feature Addiction Care Update on research supporting the role of chiropractic Dr. Sony Canteenwala (left) with Father Fred Olds, founder of Conifer House in Winnipeg. Dr. Sony Canteenwala is the di-rector and lead Torque Release Technique instructor for Holder Research Institute Canada. He is an instructor for the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders. Dr. Canteenwala holds the position of Representative As-semblyman (Manitoba) for the International Chiropractor’s Asso-ciation. He currently resides in Win-nipeg, Manitoba, and is in full-time, private practice. I n 2008, Canadian Chiropractor published a story regarding a presentation I gave at the 2007 University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) SNAAP (Southern Nevada Asso -ciation of Addiction Professionals) Conference. 1 The subject of interest was the role of chiropractors in addiction care. Since then, I have continued to introduce chiroprac-tors and non-DCs to this work. With approximately 20 per cent of the population suffering from some form of ad-diction, it is impossible for a primary care provider not to come in contact with a patient who may be suffering from an addiction. A large portion of the population still believes “addiction” is only about drugs, alcohol or gambling. Addiction can also come in the form of food, sex, or even work. Anything that is mood altering can become an addic-tion, and according to a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, co-authored by Dr. Jay Holder, a genetic component is also a risk factor. 2 Recent developments in the field of addiction medicine and the role of chiropractic have been substantial. BECOMING INVOLVED IN ADDICTION CARE One of the most important components of trying to help people with addiction or com-pulsive disorders is establishing a relationship with a treatment center that is open to, and understanding of, what it is that chiropractors can do for their patients, as this will enable cross-referral. Through another chiropractor, I was introduced to Father Fred Olds, BA, MTh, MAS, a parish priest and former chaplain at Misericordia and St. Boniface Hospital in Win-nipeg. When, at our first meeting, I explained the research and mechanisms behind our techniques, Father Fred was sure he wanted to have his patients under care. That was several years ago, and today we are still working with addicted patients together. In 2009, Father Fred Olds established a new recovery centre called Conifer House www.canadianchiropractor.ca Sony Canteenwala, DC 16 • Canadian ChiropraCtor | oCtoBEr 2011
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