DISCOVERY

If you have lived with or have had a close relationship with someone addicted to alcohol or drugs, you know all too well the craziness that goes on around them. Did you know that this experience has likely had a deep and lasting emotional impact on you?

At Cedars we understand just how much one person’s addiction can affect the lives of those around them. If you are living with an active addict or an addict in recovery, the parent of an addict, someone who grew up in a home with an addicted family member, or perhaps you were married to an addict years ago, then our Discovery Program is for you. Discovery is also beneficial if you suffered as a result of a family member’s mental health disorder such as depression.

If you are currently in a relationship with an active addict you are no doubt dealing with a range of emotions that is taking a greater toll on you than you may be aware. Even if the relationship was years ago, if you haven’t fully dealt with it, the impact may still be keeping you from living a full and rich life. You may think you are coping well, but are you really enjoying life to its fullest? In many different ways, loved ones of addicts will often suffer as much if not more than addicts who have the advantage of using their drug of choice to dull the pain.

Discovery is intentionally designed to take participants through a process where they come to appreciate the nature of the disease of addiction and how it has impacted them personally. Using group therapy, lectures, discussion groups, and homework assignments participants understand how they developed different coping behaviours that left them dealing with their own ‘addiction’ issues. Just as addicts are obsessed with their drug of choice, loved ones become equally obsessed with the behaviours of the addict.

The heart of our six-day residential program is the opportunity for people to share their experiences in a safe and confidential environment and in that process discover they’re not alone. As people disclose their stories, others find they too have gone through similar situations and had similar emotional responses. For many, this can feel like a huge weight is lifted from their shoulders.
The programs are kept small with up to 10 participants so that each person can have a more intimate experience and there is time to focus on the needs of each individual. Cedars’ tranquil and pastoral surroundings create an atmosphere that is very conducive to the healing process. As a participant, you can take a peaceful stroll through the woods on the many trails on the property. You can enjoy a poetry or yoga class and participate in a weekly Al-Anon meeting. Individual therapy is also available if you wish to spend one-on-one time with a counsellor.

A sampling of topics covered in Discovery includes:
•          overcoming feelings of shame and guilt
•          establishing personal boundaries
•          developing more effective communication skills
•          understanding the difference between helping and enabling
•          applying spiritual principles to daily living
•          setting and keeping goals

At the end of the six days, you will come away a plan and strategies to help you create a healthier, happier life. In addition you leave with a support system of people in place you can call upon anytime who know you and what you’ve been through. Having learned some new skills, you will feel better equipped to deal with day-to-day challenges that in the past may have left you feeling frustrated and drained. In fact we guarantee you will leave feeling lighter and with more passion for living than you may have known for years.

The Discovery Program is all inclusive (materials, meals and accommodations) and is held in the Discovery Centre.

For more information on Discovery or any of the programs we offer at the Discovery Centre please call 1-866-716-2006.