Fresh Start Recovery Centre
411, 41st Avenue NE T2E 2N4 Calgary, AB, Canada

Happy 5 year recovery milestone to our Resident Support Worker Lexi. After I left treatment in BC, I expected life to instantly be amazing. It wasn’t. I had to work for it. I started a new set of steps and got a sponsor and things were looking up. Last year, like it was for many, was difficult. I experienced a devastating loss of one of my best friends and biggest supporters. It was almost too much to bear and I started believing my higher power had given up on me and... then I saw God in action though an opportunity of a lifetime. I became part of the amazing staff at Fresh Start! Everything I struggled with and grew through these last few years was worth it to have had this opportunity. Not only do I get to help these men through my story, but they help me through theirs. It ends up my higher power did have something great set up for me after all. . Just had to have patience. A really great friend sent me this quote at the exact time I doubted myself and almost didn’t take the opportunity given to me at FS. I read it everyday. Thought for the day: The plan! Behind you are the challenges you’ve met. Before you lies new possibilities. Today choose the direction of your life. Remember stop beating yourself up. You are a work in progress, which mean you get there a little at a time, not all at once. One step at a time in the right direction. I’ll take another 24! Cheers!

FSRC stats for 2020 - considering it was a year of physical distancing, difficulties and world pandemic -WE are very proud of these numbers. 80% group completion rate and 53% of men achieved their one year sobriety milestone. Thank you to our staff, board, volunteers, alumni, clients and community supporters for helping make all this happen! We could not do what we do without you. #gratefulrecovery

After years of planning, The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg will open its doors in the coming weeks.

One of the MANY gifts of treatment and getting curious with ourselves. #gratefulrecovery

Construction began in January of 2020 work on the foundation around then and some 15 months later, we have a beautiful facility that’s bright, it’s open, it’s got a lot of natural light in it. Set to open its doors May 2021!!!

Things might look and feel different this holiday season. A good practice is to look for the good that is around you. What are you grateful for?

2020 has been a tough year for everyone, so we wanted to bring people together the best way we knew how: Through music, Neil Diamond.

When we obsess over someone else and try to control them and fix their problems, that's not love. It's codependency. For a relationship to work, we need to take care of ourselves, maintain our own life, and give our partner space to do the same. If you are interested in doing a deeper dive into codependency; we offer a 5 week Family Healing Program. This program is opening to anyone. Next start date is January 7, 2021. Email [email protected] for details.

We are catching up on our Alumni birthday celebrations. If you hit a milestone between March - August 2020 and would like to be recognized and celebrated at our November Alumni Birthdays please contact me so that we can have a card ready for you. This is for all the Alumnus who did not take a jersey or a one-year tile that was celebrated in September and October of this year. If this is you, please send me the years of time that you will be taking and the month you should have celebrated [email protected] is the best way or you can always call me at 403-387-6266.

"I just want people to know that people who are addicted to drugs aren't animals, they're not bad people, they're just sick people. They need help." via CBC News

"Fresh Start is humbled to be a Top 10 Impact Charity for a 6th straight year. Grateful to donors for supporting the results we achieve together"

Happy International Men’s Day. This day is celebrated to appreciate men and boys for their contribution to the nation, society, community, marriage, family, and childcare. We also want to recognize and celebrate the growth, goodness, tenderness and wisdom each one of us brings to the journey. May you be at peace. May your heart remain open. May you awaken to the light of your own true nature.... May you be healed. May you be a source of healing for all beings. See more

Beautiful lessons from 2020 #gratefulrecovery

"MLA Jason Luan, associate minister of mental health and addiction was on hand to see the finished furniture for the new Alpha House facility in Lethbridge and is impressed with the work that went into the project by clients from the Dream Centre. More importantly it impacts the lives of people so they have something more positive to work towards, said Luan. Motivate them and that’s the tipping point of getting people changed.

It's wisdom from a sober life that will put all our failures, rejections and disappointments into perspective and then used for greater good! Congratulations to these seven men who will be gratituding from group and joining our #freshstartalumni and congratulations to Chris Miller on facilitating his first group. Well done to you all. ... If you would like to join us by video conference please email [email protected] for link and access code.

Things like a pandemic can really change the way we look at and think about things, especially important things like gratitude. I think that everyone would agree that 2020 has been a year that could not have been anticipated. It brought about many changes and new challenges to our everyday lives. As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, we at Fresh Start are reminded of a great many things that we have to be grateful for. First, we are grateful for the wonderful and skilled staff,... our "Crew" who have been able to pivot with great agility in order to continue to deliver award-winning treatment services to those seeking recovery. Our crew has created an environment where our facility has remained safe and healthy throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful to a handful of dedicated donors who stepped up to inspire $335,000 in matching funds. Supporters such as the Matt Rumpel Family Foundation, Sam Ousher Switzer Charitable Foundation, Lois and Dick Haskayne, The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation, and Jim Saunders among so many other recovery champions. We are also grateful to The Government of Alberta who are supporting 30 of our 50 beds. Last but not least, we feel BIG gratitude for you and your continued support for the important work that we get to do. As you spend time with your friends and loved ones this weekend, please know that your support has helped many men and families, and you have our heartfelt gratitude. On behalf of the staff, board and those we serve, I would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Kindest Regards, Mr. Stacey Petersen RSW

This year has been full of uncertainty and we have had to adapt to many sudden changes. The day-to-day stress about life that we carry around with us is difficult in its own regard but when a global pandemic is thrown into the mix, ignoring mental health has become increasingly dangerous. October 10 is World Mental Health Day......now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves and others. Check in with yourself and your loved ones and do a mental health check. ... Five Warning Signs of Mental Illness * Long-lasting sadness or irritability. * Extremely high and low moods. * Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety. * Social withdrawal. * Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

On World Mental Health Day, 10 October, the World Health Organization will, for the first time ever, host a global online advocacy event on mental health. At this eventthe Big Event for Mental Healthworld leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests will join WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to tell the world what we can all do to improve our mental health and how we can help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.

#Repost @vanishabreault with @get_repost In the studio with this guy today! Mr. Stacey Petersen, Executive Director of @freshstartrecoverycentre here in Calgary! So grateful for you Stacey and our friendship! We had an AMAZING conversation. Stacey you have the biggest heart, thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve, for fully showing up today and once again leading by example in humility & grace. #leadership #recovery #addictionrecovery #addiction #mentalhealth #freshstart #freshstarts #service #servantleadership #podcastshow #season #season2

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Treatment is more than just learning about the 12 steps... it is learning to live. Game on!

Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba - Construction Update September 2020.

A lot of amazing people are behind this! Bravo!

'It gave me back my life': Calgary Drug Treatment Court shows low recidivism rates, cost savings. On Aug. 10, 2020, Myles celebrated being sober for two years. And her daughter now lives with her again. "It gave me back my life, it gave me back my daughter, it gave me back my family," said Myles.

Well stated Stacey Petersen. Last Saturday, the Alberta Addiction Service Providers an organization representing the majority of recovery specialists who work directly with those who are trying to escape the addiction trap, published a public letter: Over the past few weeks, we have seen a lot of criticism of this government’s recovery-oriented approach and it’s time for the recovery advocates to speak up. We want Albertans to know that our member organization makes up the... vast majority of the addiction-care system, we are the front line and we have never felt more supported and encouraged by any government in our memory. Addiction is not a moral failing and it is not a death sentence. Addiction is a treatable chronic brain disease. Our sector comes from a place of hope for people across our continuum of services, recovery from addiction is real, attainable, and sustainable. The evidence of this is all around us. Like the Alberta Addiction Service Providers, Alberta’s government believes that recovery from addiction is real, attainable, and sustainable. Read the public letter from Alberta Addiction Service Providers here: https://www.facebook.com/kenneyjasont/posts/10158650203682641 AventaAddiction TreatmentforWomen

He was an absolute joy’: Friend paints memorial mural in Red Deer.

Congratulations to these eight fine men on their completion of group. You are welcome to join us tonight starting at 7:30 MT as we celebrate their accomplishments and listen to their stories of hope, faith, and transformation. All are welcome. Please wear your mask and practice physical distancing. Or join us by video conference- Wed, Oct 7, 2020 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM (MDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. ... https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/733572677 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 733-572-677 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/733572677

Be kind. Always.

I got the prescription that Dr. Bob wrote in 1937it is the cure for alcoholism: Trust God, clean house, help others, that’s it. #gratefulrecovery

Sometimes in life, things happen too fast. We barely solve one problem when two new problems surface. We’re feeling great in the morning, but we’re submerged in misery by nightfall. Every day we face interruptions, delays, changes, and challenges. We face personality conflicts and disappointments. Often when we’re feeling overwhelmed, we can’t see the lessons in these experiences. One simple concept can get us through the most stressful of times. It’s called gratitude. We lea...rn to say, thank you, for these problems and feelings. Thank you for the way things are. I don’t like this experience, but thank you anyway. Force gratitude until it becomes habitual. Gratitude helps us stop trying to control outcomes. It is the key that unlocks positive energy in our life. It is the alchemy that turns problems into blessings, and the unexpected into gifts. Today, I will be grateful. I will start the process of turning today’s pain into tomorrow’s joy. melodybeattie.ru

Today is a new day. Don't let your history interfere with your destiny! Let today be the day you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking action towards the life you want. You have the power and the time to shape your life. Break free from the poisonous victim mentality and embrace the truth of your greatness. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life! Steve Maraboli Picture courtesy of Anton Kokol

What does it mean to be "triggered?" In recent years, this term has been casually used to refer to the experience of having an emotional reaction, usually to some type of disturbing content (such as violence or the mention of suicide) in the media or in another social setting. However, there is a difference between being triggered and being uncomfortable. Feeling triggered isn't just about something rubbing you the wrong way. Do you know your triggers?

We are building momentum towards a truly inclusive Recovery-Oriented Community of Care. Alberta is finally moving towards real solution surrounding addiction recovery. Our hats are off to the UCP government and we encourage every Albertan to work towards a recovery solution for individuals, families and our communities. #albertamodel Agencies of the Alberta Addiction Service Providers Network (AASP)... Alberta Addiction Service Providers Membership List: Alcove Addiction Recovery for Women Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions ASSIST Community Services Centre Bonnyville Indian Metis Rehab Centre Calgary Alpha House Society Calgary Dream Centre Distress Centre Calgary Enviros Foothills Detox Centre Society Fresh Start Recovery Centre George Spady Society Grace House Drumheller Society for Recovery Jasper Community Team Society Jellinek Society McDougall House Recovery Home for Women Our House Addiction Recovery Centre Oxford House - Calgary Oxford House - Edmonton Pastew Place Detoxification Centre Pee Kis Kwe Tan (Let's Talks) Society Poundmakers Lodge Treatment Centres Problem Gambling Resources Network Alberta Recovery Acres Society - Calgary Safe Harbour Society Salvation Army Centre of Hope Simon House Recovery Centre South Country Treatment Centre Sunrise Healing Lodge Society Thorpe Recovery Centre Veg Al-Drug Society

It’s been scientifically proven that just thinking about something causes your brain to release neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that allow it to communicate with parts of itself and your nervous system. Neurotransmitters control virtually all of your body’s functions, from hormones to digestion to feeling happy, sad, or stressed. The thoughts that run through your head even change your cells and genes.

Stages of Change Model - One of the best-known approaches to change is the Stages of Change or Transtheoretical Model, introduced in the late 1970s by researchers James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente. They were studying ways to help people quit smoking. The Stages of Change model has been found to be an effective aid in understanding how people go through a change in behavior. In this model, change occurs gradually and relapses are an inevitable part of the process. People are often unwilling or resistant to change during the early stages, but they eventually develop a proactive and committed approach to changing a behavior.