AVFN Nadaca

03/26/2026

If you think a friend or family member may be feeling particularly overwhelmed, reach out and start a conversation.

You can also share the Indigenous-specific resources that are available.

03/17/2026

The hardest detox can be what’s going on inside.
Which one was the toughest to let go of anger, fear, resentment, or something else?
And feel free to drop your sober date in the comments.

03/14/2026

03/14/2026

03/11/2026

Anger - quite often we find that when we quit substance or behavioural addictions, we're not the calm, guru- like, mindful person that we imagined. Many of us discover we are easily angered.

This might be manageable though it can be a highway to relapse.

Anger often shows up as a highly visible emotion, yet what we see on the surface is rarely the full story.

In psychology and therapy/counselling, anger is often described as a secondary emotion as it frequently masks other feelings (emotional pain) such as fear, sadness, hurt, or shame.

'The Anger Iceberg '( saved to our photo album ' Anger' in our photos/media folders) is one useful tool to explore what lies beneath the surface.

Equally important is understanding what triggers anger in the first place.

This helpful infographic by shows us that triggers can be understood on different levels:

🔹 Immediate triggers: hunger, stress, poor communication, or fatigue.

🔹 Emotional & interpersonal triggers: feeling disrespected, excluded, or unappreciated.

🔹 Psychological & cognitive triggers: fear of losing control, negative self-talk, or a sense of powerlessness.

🔹 Root-level & learned causes: unresolved trauma, early learned behaviours, or unmet emotional needs.

Recognising our own triggers is one of the the steps to managing our anger in a healthier way.

By becoming curious about what sits underneath the reaction, we can begin to respond with more awareness and less reactivity.

Image credit : infographic by

03/10/2026

A Recovery (Relapse Prevention) Self-soothe Toolbox is a personalised, physical/digital collection of items designed to manage intense emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote calm by engaging the five senses.

It serves as a distress tolerance skill to help ground us in the present moment and help us through urges, cravings and impulses.

Key items may include sensory objects (fidgets, putty), calming scents (lavender), comforting tastes (herbal tea), soothing sounds (playlists), and comforting visuals (photos).

How to Use the Toolbox
Purpose: Use when feeling low, anxious, or in distress to prevent a crisis from worsening.

Method: Engage with items one by one while practicing mindfulness to focus on the present moment.

Types: Create a physical box at home, a mini travel kit for on-the-go, or a digital folder of comforting images and songs.

Preparation: Assemble items that personally bring you comfort to ensure they are accessible during high-stress situations.

While likely not sufficient in itself to prevent relapse - it can be used in conjunction with other relapse prevention skills and techniques.

Those who action this suggestion all report back positively saying that it has been helpful/ invaluable.

03/06/2026

It’s a beautiful day to get sober!! And stay in recovery!! Here is the treatment’s schedule of Mikmaq Lodge and Eagles Nest if looking for treatment. I would be happy to help you If you require help in completion of the application forms and process please give me a call at 902-538-1444 Etc 4.
If you’re interested in joining our Virtual Aboriginal Wellness Program, please call: 902-379-2262 or toll free 1-866-588-5954. You will require a valid status number to register. To register, you will need to provide the following information:
full name
Date of birth
Band name and number
Mailing address
Phone number
Email address