Group Norms
How many hours of group do you need to complete to graduate the day program?
40!
Myth vs Fact: Addiction Treatment is one size fits all.
MYTH! Everyone's recovery will be different and what works for one person may not work for everyone.
What is the longest streetcar route in Toronto?
501 Queen (You may have used that it to get here!)
Recreation groups are important because...
They provide a creative outlet and a different way to think about recovery through games and creative expression.
You have been sober 1 month but owe your dealer money. You go to pay off the last of your debt and your dealer offers you some of your DOC "on the house". What do you do?
1. Bring someone with you
2. Find another way to make the payment
3. Kindly decline and inform them of your sobriety
What is the minimum number of days to attend group each week?
Myth vs Fact: People need to hit rock bottom before they can change.
MYTH! People can enter recovery at any point in their substance use and do not need to go through a "rock bottom" before making changes. The "rock bottom" mentality keeps people in a state of denial e.g. "I'm not *that* bad."
Which pizza chain was founded in Toronto?
Pizza Pizza
The Gabor Mate trauma and addiction video series happens every...
Tuesday!
You have been stressed lately and want to relax. Your friend says they have made the change from wine to cannabis as they are the "healthier option". They offer you some to take home. What would you do?
1. Research the impacts of cannabis and weigh the pros and cons
2. Decline the offer
3. Speak to your doctor about helpful stress relief
4. Find non substance use related stress management skills
What does it mean to use an "I statement"
To speak from your OWN experience and not generalize! E.g. "I go to AA meetings and I find they help my recovery" vs. "You should try AA, it's how we all got sober"
Myth vs. Fact: Addiction is not your fault but recovery is your responsibility.
FACT! Addiction occurs due to several factors and is not merely a "choice", but recovery is your responsibility to go through if you want to change.
Before it was a Detox, Glendale House used to be used by the hospital to house...
Nuns!
What is the last group that occurs every day at the day program?
Auricular Acupuncture
You are invited to attend a wedding that has an open bar. What would you do to maintain your recovery?
1. Decline the invite if you know you won't be able to decline a drink
2. Attend but have a plan to leave after the dinner
3. Communicate with other close friends/family attending and get their support
4. Stick to non-alcoholic beverages for the night
5. If you choose to drink - do so after eating dinner and drink water between each drink
True or False: day program group is a place you can share graphic details of trauma and substance use.
FALSE! Sharing graphic details may trigger others in group as well as yourself.
FACT! Recovery has many peaks and valleys, and many people go through several attempts at sobriety before making lasting changes.
When was the last time the Maple Leafs won a Stanley Cup?
1967
On Fridays, why do we ask you what your plans are for the weekend?
Weekends come with a lot of triggers and unstructured time, so we ask you to reflect beforehand so you can properly manage your time and equip yourself with coping skills for any triggers that arise.
During the holidays, you and your family have a tradition that includes a special drink. You are trying to stop drinking. What would you do?
1. Create a non-alcoholic version
2. Start a new tradition
3. Decline the invite
4. Let someone close to you know that this is the only drink you will be having this evening
Check in group consists of...
Sharing how you are feeling, what you are grateful for and giving feedback to others.
Myth vs Fact: Addiction is primarily genetic.
MYTH! There is no evidence to show a "gene" for addiction. When people say "addiction runs in my family", it is usually due to environmental factors such as trauma and upbringing. There is some genetic influence but many other additional factors.
What are the 6 Boroughs of Toronto?
Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, North York & East York
Why do we ask you how you are feeling at check in?
Because it is a good practice in recovery to recognize and express how you are feeling. Substance use often pushes down feelings, so part of recovery is acknowledging them.
You have a physical health concern that you need a major surgery for. Part of this surgery requires pain management through opioid medication. You are in recovery and are concerned this may lead to a relapse.
1. Make sure your doctor is aware of your substance use history
2. Ask for alternatives to opioid medication for pain management
3. Have someone in your household hold onto the medication for you and dispense as directed by your doctor
4. Ask for a daily pharmacy dispense if possible
5. Create a plan with your doctor to safely taper off when needed