Family
Is alcoholism curable?
Alcoholism, like all addictive illnesses is chronic, progressive, and often fatal if left untreated. Just like diabetes mellitus or asthma, addiction does not have a course of medication that produces an instant or permanent cure.
There are however, many effective treatments available that can help the addicted individual return to a healthy lifestyle, free of addiction and to rebuild their life.
I'm so afraid to talk to anyone about my problem. Can I talk to the Physician Health Program privately?
The program staff appreciates how difficult it is for physicians to ask for assistance. We have tried to create a program whereby those who contact us can feel comfortable sharing their concerns. The goal is to provide a safe environment where callers can talk to a program physician about the demands and stresses in their lives and/or practices.
Your privacy is respected and you can speak with a program physician even if you don't want to reveal your identity.
Is the Physician Health Program only available to physicians who are established in practice?
The program is aware of the needs of physicians who are practicing in this changing world of medicine. Staff are also very sensitive to the unique needs of physicians-in-training and they are encouraged to contact the program if they are experiencing difficulty. Discrete consultation and support will be provided.
Does the Physician Health Program confine its services to helping physicians who are suffering from addictions?
No. Although physician health programs were originally established to assist physicians addicted to drugs and alcohol, times have changed and the scope of our program has also changed.
Over the last several years, problems dealt with by PHP staff often relate to issues such as:
Support for Family Members
The Physician Health Program of BC strives to provide advocacy and support for physicians, including those in training and their families, who are experiencing problems related to personal and family emotional health issues, the inappropriate use of alcohol and/or drugs or coping with physical illness.
This website contains information and links of interest that relate to physician health, physician illness - both emotional and physical, as well as addictive disease. If you are concerned about yourself or a family member…
Family Mediation Canada
Posted July 23rd, 2008 by Claire Sauve
Family Mediation Canada (FMC) is an interdisciplinary association of
lawyers, social workers, human services and health care professionals,
working together, creating a better way to provide for co-operative
conflict resolution relating to separation and divorce, adoption, child
welfare, wills and estates, parent/teen and age-related issues, etc.
FMC was established in 1985 as a charitable, not-for-profit association
under the Canada Corporations Act.
FMC helps families succeed by
providing information and referrals to Family Mediators across Canada.
Family Mediation in times of conflict, can dramatically reduce the
human and financial cost of conflict resolution.
Collaborative Family Law Group
Posted July 23rd, 2008 by Claire SauveCollaborative Family Law is an alternative to court that lets you:
- Avoid the intensified emotions and conflict that court proceedings bring.
- Keep control of decisions over your life and future, and that of your children.
- Settle disputes in a constructive way to regain well-being and hope for the future.
Also known as Collaborative Practice, the Collaborative process allows you to resolve disputes respectfully .
The Collaborative Family Law Group
is an association of Collaborative Lawyers, Divorce Coaches, Child
Specialists, and Financial Advisors, who are specially trained in
Collaborative Law and Family Law Mediation.
As well as the Lower Mainland Group, there are also groups in Victoria and the Okanagan.
Al-Anon
Posted July 14th, 2008 by Claire Sauve
Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger
members) offers hope and help to families and friends of
alcoholics. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic,
whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by
someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the
Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.
Al-Anon Family Group
To find a meeting near you call one of the following numbers:
KELOWNA - Al-Anon Info Serv Office (250-763-5555*) Box 24088, V1Y 8H2
VANCOUVER - Al-Anon Central Servs (604-688-1716) Suite 101, 3680 East Hastings St, V5K 2A9
VICTORIA- Al-Anon Info Serv (250-383-4020*) #2-2020 Douglas Street, V8T 4L1
BC Council for Families
Posted July 4th, 2008 by Claire SauveThe BC Council for Families works to build healthy families in a healthy society.
They provide educational resources on parenting, childhood development, parent-teen relationships, work-life balance, suicide awareness and more. They support family education professionals by coordinating professional development workshops and symposiums, participating in conferences and disseminating research and resources.
