Voice of HOPE

1 1

PATIENT/CLIENT & FAMILY COUNCIL

MARCH 2015
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3

From the Editor 2

Gambling Quiz 3 Sunshine After Rain

Funnyside
Funnyside——Puns 4
One day when I was young I heard a crystal meth
Harm Reduction 5 I thought of my family, oh what a mess
knock at my door
It sounded familiar, like I had heard it But all I heard was screaming "Yes, Yes,
Dr. K. Addictions 6
before Yes"
Dr. K. Addictions con’t 7 I opened the door and to my surprise
I had to find help I was at my wits end
8 There stood a young lady with blond hair I had lost my child, my family and my friends
My Name is Vince
and brown eyes
Gambling Quiz Answers 9 I said "God are you there, can you help me
She said, I have the answers, are you ready please?"
Beanie’s Dog Blog 10 to play? A sudden peace came over me and I fell to
Integrated Concurrent So I grabbed my money and I said ok my knees
Disorders Program There were the answers that I had always God answered the riddle that so long I did
Expansion sought guess
Liquids, pills, and powders, and I bought and Why my addiction kept screaming "Yes, Yes,
bought Yes"
Smoking...a Hard Habit 11
to Break Then one day, my friend suddenly changed It's because I kept asking night after night
It Happened in Canada 12 her face became ugly, calloused, and It's going to be different this time right?
deranged
Royal Canadian Navy 13 She grabbed my hand and we tore through I said, "God I'm not worth it I feel like a jerk."
the town He said, "Suit up and show up its time to go
Thinking of 14 My loved ones and friends could only watch to work"
Georgianwood? and frown
Now it's been eight months since I had my
Georgianwood con’t 15 She kept whispering something I could only last drink
16 guess It's given me time to remember and think
Useful Tele #’s It sounded like she was repeating "Yes, Yes,
Yes" So I am here to tell you in this little rhyme
We are located at Life keeps getting better "One day at a time'
How quickly from fun to very near death So when you think you are going insane
Waypoint Centre for
How quickly from one beer, to smoking There's always, 'Sunshine after the Rain."
Mental Health Care
500 Church Street Found on: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/sunshine-after-rain
Penetanguishene Ontario © Brenda Winders
L9M 1G3
705 549
549--3181 Ext 2180
1-877
877--341
341--4729
Why be a copy when you were born to be an original—Oscar Wilde
[email protected]
Recovery from Mental Illness and/or Addictions is Possible!
Not only is it Possible…it is LIKELY
Patient/Client & Family Council Mission:
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 to nurture
—Brought hope
to you by theand discovery
Patient/Client by supporting
& Family the recovery
Council—Penetanguishene Ontariojourney
Canada of
people affected by mental health and/or addiction challenges.
2 2
Editorial We explore the many
torrent streams that
propel the lives of people living with addictions into a
life of squander and torment in this edition of the
Voice of HOPE. Indeed the marriage of addictions &
mental health are explored as while you can have
mental health challenges without addictions, it is
Dianne Stringer, Editor certainly questionable if you can have addictions
without underlying mental health difficulties. Dr. K.
explores this phenomena quite profoundly in his piece.
Addictions and substance misuse/abuse leads many to the emergency wards of our general hospitals and often onward
to mental health facilities where the pieces of our lives can start to be put back together. We are fortunate to have the
Georgianwood Concurrent Disorders Program on site. This world class program has seen hundreds of people, if not
thousands over the years and many would proclaim Georgianwood…..from clinical staff to co-patients to Peer
Supporters to non-clinical staff such as those found in housekeeping services made all the difference in the world. Read
Bob McTavish’s program profile piece on pages 14 & 15.
This poignant video (link below) was written, directed and
animated by Adreas Hykade and in its simplicity, probably
the best representation of the addiction voyage pre-dating
sobriety that I have ever seen. 1-800-565-8603
The Drug and Alcohol Helpline provides information about drug
http://www.buzzfeed.com/abagg/without-using-any-words and alcohol addiction services in Ontario. They are funded by
-this-animation-perfectly-captures-th#.uvJ3RoMA7 the Government of Ontario.

Service is a live answer 24/7, anonymous, confidential and

free. An App is coming soon creating yet another way to keep
in touch.

Information is the first step.

A helpful Information and Referral Specialist will answer your

call, email or web chat 24/7.
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor/about/

They can:

 provide information about treatment services and supports

Visit Chato’s Blog Site at:

in your community
 listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you
meet your goals
 provide basic education about drug and alcohol problems

Credible, Professional, Reliable

The Drug and Alcohol Helpline is a service of ConnexOntario,
a free and confidential health service information organization
funded by the Ontario Government.

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
3 3

Gambling
Fact or Myth? Quiz:
1. If you buy one ticket on the Lotto Super 7, your odds of 6. Circle the true statement:
winning are: a. Teens who gamble are more likely to develop gambling
a. One in 100,000 problems than adults who gamble
b. It depends on how many tickets are sold b. Teens who gamble are less likely than adults to develop a
c. One in 21 million gambling problem
d. One in 14 million c. There’s an equal chance that teens and adults will get
“hooked” on gambling
2. If you flip a coin nine times and it comes up tails each time,
the chances heads will occur on the 10th flip are: 7. Which of the following did Ontario residents perceive as the
a. 50% top two benefits of gambling?
b. 100% a. Opportunity to socialize
c. 80% b. Excitement
d. 75% c. Forget problems
d. Win money
3. The most popular form of gambling in Ontario for adults is: e. Support charities
a. Bingo
b. Casinos 8. Which of the following reasons was ranked highest by
c. Lotteries Ontario residents as a motivation for gambling?
d. Slot machines a. Social reasons
b. Enjoyment
4. Which province/region has the highest rate of participation c. Donation to charity
in gambling activities? d. Thrill of winning
a. Atlantic region
b. British Columbia 9. Which one(s) of the following are signs that a person may
c. Ontario have a gambling problem? Circle any or all that apply.
d. Prairies a. Regularly gambling more money than is affordable
b. Regularly gambling longer than intended
5. What percentage of Ontarians reported gambling at least c. Often feeling guilty about gambling
once in the past 12 months? d. Regularly gambling on horse races
a. 18%
b. 27.6% 10. Which of these will significantly affect a person’s
c. 63.3% likelihood of winning at slot machines or video poker? Circle
d. 43.7% any or all that apply.
e. 51.8% a. Feeling lucky
b. Length of time since last payout
c. Skill with video games
d. Skill at card games
e. Frequency of playing
f. All of the above
g. None of the above
(Answers on page 9)
What is Problem Gambling?
Not all people who gamble excessively are alike, nor are the problems they face. People with gambling problems are found in all age
groups, income groups, cultures and jobs. Some people develop gambling problems suddenly, others over many years.
There are many reasons why a gambling problem may develop. For example, some people develop problems when they try to win
back money they have lost, or because they like to be “in the action.” Others have many life stresses that make gambling a welcome
relief. Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems can affect a person’s whole life. Gambling is a problem
when it:
 gets in the way of work, school or other activities
 harms your mental or physical health
 hurts you financially
 damages your reputation
 causes problems with your family or friends.

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
4 4

Funnyside Page
If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the
next generation, it would be the ability for each
individual to learn to laugh at himself.
Charles Schultz

Punography...doh!!!!
I tried to catch some fog, but I mist. They told me I
When chemists die, they barium. had type A
blood, but it was
Jokes about German Sausage are the a type O.
wurst. Class trip to the
I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. Coca-Cola factory. I hope there is no pop
He says he can stop anytime. quiz.
How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews Energizer Bunny arrested. Charged with
it. battery.
I stayed up all night to see where the sun I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew
went. Then it dawned on me. on me.
This girl said she knew me from the vege- What do you call a dinosaur with an exten-
tarian club, but I never herbivore. sive vocabulary? A thesaurus.
I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I What does a clocks do when it’s hungry? It
can’t put it down. goes back four seconds.
I did a theatrical performance about puns. I wondered why the baseball was getting
It was a play on words. bigger. Then it hit me!

Do you have a story to share…..we would love to share it with our readers….be sure
to send your submissions to Dianne Stringer, Editor of the Voice of HOPE.
(contact info on back of newsletter).
If writing is not your thing and you would like assistance in telling your story,
Dianne would be happy to help you write it! Call Dianne at 705-549-3181 Ext. 2751.
Remember our focus is on HOPE and we all have an important story!
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
5 5

What is Harm Reduction?

A position statement from the International Harm Reduction Association (2009)
Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to reduce the harms
associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop. The defining
features are the focus on the prevention of harm, rather than on the prevention of drug use itself, and
the focus on people who continue to use drugs.

Harm reduction began to be discussed frequently after the threat of HIV spreading among and from
injecting drug users was first recognised. However, similar approaches have long been used in many
other contexts for a wide range of drugs.

Harm reduction complements approaches that seek to prevent Definition:

or reduce the overall level of drug consumption. It is based on ‘Harm Reduction’ refers to
the recognition that many people throughout the world continue policies, programmes and
to use psychoactive drugs despite even the strongest efforts to practices that aim primarily to
prevent the initiation or continued use of drugs. Harm reduction reduce the adverse health,
accepts that many people who use drugs are unable or unwilling social and economic
to stop using drugs at any given time. Access to good treatment consequences of the use of
is important for people with drug problems, but many people legal and illegal psychoactive
with drug problems are unable or unwilling to get treatment. drugs without necessarily
reducing drug consumption.
Furthermore, the majority of people who use drugs do not need Harm reduction benefits
treatment. There is a need to provide people who use drugs with people who use drugs, their
options that help to minimise risks from continuing to use drugs, families and the community.
and of harming themselves or others. It is therefore essential
that harm reduction information, services and other interventions
exist to help keep people healthy and safe. Allowing people to suffer or die from preventable causes
is not an option. Many people who use drugs prefer to use informal and non-clinical methods to
reduce their drug consumption or reduce the risks associated with their drug use.

This short statement sets out the main characteristics of harm reduction. This statement is designed
to be relevant to all psychoactive drugs including controlled drugs, alcohol, tobacco and
pharmaceutical drugs. The specific harm reduction interventions may differ for different drugs.
Readers can refer to the IHRA website (www.ihra.net) for more detailed guidance on harm reduction
interventions.

Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County

Mental Health Crisis Line
705
705--728
728--5044 1
1--888
888--893
893--8333
7 days a week, 24 hours a day

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
6 6

Addiction
“Addiction”. When I think I have people in my own family who have had
about this word, it seems to problems with addiction, and substance abuse. Why
evoke some kind of negative stop there? I also have family members with
feeling - not the same feeling depression, anxiety, dementia, bipolar disorder,
as when I see the words ADHD, and psychosis. All of those conditions have
“depression” or “anxiety”. been well managed with good supports and
Am I the only one, or is this a resources. My family and I are fortunate. Not
feeling that many of us everybody is that lucky, though.
James Karagianis MD
FRCPC experience? There is more
Psychiatrist in Chief judgement associated with a
Waypoint Centre
Associate Professor diagnosis of addiction, as
of Psychiatry, though the addict has
University of Toronto
somehow failed, that he
knows better, but continues
his bad habits anyway. The fact that some people are
able to stop, to walk away from their addictions,
suggests that this is a problem of character and that,
if you are strong, you can beat it. Logic would say
that, if you can’t beat it, it means that you’re weak or
deficient in some way. Addiction, in general, does not occur when everything
To even take drugs that have potential for abuse can else is going well. Addiction and substance abuse
be associated with negative judgments. Currently, I almost always mean that there is another mental
am taking medication (for neck and arm pain) that health problem that needs to be addressed. In fact,
has the potential for abuse. I’m wary of it. I am this is so important, that I’m not even sure we should
embarrassed when I go to the pharmacy to have my be using the phrase “mental health and addictions”,
prescription filled, and this was especially true when I as if they are separate entities. They aren’t. You can
had to bring in a renewal prescription from a different have mental health problems without addiction, but
physician on the day that I’d taken the last pill from you can’t have addiction without mental health
my previous prescription. That’s one of many problems. Either the mental health problems will
scenarios that raise eyebrows. My own need for pain lead to the addiction, or else the addiction will end up
relief has opened my eyes even more to the concerns leading to mental health problems. The Centre for
of my patients who have pain, and who use opiates Addiction and Mental Health might be annoyed if I
for pain relief. They want pain relief, but they don’t campaigned to have the word “Addiction” removed
want to be judged for it. They don’t want to be from their name. Some might think I was implying
viewed as addicts just because they are prescribed there is shame in addiction. The point is that
certain kinds of medications for valid reasons. addiction is just another kind of mental illness, but it
is not a separate category of itself. Not to diminish
I don’t want to become addicted, so I’m using less
the problem, but it needs a specialized approach,
than the prescription permits, and tolerating
because so often there are other comorbid mental
breakthrough pain. I don’t want to be judged…
and physical health problems.
*ACTIVATE CBT*…”What evidence do I have that
others are judging me? Maybe I’m projecting my own I remember well a patient of mine from years ago. He
doubts onto others?” Whew. That was a close one. had a great career, but also had some relationship

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
7 7

problems, and he started drinking heavily. He lost his (potentially strongly addicting) opiates for long
business, his marriage broke down, and he became periods of time, for valid reasons such as surgical and
estranged from his children. He was very depressed. other pain. They neither abused the opiates, nor
He kept turning up drunk in the emergency became addicted.
department, and was always told to sober up, and So, considering this, and other data, the idea is that it
then return for help. He was shunned by members of may be social disconnection that largely causes
the church that he used to support. When I saw him, addiction, rather than the drug itself. Thus, the “war
he was pretty much at rock bottom. What I did on drugs”, which has proven expensive, and largely
differently was treat his depression before he got ineffective, may be an effort that is barking up the
sober. When the depression was treated, he was wrong tree. Maybe we need to be instigating a war
finally able to get his drinking under control. The against social disconnection and isolation. When you
saddest part was that he died of medical think about it, aren’t most successful substance abuse
complications anyway, and maybe that could have programs based on group therapy and social
been prevented if he had received antidepressants
connections? The whole idea makes a lot of sense.
sooner.
To read more on this, please visit http://
A recent article in the Huffington Post discussed a www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-real-cause-
new idea about what causes addiction. Psychiatrists of-addicti_b_6506936.html
have long known about the genetic predisposition
that makes some people more likely to end up with When you meet someone with a substance abuse
addictions, and about the association of substance problem, or an addiction, please be kind and don’t
abuse with depression. The Huffington Post article judge. You have no idea what he or she may have
described experiments done with rats, and cocaine in been through, what brought them to this point in
their drinking water. When rats were isolated in their lives. Judging only leads to further social
cages alone, with nothing to do but drink water, they isolation, which increases the risk of relapse and
preferred their water with cocaine, and became hinders recovery. Encourage them to keep getting
addicted. But, when rats were given the option of help and to never give up. Often a person has to quit
cocaine water while in an enriched environment, with many times before they quit once and for all.
the best of food, lots of toys, tunnels, and various
ways to occupy their time, as well as rat friends, these
rats consumed only ¼ of the cocaine that the isolated
rats took.
Furthermore, when heroin-addicted Vietnam veterans
returned home after the war, 95% of them simply
stopped using heroin, and recovered without
rehabilitation. Like the rats, when the veterans went
from a “horrible cage” to a “pleasant cage”, they
largely opted out of abusing the drug.
There is a lot of data from hospitals and communities
about mentally healthy and content patients taking

Visit Dr. K’s Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/
Dr.KPsychiatry
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
8 8

“because it was his

Hello, my name is Vince time” as “hitting him
like a bolt of lightning”
March 28, 2014 came after years of hell, according to
and ever since he has
“Vince”, as a functioning alcoholic and lost soul. It
found peace and
was the day he was transferred to Waypoint after a
acceptance.
failed suicide attempt and four desperate years of not
dealing with the sudden, tragic death of his twin As these realizations
brother Nick on May 20, 2010. In fact it was Nick’s converged within a
death that began a downward spiral that Vince willing mind and solid
credits with being the catalyst that led to his coming support, healing began.
to terms with Vince is now enjoying
a lifetime of retirement, relaxes by playing the guitar, embraces
alcoholism 12 step programs and gives back through community
and service. He has been inspired to purchase a boat with
dysfunction. the moniker, “In the Nick of Time” embossed on it.
While he His message to others: If needed, get grief
certainly counselling early, accept the help that is offered,
would have
don’t isolate and untwist your thinking one day at a
preferred Nick
to be by his time.
side through
all of this transformation, Vince has come to realize
that Nick died because, “It was his time.” Once he
came to terms with that, Vince says, he was able to
let go, move on and rejoice in the 59 years (and 9
months in the womb) they had together.
In Vince’s last year of sobriety he has awoken a
changed man. Transferred to Waypoint’s
Georgianwood Concurrent Disorders Program, Vince
embraced the concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA), peer support, Aftercare and Healthy Habits that
aid in maintaining the sobriety he has fought so hard
to find.
It was a Peer Support Worker from the Patient/Client
& Family Council that first suggested the
Georgianwood Program to Vince. “Dave” is himself in
the fellowship of AA and could recognize the demons
that were standing in Vince’s road to recovery as a
patient on the Admission Assessment program after
his multiple suicide attempts.
Grief counselling has also been important in Vince’s
new outlook and functioning. He reflects on the
moment he understood that Nick’s death was

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
9
Gambling Fact or Myth Answers (from page 4) 9

c) The odds of winning the Lotto Super 7 jackpot are determined mathematically using statistical and algebraic formu-
las. When seven numbers are picked from a pool between one and 49 (in this case), the number of potential combina-
tions is almost 21 million; therefore, the odds are approximately 1: 21,000,000. The odds for Lotto-649 are approxi-
mately 1:14,000,000.
a) Recent past flips do not, in any way, predict or influence how the next flip
will turn out; the odds of heads coming up on the next flip are identical to all
previous flips: 50/50. The belief that an outcome is likely or “due” is known as
Ontario Problem
the “gambler’s fallacy” and can lead people to place large bets on outcomes Gambling Helpline.
they believe are highly unlikely, even when the odds are no more than even.
c) In a 2001 study completed by Jamie Wiebe et.al. It was determined that the 1-888-230-3505
most popular activities, for those who gambled in the past 12 months, in On-
tario, were lotteries at 64.6% and raffle tickets at 51%. While lotteries remain Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
the most popular activity today, revenues from casino gambling will most like-
ly surpass them over the next few years. This coincides with a study completed Free, confidential and anonymous
by Canada West Foundation (CWF) which showed that 55.3% of those polled Available across Ontario
stated they played lotteries on a regular basis. Service in more than 140 languages.

c) The same CWF study showed that Ontario had the highest rate of participa-
tion with 79% followed by B.C. with 74%, the prairies 72%, Quebec 65% and the Atlantic Provinces at 63%.
c) According to Wiebe, In 2005, 63.3 per cent of Ontario adults say they have gambled at least once in the past year.
a) Research, by Haubrick-Casperson and Van Nispen shows that teenagers are at a greater risk of developing problems
with gambling. There are many risk factors associated with adolescence such as psychological and social development
and maturity, impulsiveness, lack of judgment and poor decision-making skills. Many of the risk factors that lead to de-
veloping alcohol and substance abuse problems are similar. Derevensky and Gupta are doing similar research
(b&d) In the Wiebe study 42.1% reported the possibility of winning money was the greatest perceived benefit, while
36.5% believed that a huge benefit is the excitement experienced. Almost one-fifth (19%) of those surveyed saw no
benefit to gambling.
b) Wiebe’s study showed that Ontario residents who gambled in casinos, 28.6% gambled for the excitement while
25.2% gambled to win money. 83% of gamblers stated that this was their primary motivation. Donating to charity was
49% and entertainment was 43%
a), b) & c) All three answers are common signals that gambling is causing problems. Answer “d” related to regular
gambling on horse races. Gambling regularly on horse racing may not indicate a gambling problem
g) None of the answers are correct. In gambling, persistence doesn’t pay off over time. Feeling lucky, or the belief that
a machine is “due” to pay off, will not influence subsequent plays. Skill at video games has no significant influence on
slot machines or video poker outcomes. Both are based on random chance; there is no skill, “magic,” or control individ-
uals can exert over video slot machines. Video slots, like other forms of gambling, are skewed in favour of the “house,”
which take a constant percentage of players’ bets over time. The bottom line: over time, gamblers lose more than they
win. Because video games show credits rather than cash, players tend to forget they're playing with real money.
References
Azmier, Jason. (2000). Gambling in Canada - Triumph, Tragedy or Tradeoff. Calgary, Alberta: Canada West Foundation.
Ferris, J., et.al. (1996). Gambling in Ontario. A Report from a general population survey on gambling related problems and opinions. Toronto, Ontario: Addiction
Research Foundation.
Haubrick-Casperson & Van Nispen. (1993). Coping with teen gambling. New York, New York: Rosen Publishing Company.
Derevensky, J. & Gupta, R. (1998). "Adolescent gambling behavior. A prevalence study." Journal of Gambling Studies, 14(4) Winter.
Wiebe et.al. (2006). Gambling and Problem Gambling in Ontario 2005. Responsible Gambling Council.
Back to About Gambling and Problem Gambling
Source: http://www.problemgambling.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
10 10
Have you ever seen a cat daily living and are both rewarding and reinforcing. They are
with catnip? They will exacerbated (big word for a small dog, are you impressed?)
roll in it. They will by a stressor (no catnip), trigger (like the overwhelming
suddenly jump up and odour of catnip) or trauma (such as another cat moving in
down. They will run into on said smelly plant) and cause an overreaction of the brain.
walls or from room to
room like they're The good news is that the psychological symptoms such as
chasing an imaginary addiction do not mean there is something wrong with a
Speedy Gonzolas cat's brain. And it has nothing to do with one's morality or
(onduleh! Onduleh!). strength of character.
Crazy, right?! Well, I've seen my cats do some strange
things; eyes wide open, pupils dilated, panting, and they Addiction is not what matters, it's the reaction taken under
don't slow down until the catnip wears off and they CRASH. certain kinds of stress. Given the chance, my cats would be
But offer them more and without hesitation, the drama climbing the walls daily with the help of catnip, but since it's
begins again. a controlled substance, the possibility of addiction is
reduced. But have faith if your
Catnip, alcohol, sex, shopping, whatever the substance or dealing with a cat with an
behavior your cat needs, addiction can be controlling addiction, with a bit of
despite the consequences. understanding, patience,
training and the catnip put
The dictionary defines addiction as 1. A habit or practice away safely, they can become
that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when recovering addicts and lead very
ceased causes trauma, 2. A pathological relationship to productive lives like other
mood altering experiences that have life damaging healthy cats, cat napping and
consequences. Addictions interfere with the activities of being stubborn.

Bell Canada Supports Waypoint’s Integrated

Concurrent Disorders Service
Waypoint’s 2012 Clinical Services Plan identified substance abuse as a concurrent problem for many patients with serious
mental illness. Substance use disorders introduce additional complications to the treatment of mental illness, prolonging,
and in some cases preventing recovery.
In response to this overwhelming need, Waypoint is expanding on the work done by Dr. Shari McKee on the
Georgianwood Program to implement an Integrated Concurrent Disorders Service for patients and clients from across the
hospital.
One of the more unique elements of this program, funded in part through a grant from Bell Canada, is that it will broaden
the access to evidence based practice and be customizable for different mental health care programs and providers. The
design of the program enables it to extend beyond the walls of a hospital or the perimeter of a particular region and
provides an opportunity for greater access to concurrent disorders treatment on a larger scale, filling a gap in the current
mental health care system.
The program will roll-out one program at a time and includes:
 e-learning modules for clinicians
 Project customization for specialized groups
 Educational workshops
 Outreach event for partners
Patient outcomes and satisfaction will be regularly evaluated to ensure this program is meeting the intended need in a
region with some of the highest addiction rates in the province. Stay tuned for more on this project in the near future.

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
11 11

A Hard Habit To Break

hurt. When I breathed I
would wheeze. It got to the
point that I couldn’t have
By Michael Silvio
breakfast in the morning
One of the stupidest decisions I made in my life was to start because I would have to
smoking and probably the smartest decision was to finally quit. smoke afterwards. It would
make me so sick to my
Back when I was fifteen years old I succumbed to peer pressure stomach that I would vomit.
and started to smoke. It wasn’t a cigarette I first picked up, but a
cigarillo…….an Old Port cigarillo. I remember exactly when my I tried to quit numerous
first puff was. I was in the concert band in high school and we times failing at every
had a concert to play in the school auditorium. I brought a pack attempt. I tried to quit with
of Old Port with me that night and lit one up prior to the the help of nicotine gum
concert. “I won’t get addicted or get lung cancer if I don’t and nicotine patches.
inhale”. That was my mentality. Little did I know that this Neither of them worked for
decision…..this one moment….would lead to eighteen years of me. Finally, the day came when I had to take a step back and
nicotine addiction. look at my situation.

Not long after, I switched from Old Port to I remember sitting outside with my morning cup of
cigarettes, smoking the odd one socially. I tea. I picked up my cigarette pack and thought
wouldn’t smoke at school, but that changed as about how I felt. I thought about the vomiting, the
time went on. The more I smoked, the more I coughing and wheezing and the crap coming out of
became more dependent on cigarettes. By that my lungs. I was addicted and I was sick and I knew
time I was inhaling. Every chance I got I would it. Can I do this? Can I quit smoking? I had no
have a cigarette in my mouth. When I would go choice. I had to. Actually, I did have a choice.
to the local coffee shop to hang out I would sit there for hours
just having coffee and having one smoke after another. I “I quit.” I said those words out loud to myself to affirm that I
became a heavy chain-smoker. Eventually, I was up to two, was going to do it this time. So, I finished my tea, went into the
sometimes three packs a day. No sooner would I finish one, house and put my opened pack of cigarettes in the freezer. I had
then I would be lighting another. I smoked before and after two unopened packs in there as well which remained from a
meals, after I woke up in the morning and before I went to bed carton I bought.
at night.
Knowing that I would encounter temptation, I changed my
My dad would say to me, “Boy, you stink of cigarettes!” My dad habits. I stopped going to the coffee shop which I went to
was an ex-smoker having smoked for years and years. He would almost religiously everyday for years. I took up walking to get
hear me coughing and plead with me to quit. But like the typical me into a different routine. I started going to the library which I
teenager I shrugged off his concern as parental badgering. I kept hadn’t done in years. I ate more vegetables and fruits and drank
on smoking; more water. Two days turned into a week, then two weeks,
then a month. As time went on the cravings became less and
My fingers would turn yellow from constantly holding a less and I felt better and better. The change was incredible. The
cigarette. I would clean my fingers with bleach and water to funny thing is I had those packs of cigarettes in the freezer the
remove the whole time and never once went to grab one which I could
nicotine have.
residue. Then
there was the Thirteen years. That’s how long it’s been since my last cigarette.
coughing and I used to be able to sit in a smoke filled room and breathe in the
the hacking. I second-hand smoke. I couldn’t do that today. It would make me
would cough sick.
so hard that
my face would Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It’s difficult. It’s frustrating.
turn red, my
eyes would It’ll wreak havoc on you, but it can be done.
water and my
chest would I did it.

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
12 12

It Happened In
Canada….
March, April, May
Source: www.canadahistory.com

Michael Silvio March 18, 1918 – Daylight

Saving Time is first used in Canada.
March 25, 1752 – First issue of The Halifax Gazette, Canada’s
first newspaper.
March 30, 1954 – First Canadian subway line opens in
Toronto.
April 27, 1813 – Americans capture Fort York at present-day
Toronto.
April 12, 1980 – Terry Fox begins his cross-country run, the
“Marathon of Hope”. Jeanne Sauve
May 4, 1910 – Royal Canadian Navy formed.

May 14, 1984 – Jeanne Sauve is Canada’s first female

Governor General.

The General Store

Hours:
Monday thru Friday
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Located in the Market Square
(Administration Bldg)
Call the store at Ext. 2240

Free Clothing Coupon Please sign Coupon

Good for one piece of donated clothing from the General Store Name: ______________
Limit: One coupon per customer per quarterly issue
Expires June 30, 2015 Date: _______________

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
13 13

The History of The Royal

Canadian Navy
By Michael Silvio

Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier introduced the Naval Service Bill which received royal
assent on May 4, 1910. Following the introduction of this bill the Naval Service of Canada
was formed. The NSC was initially equipped with two former Royal Navy vessels, HMCS
Niobe and HMCS Rainbow. The service was renamed Royal Canadian Navy by King George V
on August 29, 1911.
During the First World War, desperately short of ships
and men, the Navy had to improvise coastal defences and
convoy escorts, because most of Canada’s effort went into
the Canadian Expeditionary Force overseas. In late 1917 the
disastrous explosion of an ammunition ship in Halifax
harbour destroyed most of the naval yard and large sections
of the city. Nevertheless, in 1918 a German submarine threat
led to effective convoy escort operations and a joint Canadian
-United States effort by sea and air in the Bay of Fundy and
on the coast of Nova Scotia to prevent serious losses of
merchant shipping. After the war the Navy at first struggled to survive in the face of government neglect. It was
not until the 1930s that the Royal Canadian Navy was able to start building an effective fleet . At the start of the
Second World War, the Navy had 11 combat vessels, 145 officers and 1,674 men. The Royal Canadian Navy
expanded significantly during this time. By the end of the war, the RCN had become the fifth-largest allied navy in
the world. The RCN successfully completed 25,343 merchant crossings during the Battle of the Atlantic. The Navy
also sank 31 U-boats and sank or captured 42 enemy surface vessels.
Canadian destroyers maintained a presence off the Korean peninsula during the Korean War, engaged in
shore bombardments and maritime interdiction.
Most of the RCN’s Second World War vessels were retired in the 1960s with further development being made
on its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. At that time, Canada was also operating an aircraft carrier, the HMCS
Bonaventure.
In 1968, under the Liberal government of Lester B. Pearson, the controversial merger of the Royal Canadian
Navy, Royal, Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army occurred.
All Navy personnel, ships, and aircraft became part of Maritime Command.
In the 1970s the Iroquois class destroyer was added to the fleet. In the late 1980s and early 1990s the Halifax
class frigate was constructed.
On August 16, 2011, the Canadian government renamed Maritime Command the “Royal Canadian Navy”.

What follows is a link to a video profile of life in the Canadian Navy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRk3ujn5MSQ
(Intended for entertainment / educational purposes only)

I’d like to thank Jane Naisbitt and Alec Doulgas of The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa
for their assistance and knowledge and for taking time out of their busy day to answer my e-mail.
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
14 14
Thinking of Georgianwood?

Written by Bob McTavish RN

Actually that’s just an amusing way of stressing that in
recovery, you need to make some significant lifestyle
changes. You don’t have to change anything but the
more positive changes you do make, the more you up
your odds of enjoying recovery. If nothing changes,
nothing changes. If you hang with old drinking
buddies, the chance of relapse is almost guaranteed.
Some people have tried (and sometimes tried over
and over) to recover from addiction on their own, but
not too many have succeeded. Those individuals are
very often bitter, angry, and reclusive, having done
why quitting would be more painful than not quitting.
little more than put the plug in the jug. They are
They have suffered significant loss of friends, money,
described as being on a “dry drunk” or they’re a
family, trust, respect, etc. I have never met anyone
“sober horse thief”. Even the most stubborn person
who has quit because life was going “kind of OK.”
would ask for help to move a piano, but many
wouldn’t dream of asking for help with a drinking or
So why would anyone want to take a program such as
drug problem. I can’t stress enough that absolutely
that offered at Georgianwood? First and foremost it
nobody should tackle recovery on their own. The
takes the individual out of their using routine and
newbie sometimes asks me what people will think of
environment allowing them to experience some
them when they are seen in the community walking
structure and support.
into an A.A. meeting. I usually answer that those
Being a con-current program means that we are able
people are wondering what’s for supper as opposed
to treat both the mental illness and addiction at the
to “what is that person up to.” Entering recovery
same time. Recovery tools and routines will be taught
usually doesn’t hurt one’s reputation but the newbie
and practiced. Georgianwood offers 12 weeks of
can be experiencing such low self-esteem and
world class treatment and ongoing aftercare. In fact,
confidence that new social situations are really quite
lifelong aftercare really is available.
challenging.
We direct our clients towards wonderful 12 step
When someone has hit their bottom it is because life
fellowships including groups for alcohol, narcotics,
became unmanageable. The addicted person has
and cocaine. The 12 step fellowships have marvelous
known for
sayings for just about every life circumstance, my
quite some
favorites include, “We’re all here because we’re not
time that
all there.” and “Many meetings many chances, few
they are
meetings few chances, no meetings,,,,,?”
using too
much but
Maslow taught us the importance of social needs and
they will
this can be a stumbling block for the newbie in
continue to
recovery. Social needs were probably being met in
rationalize
drinking and drug using circles but this would occur on
Georgianwood Lounge Area and theorize
a very shallow and superficial level. When people do
the reasons
enter treatment, drinking buddies don’t tend to send

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
 15 15

get well wishes, they either the hospital truck was coming down the road and he
ignore the newbie entirely or flagged it down. He ended up getting a ride to
do their best to cause them to treatment on the hospital garbage truck of all things.
relapse to get their old This same man went on to open a Half Way house and
drinking buddy back. The treatment center that continues to be a very respected
newbie can feel terribly alone resource in treatment circles. Imagine, arrived on a
in the world and often finds in garbage truck, left with a vision and the sobriety to
recovery that thousands of make it happen.
people have been down a similar road and have found
peace and serenity in the fellowship of recovery. We’re all here because
There are 3 types of triggers that can cause a
relapse, and those triggers are “People, Places,
we’re not all there
and Things.”
A recent graduate recalled that in her drinking days
 “People” are the people you drank and used (daze?) she heard a radio station advertise a contest.
with, or abusive, negative individuals from your The prize was a new Barbeque grill and enough food to
past. feed a party of 15 guests. She thought to herself that
 ”Places” would be using environments. she didn’t have 2 friends to invite let alone 15. A year
 “Things” would be drug using equipment, beer into recovery she hosted a huge BBQ in her backyard
bottles in the fridge etc. Get rid of them! We spend with 40 friends, new friends from the recovery
a lot of time in program going over these triggers fellowship.
and learn coping and avoiding strategies.
A large portion of our clients have returned to
I recall one fellow who came through the program productive lives, many find that “giving back” has
years ago, did well and during follow up visits talked become a large part of their recovery, a handful have
about dropping into his old watering hole just to let his gone on to work in the addiction treatment field.
friends know that he was heading in a new direction.
We discouraged such a visit but, 3 months into So if you are reading this and wondering about your
recovery he bit the bullet and went to see them. Keep own substance use, I would encourage you to talk with
in mind they hadn’t seen him in months, when he did your health care provider. Be honest with yourself. Do
show up they looked up from their drinks and asked you tell yourself that you’re just going to have one
“gee, where you been the last couple of weeks?” They drink and then have many more? Can you remember
didn’t miss him at all. He walked out and has never when you had just one drink or just one dose of a
been back, he decided to stick with his new friends in recreational drug? When was the last time you had a
recovery. consequence free night of drinking or drug use? How
many times have you promised yourself or others you
People can get their lives back if they work at their would never drink or use like that again. Is substance
personal recover one step at a time. We have seen the use making your life and mental health
success, one of my favorite examples is from many unmanageable? Please be honest with yourself and
years ago. A fellow heard about our program and your health care provider. If you think you might be a
spent his last few dollars to catch the bus into candidate for Georgianwood, ask your therapist or
Penetanguishene. He asked the fellow at the taxi stand doctor to refer you.
how to get to the hospital explaining he had no taxi
fare but would be willing to walk. The cabbie saw that All the best in your recovery.

The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
16 16
The views, opinions & articles herein do not Useful Telephone Numbers (705)
necessarily reflect those of the Patient/Client & A.A., Al-Anon, Al-Teen ........................... 526-3305
Family Council, its staff or volunteers or Canadian Mental Health Association 726-5033
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. Canada Pension Plan ................. 1-800-277-9914
We reserve the right to not print any material we Chigamik.................................................. 527-4154
feel inappropriate. Children’s Aid Society ............................ 526-9341
Any information should not be considered medical advice Community REACH ................................ 528-6999
and you should contact your health care provider if you Consumer Survivor Proj. (Collingwood) 444-1844
have any concerns or issues. ENAAHTIG ............................................... 534-3724
Family Mental Health Initiative ............... 725-0363
Georgian Bay General Hospital ............ 526-1300
Guesthouse (Midland) ............................ 527-4111
GST Inquiries ............................... 1-800-959-1953
The Voice of HOPE thanks

HERO Centre (Midland) .......................... 549-5268

Laurene Hilderley,

Human Resources Dev. Canada ............ 526-2224

and Heidi Triska
Kristi Lalonde &
Cyndi Rowntree
Dianne Stringer
Yvette Brook,

Income Tax Inquiries ................... 1-800-959-8281

Kinark Child & Family Services ............. 526-3708
Meeting Place (Orillia) ............................ 329-2644
Midland Police Services ......................... 526-2201
Native Friendship Centre (Midland) ...... 526-5589
N.S. Catholic Family Life Centre ............ 526-9397
MEDline................................................... 526-0567
Ministry of Community, Family & Children
Services - Includes: Employment Support, Ontario Disability Support Program
+ other Provincial Gov. Support Services ........... 1-800-565-9871

Our Place Social Club (Midland) ............ 526-6062

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Ont. Provincial Police .................. 1-888-310-1122

Outpatient Services Waypoint ............... 526-0567
The Patient/Client & Family Council

for providing financial support for

the publication and distribution

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hosp .............. 325-2201

Patient/Client & Family Coun. . 549-3181 ext 2180
Rape Crisis Line........................... 1-800-987-0799
of the Voice of HOPE

Rosewood (Midland) ............................... 526-4211

RVH Barrie ............................................... 728-9802
is grateful to

South Simcoe & Barrie Housing Authority

(includes Midland)..................................... 725-7215
Telecare Distress Line….Orillia ............. 325-9534
Telecare Distress Line….Barrie.............. 726-7922
TeleHEALTH ............................... 1-866-797-0000
Victim Crisis Assistance Referral .......... 527-8778
Waypoint Centre ..................................... 549-3181
Waypoint Centre (Toll Free) ......... 1-877-341-4729
Wendat (Midland) .................................... 526-1305
Food Banks:
St. Ann’s Church Penetanguishene
St. Vincent DePaul ........................... 549-2560
St. Margaret’s Church Midland
St. Vincent DePaul ........................... 526-7585
Salvation Army........................................ 526-5683

Interested in publishing your poem, quote, article or upcoming event in our newsletter?
Please contact the Editor, Dianne Stringer
Phone: (705) 549-3181 EXT. 2751 Email: [email protected]
at the Patient/Client & Family Council: Room AT-1090 at 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario L9M 1G3
The Voice of HOPE Newsletter March 2015 —Brought to you by the Patient/Client & Family Council—Penetanguishene Ontario Canada