Tag: john derry

Letting Go in Addiction Recovery…to be Happy, Joyous and Free!

let go and let god

15 Things to Let Go Of   Here’s a list of 15 things to learn to ‘let go’ of, if you want to be truly happy. Letting go can be simple and straightforward, but difficult to consistently apply to our lives. We need to practice them, over and over, so that the newly learned pattern becomes the default, standard behavior. Remind yourself, over and over, to let go of…. 1. Your need to always be right. “Would I rather be right, or happy?” 2. Control 3. Blame 4. Self-defeating self-talk 5. Limiting beliefs about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. “A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” 6. Complaining. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. 7. Criticism. Give up your need to…

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Winter Blues? Sad? Struggling with Addiction?

Hibiscus flower at drug rehab

Struggling with Addiction this Winter? It’s dark in the morning and dark in the afternoon. The holidays are over and spring is way off in the far too-distant future. It’s cold. This is the season when depression sets in deep. As if compulsive drug use, drug addiction, drinking alcohol and alcoholism aren’t difficult enough, this time of year makes struggling with addiction extra unbearable. Winter blues (or seasonal affective disorder, SAD), pill taking, depression, alcoholic drinking and addiction often go hand in hand. This is also an especially trying time for anyone in recovery to be prone to relapse. Dark and cold days give way to long and icy nights. For anyone recovering or suffering from alcoholism or other addiction, this time of year is fraught with the temptation to try to escape with drugs and alcohol. If this sounds familiar…

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Founder’s Story

Founders, John & Jane Derry sail to Panama to develop Serenity Vista rehab

Founding Director’s Story Background John Derry, B.Sc.Phm., M.A., is Founding Director of Serenity Vista. He has an impressive track record of success throughout an extensive professional career spanning pharmacy, addiction, and management leadership.  John is a licensed Canadian pharmacist and holds a Master of Arts degree in Addiction Counseling from the world-leading Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies. Read more about John’s professional background here. Driven by Passion John’s passion in life is to help others experience joy in living their fullest potential. John is a devoted father and husband, and role models what he teaches through his own life. John’s life is a manifestation of his values and ongoing journey of spiritual exploration and development. The establishment of Serenity Vista is a reflection of this passion and life journey. John is originally from Canada where he developed a successful career…

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Alcohol & Drug Addiction in Canada

Alcohol & Drug Addiction in Canada—Where Can I Go for the Best Individualized Rehab? Serenity Vista is owned and operated by Canadians And professionally endorsed by world renowned addiction specialists From Canadian Roots, Panama was Chosen as the Ideal Location for Serenity Vista Serenity Vista was developed and continues to operated by healthcare professionals from Canada. The Founding Director, John Derry, born & raised in Sarnia, Ontario, developed a passion for helping people suffering from addiction through a distinguished career in clinical pharmacy, medical information, and drug safety in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver BC. Following addiction graduate study at Hazelden in Minessota (now Hazelden Betty Ford), Panama was carefully chosen as the perfect location to develop Serenity Vista Alcohol & Drug Rehab. Boquete, Panama was unique in meeting all important characteristics: stable, safe, developed country and governance, democratic, warm climate,…

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Joining My Son in Rehab

son in rehab letting go

Inquiry from Father: Can I come to support my son in rehab? Dear Serenity Vista, My 35-year-old son was just fired from his prestigious job because of his drinking. He has been struggling with alcohol for years. Now he has lost his job and his wife at the same time as a consequence of his alcoholism. He needs help! I’ve been searching online worldwide for the best international addiction treatment center because I am willing to help my son in rehab anywhere. Your program is impressive and I am recommending he come to Panama and attend Serenity Vista. He says he is willing to come. It sounds strange, but I am grateful and relieved that I will have my son in rehab. To help him feel comfortable with this change, I plan to rent an apartment in Boquete for the duration…

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Recovery Outside The Box : The Benefits of Traveling for Addiction Recovery

When is the best time to go to rehab? Rehab now. Serenity Vista rehab in tropical paradise

Benefits of Traveling for Addiction Recovery When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. – Henry Ford Traveling for addiction recovery offers fresh perspectives allowing for transformative change. When considering all the options out there for addiction recovery, you will find there are all types of programs. There are in-patient, out-patient, in-state, out-of-state, national, and international addiction treatment facilities. Some drug rehabs are 12 step based or holistic in nature. Many are large institutions, some are small, private alcohol & drug rehabs. Many are local, close to home, others are international in scope in travel destinations abroad, out of country. It is important to consider your needs and resources in choosing the best program for you. There are many options to choose from. There are a lot of good…

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How to Get My Son to Go to Rehab

Serenity Vista Alcohol & Drug Rehab

A Parental Nightmare: “How to Get My Son to Go to Rehab” Living with Addiction Living with somebody who is addicted to alcohol or drugs can be incredibly stressful. You may even begin to experience a loss of identity because so much of your focus is on the needs of this other person. If you have other kids, you may need to protect them from the addict’s outbursts or erratic mood changes. The question becomes, “how to get my son to go to rehab”. You have been living with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You know he’s crazy sometimes. Sober he is charming and sociable. Perhaps, others only see his lovable side. But in the privacy of his home, among people who love him, he unleashes his insecurities and tremendous self-hate on you. ~ Margaret Joyce – The Turmoil of Someone Else’s Drinking…

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Choosing the Best Private Pay Drug Rehab For You

frangii at Serenity Vista, Panama

Different Types of Addiction Treatment Centers There are many types of drug rehab alcohol treatment centers in the world to choose from. There are many state and provincially funded centers for those with limited financial resources.  More often than not these facilities have long wait lists and are crowded. Staff is often under-educated, underpaid and overworked – although surely well-intended. Your roommates may be coming from the penal system, and not really interested in getting clean and sober, but rather staying out of prison.  You can read more about government subsidized treatment here. Read on to learn about choosing the best private pay drug rehab for you. Private Pay Drug Rehab For people with any type of financial means, the clear choice is private pay drug rehab. There are many such facilities in the United States and Canada, and indeed,…

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Spring into Full Addiction Recovery

Full addiction recovery rehab for your fresh start at life transformation and renewal.

SPRING INTO FULL ADDICTION RECOVERY Spring is here. After another long and dark winter, the ice is finally melting and rivers are flowing again. The days are longer and lighter, and parades of migrating birds signal brighter times ahead. When alcohol or other drugs have been a problem, this is your time to spring into full recovery! Spring is an invigorating season for most everyone. For those struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism, it is an especially exciting time of renewal and a perfect metaphor for the possibility of healing and recovery. Awaken to possibility Spring is a season of change and new beginnings, and a time for awakening. Look around. As your senses awaken, you’ll see the world around you also stirring to life. There is a rush of real energy happening now. As nature makes clear at every turn,…

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