a lot of practical challenges to face. Unsurprisingly, this has meant enormous dedication, as well as learning all kinds of new technical tools, methods, processes, and underlying technologies. Luckily, this is exactly what we love to learn about, so while we’re working hard, we’re having a blast doing it! To accomplish our goal, we’ve leveraged our many complementary skills. We range from seasoned software veterans, to enthusiastic top of the class students; from mathematical gurus to marketing masters and everything else in between. We love sports, music, art, books, movies, video games, and hanging out with friends. We’re a bunch of keeners, and a bunch of campers, but you would probably find that at most startups. What keeps us going is our collective vision to support charities while celebrating digital art. It’s what we’re all about.

Personal Story

Alex O is an artist in recovery, Alex will join Talk Recovery to talk about his story of recovery from his addiction and how Art has helped him in his journey. Catch Alex on the radio and Facebook live this Thursday from 12:30-1:00pm.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Wendi Friesen, Wendi is a speaker, Author, Corporate Training. Since 1994, Expert in Hypnosis, Mindfulness and NLP. Join us on 100.5fm every Thursday from noon-1pm PST, or on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook Live.

About Wendi

I am worldwide leader in creating rapid change for life's difficult problems. Since 1994 my site at Wendi.com has influenced the lives of millions worldwide and brought insight, wisdom and spiritual growth to people in need. I can help you.

I am often described by my colleagues as a powerful healer, teacher and a creative marketing expert, and they tell me I am one of the most loved transformational trainers in the world.

As a flat broke single mother of two, with no resources, money, help or partners, I created a transformation business for devoted followers who seek real change.

My work caught the attention of the media and I quickly became an authority on how to make rapid and massive change in your mind, body and spiritual life.

Wendi.com grew to experience millions in sales in a short time, reaching the hearts and minds of people who understood how her sincerity and passion could transform their lives. Wendi has created over 300 programs on audio and Video that will teach you how to really use your brain! The programs lead you through a process of changing your brain's neural networks, the chemicals of depression, and the habitual and compulsive thoughts that prevent them from being happy. I've been called a miracle worker and have helped doctors who refer their patients to me to do what they might consider impossible. My work with the medical hypnosis has freed people from chronic pain, ended debilitating phobias, released the effects of PTSD, ended the torture of relentless migraines, and cured many so called incurable conditions.

It is remarkable what the mind can do when given the right stuff. My recorded programs use powerful therapy that rewires the neural pathways in the brain and results in amazing outcomes. I am committed to breaking new ground in the treatment of addiction. After numerous frustrating attempts to help my son with years of addiction, I created a powerful program that is based on the new science of how the brain can be changed through meditation, hypnosis, NLP and energetic methods.

Everything that you experience affects your ability to be effective, happy, motivated and successful. Life is full of ups and downs and how you manage your experiences will determine how you react to new experiences in your life. You can be devastated by an event or empowered and determined. My experience with hypnosis has taught me how to shift the way the brain reacts and how I respond to life’s experiences.

Wendi's Website | Wendi's Facebook |Wendi's Twitter

WHAT IS NEXT?

I am on a mission to change the way the world treats addiction. The crisis of addiction is one I take personally. My success in helping those who've lost hope is proof that I can change the minds, hearts and lives of addicts and their families. It is not enough to just end your addiction, it is about building a valuable and exciting life and restoring your heart and soul. Locking someone in a treatment center for 30 days and driving them to AA meetings does nothing to change the emotional, mental and physical destruction that an addict endures. Loving family members have few choices when seeking a treatment that creates deep and lasting change. I am training therapists, counselors and addiction centers to use powerful methods that they can implement in their centers.

Canada’s Largest Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Day Festival. This Saturday Recovery Day BC – 10th Anniversary Noon to 6 pm, September 10th New Westminster BC.

Addiction Recovery Festival Festival Program 6th and 6th Stage Program 12:00– 1:00 Eagle Eyes – Eagles tribute band

2:00 – 3:00 Busty and the Bass

3:30 – 4:30 Snotty Nose Rez Kids

5:00 – 6:00 Tom Cochrane

Kids Stage at 5th Av and 6th street

12:00 – 12:15 Will’s Jams Opening

12:15 – 1:00 Penny Pom Pom

1:00 – 1:10Cosmo Circus

1:30 – 2:15 Karima Essa – Bollywood Star Workshop

2:15 – 2:25 Cosmo Circus

3:00 – 3:45 Fred Penner

4:00 – 4:50 Will’s Jam

4:50 – 5:00 Cosmo Circus

5:05 – 6:00 themagicguy.ca Gary Savard Kids Zone Korki Clown, facepainters, clowns, balloon artists, the Fun GymBus, LEGO TENT, Tumble City Cheer Parkour Gymnastics, Lollipop the Bubble Clown, COCO the parrot, and so much more. Adventure Zone Rock Climbing Wall Virtual Reality Experience Axe Throwing

BC Addiction Recovery Association Stage 12:00 Bungalow

1:15 Will Clements

2:30 Amber Tsang

3:35 Tess Anderson

5:00 Sugar Fungus Plus 2 more stages

My Uptown New West Stage features – Cakewalk Dance Band & Djs 5th St and 6th Ave Stage Royal City Swing Over 200 Vendor Spaces Booked

What is happening at Recovery Day?

Food Trucks Artisans Mental Health and Addiction Service Providers Adventure Zone with Rock Climbing, Virtual Reality Pods, Swing Dancing, and Axe Throwing Kids Zone with Facepainters, Clowns, Magicians, Balloon Art Overdose Memorial Tree to honour those lost too soon 4 Music Stages Recovery Day BC in New Westminster has become one of the world’s largest events celebrating recovery and raising awareness that recovery from addiction and mental health issues is possible. See you on September 10th, 2022 in the Uptown New West Neighborhood at 6th and 6th.

Talk Recovery Radio

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Colleen Allan to the show, Colleen is the executive director of St. Raphael Wellness Centre and has been teaching a course about Gender Differences of Alcohol Effects on Women for many years now. Colleen is joined by two women who will share their story of recovery with us as well. 3 guests one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio, catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE noon-1pm PST every Thursday or on Co-op Radio 100.5fm.

Alcohol Effects on Women

There has been widespread acceptance by the scientific community of alcohol’s effect on women, particularly the vulnerability of developing breast cancer, and the highest risk of reoccurrence, for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the fact that it is well documented in the literature and has been reported in two expose’s two years running by the CBC’s National News, there seems to be no recognition that women should be given this information. It has been recommended that warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages that have been instituted by some European countries. About

Elysia 41 years old, married no kids. Volunteer at SRWC, doing reception, outreach and intakes. Problem drinking started at about 30 years old and progressed full on alcohol dependency at 35. Sober 3 years this September. September, 2019, I was hospitalized with acute liver failure and cellulitis. I was given approximately 6 months to live without a liver transplant, but once the alcohol consumption stopped, my health gradually improved to the point where I am no longer in need of a liver transplant. I did, however suffer long term effects from the alcohol. I have moderate to severe alcoholic neuropathy in my feet and legs that make both standing or sitting for any extended period of time a problem. This is a marked improvement from three years ago, however, as initially, I was unable to walk without a walker or get up or down without assistance. I am also now peri-menopausal which takes away any option of having children.

About Taylor

My name is Taylor, I was diagnosed with end stage liver cirrhosis at the age of 28 in 2019. I had never heard of cirrhosis before, I knew alcohol from an early age wasn’t “good” for you and had plenty of talks growing up about how bad smoking, drugs, pills, etc. are but never really alcohol. Alcohol always seemed normal to me, it’s all around you. Especially these days, I find it’s around everywhere. I see it in nail salons, hair salons, weird places you wouldn’t normally see it. When I was diagnosed, it was explained to me and my parents from what I can remember, but I didn’t really have a guide on how to handle what was happening to me. I remember just being really confused and didn’t really know what to do with it all, or cared really at that point, that’s where my brain was at. I was confused, scared, lost. When I was at my worst with my battle with cirrhosis, I had every symptom possible on the list when you google it, except for the coma part, and coming back out of the hospital and into reality was really hard for me. I was using alcohol to escape from trauma, and to protect myself from a lot of things from my past. I didn’t know what to do with all of this, that’s when my auntie just took me to SRWC one day, and without knowing it was going to happen, as the more I attended, the better I started to slowly feel. They gave me a place to go when I didn’t think anyone else would understand what I was going through, I felt safe there immediately. I started doing 1:1 sessions with a counselor and when I got confident enough, which was something they also helped me build, because I had zero when I walked in those doors, I started to attend group sessions. I felt accepted by the other women in my group, I felt accepted by my counselors, and everyone else that worked at SRWC.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio Jeanette Yoffe executive director of the Celia Centre joins the show to talk about adoption, abandonment and mental health addiction recovery, then followed by Rebekah G a woman in Recovery with over 8 years clean shares her story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE. #NewWestRecovery.

About Jeanette Yoffe

Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the Executive Director and Founder of Celia Center. This is a support center that meets the critical needs of all those connected by Foster Care and Adoption. It supports those who serve the community in Los Angeles and beyond via support groups, mental health conferences, wolf healings, and art festivals. She is the clinical director of Yoffe Therapy, which provides psychotherapy to children, teens, and their families, treating attachment, trauma, grief, and loss challenges. She has been in the field for over 20 years.

She has worked as a psychotherapist, foster care social worker, clinical director, trainer for Los Angeles Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health for parents, social workers, and therapists on adoption & foster care challenges, parenting, the impact of pre-adoption trauma, grief/loss, open adoption. She supports adult adoptees searching for extended lost family members and assists in reunions and family reunification. She was awarded the Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care in Los Angeles. Yoffe’s desire to become a therapist with a particular focus on adopted and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system in New York. Adoption and Abandonment It’s important to acknowledge that all adoption starts with some form of loss. It’s the invisible wound of adoption. 

7 CORE ISSUES: rejection, guilt, shame, grief, identity and intimacy challenges, the distinctions – or battle – between implied identity and imposed identity, mastery and control. There’s difficulty with trust because their very first most significant relationship was severed, often traumatically. That inherited abandonment can often translate to a heightened sensitivity to rejection and feeling abandoned. There’s tremendous vulnerability, difficulty forming trusting relationships. “Am I good enough?” There’s an acute sense of alienation because they have become disenfranchised from their ancestral tribe: “Where did I come from? Who am I?” I often say we’re not adoptees, we’re adoptees. Often, I have found in my work with adoptees that there is a deep feeling of inner turmoil, disconnection, low self-worth, and overwhelming fear and anxiety. I believe what leads my adopted or fostered clients into addiction or compulsive behavior often stems from the suppression of inner pain. Sometimes this is a pain recognized, but sometimes this buried pain is not recognized and is a disenfranchised grief, that society doesn’t recognize as valid. But it is. Adoptees need to be encouraged to grieve. Substance abuse can be thought of as an attempt at a solution to the inner turmoil rather than the cause of it, as it can help to numb pain and keep it lodged within. The problem with this is that keeping the pain blocked prevents us from experiencing the growth we need to become our best selves

About Rebekah G

A member of the New Westminster recovery community, Bekah G. has been clean for 8.5 years and is a graduate of Westminster House Recovery Center for Women. She knows that she can only keep what she has by giving it away; Bekah serves as the secretary of her homegroup, sponsors women from the community and is on the fundraising committee for the 47th PNWCNA, to be held in October 2024. Bekah is an educator who loves babies, building community and feasting with friends.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio Author, motivational speaker, recovery coach podcaster and founder of "Life is Wonderful" Hugo Vrsalovic joins the show for the full hour. Catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page here.

About Hugo Hugo Vrsalovic is the founder of Life Is Wonderful. Hugo V. has met difficult challenges in his life that allows him to relate to people who are dealing with similar struggles. With over 20 years in recovery from gambling and alcohol along with being in therapy for 7 years, he truly believes that 12 Step meetings, therapy, and retreats work. Hugo V. is the son of immigrant parents and is fluent in Spanish. His family history is of Bolivian and Croatian background. Hugo V. has graduated with an MBA from Rice University, BBA from The University of Texas at Austin, and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. He is a DTM Toastmaster. About Life is Wonderful Life Is Wonderful is a business that focuses on empowering people who are struggling with addiction by using methods of honest self-awareness. Self-awareness is defined as one's conscious knowledge of character, motives, desires, and feelings. Life Is Wonderful believes people who struggle with addiction and other matters such as family issues and spirituality can seek help only if they have the desire to do so.

The founder of Life Is Wonderful, Hugo Vrsalovic, has created a unique twist on "The 12 Steps" called "The 12 Steps - Explained," which explains each step in a different way, hoping to get people to understand the Steps and become grateful for the Steps since the Steps can transform lives and help you be content. The 12 Steps involve having honest self-reflection, having positive support, making positive changes, and maintaining that positive change.

Life Is Wonderful has a goal of transforming the lives of people who are struggling with addiction and life by practicing self-awareness. ​The founder, Hugo Vrsalovic, is the motivational public speaker for Life Is Wonderful and connects with audiences to help them think, feel, and see differently on life struggles. Hugo Vrsalovic uses personal experiences, humor, and scientific knowledge to make an impact. He speaks at middle schools, high schools, corporations, universities, and recovery centers. Currently, he is writing an audiobook. ​

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two amazing guests, first on the show is Vancouver drag sensation Kendall Gender to talk about Untoxicated 2022 which is coming home to New Westminster at New West Pride this Saturday. Second on the show is Victoria H yoga teacher and person in recovery who will tell us her personal story of how yoga helped save her life. Catch it all on Facebook live this Thursday at 12pm PST.

Kendall Gender

As a performer, host, model and LGBTQIA2S+ activist, Kendall Gender is a bonafide Canadian drag sensation. With grassroots in Vancouver, she has performed coast to coast since 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Kendall is best known for being on season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race, where she placed in the top 3.  She is also known for being the queer ambassador for Fairmont Hotels, a member of infamous drag group ‘BRATPACK’ and a past winner of elite drag competition “Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar” in 2017. She was also elected as the “Empress of Vancouver” and raised over $25,000 for various charities as a part of the Dogwood Monarchist Society.  In 2020 she was also the first drag performer to do a halftime performance at the Rugby 7’s game, performing for a crowd of 50,000 people.

As a biracial artist, Kendall started the show ‘VISIBLE’ which is designed as a  platform to raise money and awareness for visible minorities.  In 2020, the events moved digital and raised over $9,000 for Black Lives Matter during a single event.

Kendall has been cast in the lead role of an upcoming film called “Stay”, playing the character Kaleb /Ivy Diamonds. The film is set to release in fall 2022.

Always dressed to the nines and known for her explosive and high-energy performances that radiate positivity and ooze sex appeal, Kendall is a powerhouse that continues to leave audiences wanting more as her star continues to rise.

Kendall's Social Media

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Untoxicated 2022

Last Door’s Clean Sober Proud initiative invites EVERYONE to substance-free spaces during Pride Season, people in recovery, recovery allies, sober curious people and anyone who wants to be part of is welcome to celebrate with us.

Dance with us at our highly anticipated UNTOXICATED Street festival.

This year the anticipated Untoxicated festival is coming home to New West in partnership with the New West Pride

These activities help foster healthy relationships for the LGBTQ2s+ Community while connecting people to Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services.

Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and the thousands of supporters over the years that have helped this initiative grow.

Where: Outside of Anvil Centre, New Westminster, BC

When: 3-8pm August 13th, 2022

Yoga and Addiction Recovery

The second half of the show hear Victoria's personal story of addiction and recovery and how yoga helped save her life.

Recovery and yoga have saved my life. When in front of a class it is important to me to be authentic, with a non-judgmental teaching style and compassion-centered philosophy, adding in my sense of humor to make it fun. I encourage growth of the physical and spiritual, weaving yoga into the recovery process. This is my passion, and I am so happy to have found it.

Talk Recovery Radio

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests. First on the show we welcome Bruce Rosenberg, co founder of Rosenberg Law, Bruce has made a name for himself in the area of healthcare fraud litigation defense. Second on the show is Steven Hall, a person in long term recovery sharing his personal story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery's Facebook page.

About Bruce Rosenberg

Bruce Rosenberg is a founding partner of Rosenberg Law, P.A. With over 30 years of experience litigating in New York and Florida, Mr. Rosenberg now concentrates his practice in healthcare regulatory compliance and civil racketeering litigation. He has successfully litigated a wide array of cases on behalf of healthcare professionals and businesses. Mr. Rosenberg also frequently advises other general practice and criminal attorneys on issues of corporate compliance, HIPAA privacy compliance, contracts, medical staff issues, and billing issues.

Before specializing in healthcare law, Mr. Rosenberg represented insurance companies in subrogation cases and with defense issues. This experience allows him to serve healthcare providers more efficiently and effectively. His working knowledge includes complex commercial litigation, acquisitions, assignments, joint ventures, partnerships, civil defense of banking and leasing institutions as well as banking compliance.

Mr. Rosenberg is an active member of the Sarasota Bar Association. He also currently serves on the Florida Bar Technology Committee.

Rosenberg Law Socials

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

DRUG ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB COVERAGE

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) eliminated addiction from the list of preexisting conditions, thus ensuring health insurance coverage for alcohol and drug rehabilitation services; this is because the ACA sought to improve access to medical health services during a time of rising widespread mental health issues.

The ACA classified addiction treatment as an "essential medical benefit".

Pursuant to the ACA, insurance plans cover addiction evaluation and treatment medication, alcohol and drug testing, anti-craving medication, clinic and home health visits, family counseling, certain interventions, and medical detox programs. Plans obtainable through the Health Insurance Marketplace provide varying degrees of coverage for rehabilitation–60% for Bronze plans, 70% for Silver plans, 80% for Gold plans, and 90% for
Platinum plans.

As a result, the ACA makes addiction treatment more affordable and allows patients to select a greater range of rehabilitation services. However, inpatient programs may be excluded by ACA/public plans. Since the passage of the ACA, private plans offer varying levels of coverage for rehabilitation. State laws that regulate private plans typically require insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment and other mental health rehab services.

Though costlier than public insurance, private insurance ordinarily provides more options for treatment coverage than public plans, especially for alcohol and drug addiction rehab. However, some private plans do not cover substance abuse rehab, which makes public plans more favorable in those circumstances. Note that the difference between drug addiction and substance abuse–substance abuse is using a substance in a way not intended or more often/in higher amounts than necessary, while addiction is a chronic illness in which a person experiences neurochemical changes causing psychological dependence on a drug.

OFF-LABEL PRESCRIPTIONS
Insurance companies can sometimes deny coverage when physicians prescribe drugs–this occurs when the prescription is for an ailment omitted from the label, meaning that though the drug treats the ailment for which the drug has been prescribed, the drug was not specifically approved for treating said ailment.

Although the practice of off-label prescriptions is lawful and happens all the time, insurance providers deny coverage, except in limited circumstances where physicians provide convincing peer-reviewed research in favor of their prescription.

Even in cases where a physician can convincingly provide backing for the off-label prescription, insurance companies may deny coverage at their discretion.

Steven's Personal Story

Steven made his way down from the West Kootenays to a residential treatment center in the lower mainland, he completed a 12-step based program which was 60 days in duration. Once he completed the program, he began to volunteer at the treatment facility and today is an employee there. His own experience and struggles with addiction and mental health, coupled with working in the field, has given Steven fresh perspectives on the impact addiction has had on his community, friends, family, and himself. By entering recovery, Steven was able to stabilize on medications, receive counselling and build a strong support network of friends and professionals that help him daily to overcome his own struggles. Steven is a strong believer that there is hope in recovery and a strong community of like-minded individuals can bring a solution to British Columbia’s growing substance   misuse epidemic and overdose crisis. By creating more safe spaces in our community that provide access to professional mental and physical health care services, Steven believes everyone is capable and worth recovery from addiction.