Continuing Recovery Program offers camaraderie and community
by Matthew Hodgins, Addictions Counsellor with St. Raphael Wellness Centre
St Raphael Wellness Centre (SRWC) is a nonprofit organization working with those affected by addiction and their families, offering a supportive environment to heal in body mind and spirit.
The Men’s Continuing Recovery program at SRWC is designed for male identifying participants who are at least a month sober from drugs and alcohol and wish to maintain their recovery by holistic lifestyle change. This psychoeducational group combines elements of behavioral counselling and health education, offering a supportive environment for men who have completed a residential recovery program.
The group highlights how men are vulnerable to addiction by discussing how rigid gender roles can hinder sobriety. Historically, men have been told that sadness is a sign of weakness, and men shouldn’t talk to other men about their feelings; anger is the only emotion that is acceptable to display. To detach emotionally and appear in control feels imperative because society dictates men shouldn’t talk about their pain.
Rather than working through things, men often externalize their emotions by taking risks; reckless driving, suicide, alcohol, drugs, interpersonal, and community violence are common outlets. Alcohol use among men has long been associated with masculinity and can serve as a rite of passage. Men often grieve the loss of comradery when they choose to get sober and the men’s group at SRWC can provide much-needed social connection.
The recovery programs at SRWC empower individuals in sobriety to build and maintain internal motivation, achieve holistic lifestyle change, manage withdrawal symptoms, live with honesty and transparency while practicing self-love. To treat addiction in the long term involves learning and processing the root causes of addiction, while challenging the negative belief system that many people have carried their entire life. SRWC recognizes the importance of long-term care for addictions and sustained recovery management.
-Khaleal, SRWC graduate and alumni member“Through fostering open communication within the family and embracing self-love, individuals can navigate the complexities of addiction recovery with resilience and determination. I particularly appreciated the Counselor-led group meetings and materials backed by research at SRWC Wellness Center. Their emphasis on individual counseling and holistic approaches to addiction recovery provided me with the tools and support needed to address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.”
Mental Health
Poor mental health, both a social and health issue, is a key finding in Winnipeg’s Vital Signs® 2022. It is unlikely that a person will live a lifetime without experiencing or knowing someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis. Maintaining connections and having access to appropriate services is vital in supporting good mental health.