Parvati Magazine February 2014 - Sobriety1 | Page 13

WELLNESS
the symptoms or avoiding
the problems, we are
squandering an opportunity to grow more and
make ourselves even more
vulnerable to illness of all
forms.
Our program emphasis is on
balance and structure. The
structure helps our bodies
to heal and recover. The
physical aspects focus on
proper restorative sleep,
nutrition and exercise. The
intellectual
component
includes correct information as to the nature of any
disorder and addressing
our needs appropriately.
Emotionally, we need to
develop wisdom and discernment when presented
with stress as well as learning how to celebrate our
successes so we can become confident and trustworthy. Spiritually, we must
honor and respect our values and principles and we
must also have a mechanism of reconciliation and
forgiveness so that we
continue to take risks and
grow rather than be hampered by our mistakes and
failures. Finally, the human
condition obliges us to

learn how to live with each
other retaining the principles of respect, dignity
and honor without being
afraid of constructive conflict and disagreement. In
the Greenestone program,
these are referred to as the
“Five Intelligences”- Physical, Emotional, Cognitive,
Spiritual and Relational.
Discontinuing the substance use or addictive
behavior is only the preparation for developing a
healthier, balanced and
fulfilling lifestyle. The real
work begins with letting go
of the instant sense of relief that substance brings,
feeling and responding to
the pain or discomfort and
allowing it to become part
of our wisdom of the experience. The phrase, “learning to accept life on life’s
terms” reflects the work of
recovery. Having the discernment and courage
to change what is in our
power to change is the
challenge of recovery.
PMAG: What is the most
inspiring thing you’ve witnessed in this work?

WJ: The countless people
who have the courage
to keep trying to achieve
both physical and emotional sobriety, despite many
pitfalls and challenges, are
a constant inspiration. They
remind me repeatedly how
precious and sacred our
lives are and can be.
PMAG: What advice would
you give someone who is
questioning whether they
or someone they love may
have an addiction?
WJ: See an addiction as
an illness that is treatable.
Be angry with the problem and not the person.
Give support to someone
struggling with addiction if
they are on a path of recovery, but be careful not
to support the addictive
process. Human beings
actively suffering from an
addictive disorder are not
capable of maintaining a
healthy relationship and
the addictive process can
deplete the energy of a
partner.

Dr. William R. Jacyk, MD, FRCPC is a physician, educator and researcher
who brings over 30 years of experience in treating addictions and
conditions that often co-occur with substance abuse. He has advocated
for individuals who have suffered childhood, adult, d