The Value of Art Therapy in Recovery
In honour of Avalon’s Art Therapy Groups starting this fall, we wanted to share a blog about the role and benefits of art in recovery. Creative outlets like visual art, writing, music and acting can help individuals explore their feelings and express emotions, thoughts or memories that are otherwise hard to share. Many people who have an addiction […]
10 Books You Should Read About Addiction & Recovery
Have you ever thought about the benefits of reading? This includes: improving your memory, being a source of education and motivation, reducing stress, and making you more empathetic. Today we’re sharing 10 great books for you to add to your recovery toolbox and your summer reading list! Are you interested in addiction/recovery-based literature but aren’t […]
Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection and Recovery
Journaling is probably the most recommended self-care and recovery practice, but not without reason. It provides a completely safe and private space to dive into emotions, situations, or perspectives with freedom from judgement. Journaling helps us to process good and bad times, to reflect and learn from our pasts, and think about ourselves more deeply. […]
The Addiction Cycle: What Is It, and How Do I Get Out?
What is the addiction cycle? It’s something most people in recovery go through, yet it’s not talked about enough. Though there are many kinds of addictions, each follow a consistent cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome and break free of. In this blog, we’ll dive into the seven phases of addiction, explaining each, and provide some suggestions at the end for […]
Codependent vs. Interdependent Relationships
Relationships and love are two of the trickiest aspects of the human experience. We’re wired for connection and intimacy with others, yet developing healthy and successful long-term relationships remains a challenge. The closer a relationship is, the more people become interconnected. In this blog, we talk about codependency vs. interdependency in the context of romantic relationships — descriptions, […]
What Not to Say to Someone with an Eating Disorder
You may have heard about eating disorders before, but what do you actually know about the disorders and what may not be appropriate to say to someone battling one? Here are the basics you need to know. Eating disorders are persistent eating behaviours that negatively impact health, emotions and a person’s ability to function in […]
10 Tips to Stay Sober This Summer
Summer is here! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and invites to outdoor get-togethers and barbecues are starting to go out. For those in recovery, summertime social activities present unique challenges. Not only do many gatherings seem to revolve around drinking and drug use, but the summer bliss can create temptations to romanticize […]
Understanding Trauma: Physiological Effects, Kinds of Self-Care + More
Understanding Trauma: Avalon x Adler Workshop Series Earlier this year, Avalon Recovery Society presented a webinar series in partnership with Adler University called “Understanding Trauma”. Over eight sessions, Masters in Counselling student Natasha presented on a number of important topics related to recovery, healing, and self-care. Her teachings were so good, we wanted to share […]
Recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day
Avalon is proud to recognize and celebrate the diversity of women in our community and amplify their voices and perspectives using our blog as a key platform. Today, we acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. In what follows, we will discuss addiction in the context of Indigenous Canadians (including histories and statistics), and speak on […]
#PrideMonth Series: Guylaine Speaks on Addiction and her Trans Experience
Diversity, inclusion, and acceptance are key guiding principles at Avalon and are crucial to creating a sense of belonging in recovery. We intentionally work to create safe environments for anyone who identifies and lives full-time as a woman, trans-inclusive. As we continue to recognize and celebrate Pride Month, we have Guylaine, a woman of Avalon, […]