Addiction is a universal problem that can seriously hurt people who have lost the foundation of what could be called a belief in life. This is the loss of a way to honour and live life, a way to think about life, and also a way to honour the Great Mystery of life. This way could also be called a context for good living, (which includes physical and emotional resources such as food, housing, family, community, spirituality, etc.). Aboriginal teachings speak of "living in a good way" or doing things "in a good way".

Many addicts speak of the feeling of a void that is being filled when they use. The void was there before the addiction, and for many Aboriginals is a direct result of loss of culture and identity.

When a culture has as part of it's traditions a means or a way of going to the edge of human experience and meeting it, such as an initiation into adulthood or ceremonies that embody and support the transitions, pains and joys of life, such as birth, death, marriage etc., then people have a way to touch their own bigness, their own vast spirit and those of their community. They have a foundation, a way. They have a way to celebrate and express joy, they have a way to mourn and let go of sadness and hurt, individually and collectively.

When the power of the human spirit is denied by suppressing our need to express, feel and honor our lives tangibly, there can be many responses. There is anger, depression, and also forms of non-substance addictions. Addiction to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain is only one way. One could also surmise that greed, self-interest and the abuse of others are forms of addiction that are vainly trying to fill an inner void.

Almost every indigenous culture, including the Caucasian ones that have disappeared, included some form of honoring our vast and beautiful spirits. An Aboriginal person whose family for the last few generations has been mired in the pain of loss, poverty, abuse and hopelessness, is easily addicted.

Addictions workers who work with the Aboriginal population say that the issues that affect their clients most are shame, fear, loneliness, loss of heart and spirit, isolation/loss of community and family, internalized oppression, poverty and disconnection from culture . Communities and individuals who have healed from addictions have had to find hope and a way to fill the void that is left behind once the substance is removed.

The most important item to fill it at first, is love. Love of self as well as the love of loved ones and community.

The restoration of practices that honour life are also very important. This can mean the Sweatlodge, sacred pipe ceremony, prayer, vision questing, meditation, any other form of chosen spiritual honouring, or even going out in the community and enacting ones faith in life by helping others.

If you are reading this, and you are dealing with an addiction, well, the Great Mystery is calling you. Seek hope and it will come, you are needed in the world.

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Alkali Lake

The story of Alkali Lake is an incredible and powerful story of healing and determination in the face of resistance that was based in intergenerational pain. The hope inspired by this story was felt throughout North America. Alkali Lake and others, stand as testament to the power of Aboriginal communities to heal the afflictions that have come down on them. If you don't already know the story, this is a must read:

www.4worlds.org/4wr/ssr/Partiv.htm

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Za-geh-do-win

This list of resources is a great source of some very important information and stories that could be useful for professionals and for families.

www.anishinabek.ca/zagehdowin/alcohol.htm

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Visions Centre of Innovations

Visions is a wonderful directory of resources and information, this link will take you to their Home Page. Use their search engine to find links about addictions and many other issues.
Visions Centre of Innovations was created by Nechi Training Research and Health Promotions Research:

"Nechi's philosophy is founded upon the spirituality of Aboriginal peoples for our collective well being. It is through the Aboriginal way of knowing, healing and learning, that Aboriginal people master our challenges and determine our destinies."

www.visions.ab.ca

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Ibogaine

Ibogaine or Iboga is a psychoactive plant from Africa that has in recent years been explored as a treatment for addictions to both drugs and alcohol. It is traditionally used in a West Africa religion called Bwiti.

Ibogaine.co.uk

www.ibogaine.co.uk

Lunart Productions

www.lunartproductions.com/index.php?id=71

The Ibogaine Dossier

www.ibogaine.org

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Two 12 Step Sites

The twelve steps program has been around for a long time. Many people credit their triumph over addiction and also their continued recovery to this path. Originally the basis for Alcoholics Anonymous, this method is used to deal with all sorts of addiction issues. Go back to the addictions home page on this site to find out about local groups. Click on the links below to learn more about what 12 Steps is.

www.twelvestep.com
www.12steps.org

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Habitsmart

Habitsmart has many interesting articles on different issues and theories around addictions.

www.habitsmart.com

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Rational Recovery

This web-site gives instruction on the self-recovery model of ending addiction. Be sure you understand that this method is not for everyone. It is somewhat controversial.

www.rational.org

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Hey-Way'-Noqu' Healing Circle for Addictions Society

Provides addiction services for First Nations and Metis families. Counselling approach uses the Medicine Wheel to enhance individuality and independence, and includes therapeutic groups for specific issues. Also offers counselling for individuals at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, and mental health counselling. Prevention activities include culturally-based education regarding addiction and related health issues, and training for service providers. Receives funding from VCHA.

401 - 1638 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C.
V5N 1W1
(604)-874-1831
Fax: (604)-874-5235
E-mail: click here

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Acupuncture

Nelson Mental Health and Addictions is offering ongoing acupuncture treatments to anyone wishing to deal with an addiction. Ear acupuncture has been used in North America for treatment of substance abuse since 1974, when Dr. Michael Smith in the Lincoln Hospital, South Bronx, New York City, first used it. The protocol we use in our treatment program is the result of years of changes and modifications developed at Lincoln Hospital, which continues its detox program, with significant results, to this day.
We use five acupuncture points on each ear. Three of these points relate to the kidneys, liver and lung, all of which are important detoxification organs in the body. In Chinese medicine, these organs are also associated with the emotions of fear, anger and sadness - and instinct, intent and purpose, and acceptance. The final two acupuncture points have a strong function to affect the sympathetic nervous system and strongly calm the spirit and mind and relieve pain.
A Registered Acupuncturist, or a senior student will treat you from the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (Nelson) under the supervision of an instructor from the academy who is a Registered acupuncturist (R. Ac) in the province of B.C. Your acupuncture treatments are offered to you free-of-charge.
You are welcome here and there are no special requirements to participate. This program offers acupuncture to assist your recovery process.
Monday 10 am -12 noon, Wednesday 1 pm - 3 pm, Friday 10 am - 12 noon. 333 Victoria Street, 2nd Floor, (250) 505 - 7248

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ANKORS

www.ankors.bc.ca

1-800-421-2437

ANKORS is a non profit agency committed to responding to the needs of those living with HIV, AIDS and HEP C through outreach, resources, information, needle exchange, one on one support and more.

ANKORS is also a part of the National Safe Spaces Project that is addressing the issue of homophobia and sexual diversity in rural areas and towns. HIV/AIDS is on the increase in Canada and 44.5 % of new infections are women between the ages of 15-29. In B.C. 2 people every day find out that they are infected. Check the web-site for information and if you or anyone you know could use the services that ANKORS offers, give them a call. Their staff are welcoming, non-judgmental, and knowledgable.

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Nelson

Nelson Mental Health and Addictions
(250) 505-7248
2nd Floor 333 Victoria St.
Nelson B.C.
V1L 4K3

NMHA also offers acupuncture therapy on a drop-in basis, this is apparently effective in treating all kinds of addictions including tobacco and alcohol.

Acupuncture Drop-ins are:
Monday 10 am -12 noon
Wednesday 1 pm - 3 pm
Friday 10 am - 12 noon

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Nakusp

Nakusp - Arrow and Slocan Lakes Mental Health and Addictions Services
(250) 265-3777
97 - 1st Avenue
Box 87
Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0

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Grand Forks

Grand Forks-Boundary Mental Health and Addictions Services
(250) 442-0330
7474 3rd Street
Box 34
Grand Forks, BC
V0H 1H0

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Castlegar

Castlegar Mental Health and Addictions Centre
(250) 304-1846
707 10th Street
Castlegar, BC
V1N 2H7

Recovery Group

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Kaslo

Kaslo-North Kootenay Lake Community Services Society-Adult Addictions Services
(250) 353-7691
336 B Avenue
Box 546
Kaslo, BC
V0G 1M0

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Salmo

Salmo Community Resource Society_Adult Addictions Services
(250) 357-2277
311 Railway Avenue
Box 39
Salmo, BC
V0G 1Z0

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Trail

Trail Mental Health and Addictions Centre
(250) 364-6262
1051 Farwell Street
Trail, BC
V1R 4S9

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Narcotics Anonymous West Kootenay Help Line

Trail Mental Health and Addictions Centre
1-800-342-7439
Narcotics Anonymous follows the twelve step format. This group, for some people, has become an important and positive part of their lives.

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Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous
Nelson - (250) 352 - 3391
Trail - (250) 368 - 5651

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Alcohol & Drug Referral Service

1-800-663 1441

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