"My name is Steve and I am an addict" those were my first words when I entered the program of Narcotics Anonymous and they were the most important words I said in my life. 

I didn't become a member of NA at the first meeting I went to, nor the second.  When I started to believe that this actually works, I was ready to join.  I saw people "taking clean time", people sharing about how good their lives are today and what the program has given them. It was at the fourth meeting that I attended that I took that initial step to better my life. It was August, on a Saturday after we had come back from hiking the Chief in Squamish, during the Sea to Sky NA Convention -- there were about 50+ addicts that had conquered the Chief, including my mother and brother. When we got to the top we read from the Just For Today and I experienced my first spiritual awakening. 

The night before I was up all night getting loaded and in contrast took part in this event surrounded by people in recovery who were having the time of their lives living clean.  I surrendered to living clean and made the decision to take my white fob that night at the SNL meeting of NA.  Saturday Night Live is now my home group. 18 days later I relapsed and required the support of the Last Door Recovery Society. Ever since I made the choice to pick up the phone and ask for help my life has improved. I never thought that I could have fun without drugs and alcohol but I was wrong.  I am having more fun than I ever had in my life. I have gone on fishing trips, softball tournaments, golfing events, amends trips to Kelowna, swimming adventures, movie premieres, field trips with guys in the house and a long list of fun events. But the most important gift that I have from staying clean and doing the work is my family and friends. 

My mom is a huge supporter of the house and people who reside here. She introduces herself to the "new guys" and takes them out for coffee to get to know a bit about them. She has cooked a gratitude dinner for the entire house and drops off baking. She gives hope to the guys in the house that one day they could have a relationship with their parents. I am extremely grateful she is in my life today. There is one thing for certain that I would not have accomplished where I am today if my brother didn't seek the help that he needed from The Last Door first. So as of January 3^rd I am 6 months clean and loving life. I got to spend Christmas weekend at my mom's house with my family opening gifts and enjoying dinner together for the first time we were all together in 8 years. This was all possible due to the effort I put into the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous, going to meetings, doing service, helping the new guy and reading from the literature. With this said I am grateful for NA, the Last Door and the family and friends who have had faith in me during my recovery.

My name is Bev and I feel truly blessed to currently have two sons living their lives in recovery at The Last Door.
 
My eldest son Philip found his way to the Door in February 2010 after living in addiction for half his life. He had been through detox several times and tried treatment on a few occasions, but his decision to enter treatment at the Door this time around has worked for him.  Since he entered treatment at the Door, his life has changed, as has mine. Philip's addiction was tearing me apart. I was in denial about his addiction, seldom talked about it, thought it would go away, felt sick inside and was afraid.
 
My son Steven (the youngest of my four children) saw the kind of change Philip was making and made his way to the Door in July 2010. Steven's addiction was more isolated and I did not know how severe it was. I was extremely happy he made the decision to get treatment. Philip was a role model to his brother and contributed to Steven's decision to get help.
 
It seemed a bit strange to have two boys at the Door at the same time, but thank goodness I only have two boys. I had no idea what my life would be like once I started participating in the Parent's Meetings at the Door and hanging out with my boys. I feel inspired when I see and feel the positive energy and attitude of my boys and other clients at the Door. I take an interest in supporting not only my boys but the other clients as well. I love being welcomed by numerous hugs when I visit the Door. I laugh more now and the tears I cry now are tears of happiness.
 
Philip finished his 12 Steps and is currently working at the Door and going to school and coming up to 11 months clean time. Steven is on Step 11, on the Door soccer team and loving life with 6 months clean. There have been several "firsts" for us over the past 10 months, one in particular was me climbing The Chief with my boys.  I would never have accomplished that without the help of my boys.  I very often say "I wouldn't be doing this if my boys weren't in recovery". I am happy to say that I have built a network of new friends and family.
 
I am extremely proud of where Philip and Steven are today. I enjoy spending time with them and can see the fine young men they are both becoming. I have an improved relationship with them. I no longer focus on the negative, feel more at peace and sleep better. The program offered at the Door has given me hope that my boys will continue on the road they have chosen. I am truly grateful to all staff who have helped my boys. I strongly recommend this program to the suffering addict, it does work.
 

We've recently begun facillitating several psycho-educational groups centered around Media and Gambling Addictions as well as a group for individuals who want to improve their Lifestyles and Healthy Living. These groups are available free of charge to current residents of Last Door.

Healthy living and lifestyle health are at the core of Last Door's philosophy. They are the main building blocks to helping each person fulfill their potential for living a happier and more satisfying life.

Lifestyles Group introduces clients to concepts that help them;

• Identify issues which affect their transition from treatment to community living,
• Develop strategies for maintaining their mental and physical health,
• Discuss different perspectives on health, different illnesses such as diabetes and stroke, hearth health, dental health, etc...
• Examine the influence of their own experiences, background, and culture have on their attitudes towards healthy lifestyles,
• Demonstrate basic skills in accessing resources for their health,
• Understand the immune system in health and disease,
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the general principles, concepts, and language of health related issues.

Media group continues this idea of promoting healthy lifestyles by educating clients on the aspects of problematic gambling and media usage as well as discussing alternatives to these self defeating behaviors. We hope to;

• Educate individuals on potential hazardous behavior,
• Provide awareness, prevention tools, and healthy alternatives to problematic behavior,
• Identify stress and triggers,
• Enact post treatment prevention via in treatment education and awareness. 

The twice weekly Yoga sessions continue to provide a solid foundation for the recovery of residents who in addition to post acute withdrawal struggle with physical fitness, weight and mobility issues.  

The 90 minute sessions provide a balance between cardio, stretching and isometric exercises that contribute to symmetrical development of body health.  Instructor Tina Swan inspires guys to expand their perception of Yoga to include body awareness, mindfulness, rejuvenation and restoration of body performance.

As Shawn puts it, "Tina has changed my whole view of the integration of recovery and wellness and inspires me to continue exercising after I leave here."  The feedback from the participants focuses on both their ability to relax and an improvement in their flexibility and strength.  When the session opens clients gather on the mats and begin by calming their breath to enhance body-mind awareness. They conclude each session with a guided meditation that assists the clients to develop their own relaxation practice.   

The inclusion of Yoga, Acupuncture, Seasonal Sports, Fitness, Media Group and Lifestyles Group has created a dynamic recovery environment that further promotes balance in all areas of life.