Red Deer Recovery Day to highlight ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ this Sept. 16

“It’s tragic, and that’s why I feel it’s very important to show the world that there is that light; there is a way out,” says Black. “We need to break down the stigma and talk about recovery and what’s available, because the more shameful it is to be an addict, the more shunned from society people become. Then there’s less likelihood of recovery.”

Since last year’s Recovery Day alone, Red Deer has seen a flurry of activity on the addictions front, with multiple major options for those seeking escape from addiction becoming available.

The Red Deer Recovery Community has opened up on the north end, as has the Dream Centre in the downtown. Meantime, Alberta Health Services took control of the overdose prevention site from Turning Point Society.

Red Deer Drug Treatment Court is also approaching its second anniversary.

“As someone who’s been in recovery, we see people relapse, overdose and pass away, and they’re good people who have families that love them. It’s a shame to lose such beautiful souls to such a tragic disease,” she says. “It’s really tough and the people affected most are the loved ones left behind. There needs to be support for them too.”

According to the Alberta substance use surveillance system, a large proportion of overdose deaths continue to happen in private residences; more, in fact, than any other location, such as in public or at a hotel.

This flies in the face of the misconception that addiction mostly affects only people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s such a shame that people associate addiction with somebody living under a bridge. That’s not what it is, which is why it’s important to have this conversation and make people knowledgeable. Anybody can become addicted; think of someone who goes in for a surgery and is prescribed pain medication,” says Black.

“When I walked into a 12-step program, I thought ‘You guys don’t know my misery,’ but when somebody else talked about their pain, their shame, guilt and hopelessness, I began to think that if this person made it through recovery, maybe I could too.”

Black says addiction may be a choice, but only for a short time at the beginning, and then it becomes out of one’s control.

“It came to the point where I was like, ‘I don’t want to go to ask anyone for help, but what’s it gonna hurt to try?’ Attending 12-step groups was a life-changer. There was no shame,” she says.

“Red Deer is on the right path and I’m totally stoked to hear about more options for those seeking recovery. Anything recovery-related is good. And it’s great we’re talking about being a recovery city. If you look at where we were 10 or 15 years ago, it’s safe to say we’re making great strides.”

September is known as National Recovery Awareness Month across Canada. The designation was adopted by the House of Commons in September 2022, after being put forward by B.C. MP Peter Julian.

READ MORE

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Red Deer Recovery Day to highlight ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ this Sept. 16

What's Trending