The holidays. A time for family, friends, and festive cheer. But for those of us in recovery, the holidays can also be a time when the ghosts of Christmas past come back to haunt us. Memories of holidays spent in the throes of addiction, of strained relationships, and of missed opportunities can surface, casting a shadow over the present.
Canada’s veterans and first responders are the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and our country. They face unimaginable dangers and witness traumatic events that most of us will never experience. While their courage and resilience are undeniable, many carry hidden wounds that run deep — the invisible scars of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the often-associated struggle with addiction.
We all have ideas about how things should be. These are our expectations, and they can really affect how we see the world and what we experience. But when it comes to getting over addiction, having the wrong expectations can actually make things harder.
While the name “Arbutus Fire Hall” might conjure images of sirens and fire trucks, the story of this Powell River landmark has taken an unexpected and heartwarming turn. For years, the fire hall served as a bastion of safety, with dedicated firefighters working tirelessly to protect the community from harm. However, thanks to a powerful collaboration that wouldn’t have happened without the qathet Regional District, the Arbutus Fire Hall is undergoing a profound transformation worthy of it’s history.
In my recovery from addiction, I recently found out that I have Métis heritage, and it has been like uncovering a hidden chapter of my life that had been quietly waiting to be read. For someone who knew next to nothing about my mother’s family history, this revelation is both exhilarating and overwhelming. It was as if a whole new world had opened up before me, one filled with rich cultural traditions, stories of resilience, and a deep sense of community.
Relapse is a bump in the road that many people face during their journey to recovery. It’s when someone returns to substance use after a period of sobriety. However, understanding what relapse is and how to prevent it can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and learning.
When TWC agreed to sponsor the Northstar women’s recovery softball team, they were unaware that they were investing in a group of highly competitive and experienced players. Their talent was proven when the team performed exceptionally well in their first tournament, winning five games in a row with an average of over 10 runs per game and making it to the finals on day two. They showcased their skills in fielding, batting, and team spirit.
For 15 years, Susan Sanderson of Realistic Success Recovery Society has been a tireless advocate for adequate funding on behalf of mental health and substance use services. Her advocacy has initiated significant positive changes across the sector.
In the landscape of addiction recovery in Canada, a quiet but profound revolution has been underway. This revolution has not been marked by loud protests or public demonstrations but by the steady, determined efforts of women who have worked to transform how society addresses addiction. From the shadows of a field historically dominated by men, female pioneers have emerged to challenge the status quo, breaking barriers and laying the foundation for a more inclusive, practical approach to addiction recovery.
