The Heart of Recovery: Redefining Success Through Connection

I don't want to change people's minds; I want to open their hearts. By extending empathy and compassion, we can foster positive social change within our communities. It is only through understanding, connecting, and embracing a broader definition of recovery—one that emphasizes personal worth and community contribution rather than just focusing on substance use—that we can create this shift.

We need to redefine recovery to detach it from the notion of righteousness. What does recovery mean? Can we allow for more than one definition? Is it about whether somebody puts a substance in their body? That may or may not be a factor for some people. I believe that success in recovery is when an individual gets clarity on their self-worth, has meaningful relationships, can be kind to themselves and others, and contributes to their community. Recovery from addiction is about rediscovering the essence of who we are and our inherent worth.

There are prevailing misconceptions surrounding those who experience addiction. Understanding the real facts behind these myths can help clarify the issue.

Myth: Addiction is a static and permanent condition.

The reality is that upwards of 20% of the population will meet the definition of addiction sometime in their lifetime, but this does not mean they are constantly in active addiction. People can move into and out of experiencing dependence on a substance and a harmful relationship with substances. While some individuals may have chronic issues, a large percentage will experience fluctuations in their substance use. Addiction is a fluid condition.

Myth: Everyone who is experiencing substance use issues needs to go through medical detox. 

Detoxification is a natural bodily process. Most people who overload their system with substances can detox on their own safely at home. Medical detox is needed for a smaller subset facing complex withdrawals, particularly from alcohol and the unpredictable toxic drug supply. It is influenced by factors like the person's history, health profile, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Myth: Addiction is primarily found among people experiencing homelessness and living on the street. 

While people may associate substance use with those who are visibly struggling with housing, the reality is that 80% of overdoses and overdose deaths happen behind closed doors with people who have a place to live. Many individuals using substances in potentially harmful ways have jobs and families and engage in everyday activities. Substance use and addiction are not limited to any specific socioeconomic group. However, the stigma surrounding people who experience homelessness and use substances contributes to a system where the most marginalized individuals only receive medical attention in emergencies rather than having access to regular and respectful healthcare.

In British Columbia, the number one leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 50 is death by overdose. Why should we care? Kamloops ranks number six in the province of British Columbia for the number of overdose-related emergency calls.

When considering individuals who experience multiple overdoses, it is crucial to recognize that, at this point, they have been physiologically and psychologically hijacked by their addiction. While we save their lives, the current system cannot immediately attach them to necessary services. They frequently have nowhere to go. Society then blames them for returning to their previous behaviours. We must acknowledge how unreasonable it is to expect these individuals to rely solely on willpower to overcome their conditions and then criticize them when their illness worsens. As a society, we do not place these expectations on individuals with other diseases.

The unregulated and toxic drug supply has a profoundly negative and multifaceted impact, making substance use more dangerous due to unpredictable contents. A concerning trend in addiction is that younger individuals are experiencing overdoses and requiring detox stays due to the prevalence of mixed and potent substances. This trend challenges bed occupancy in detox facilities. We are also seeing a rising number of individuals suffering from brain damage because of their overdoses.

Toxic drugs lead to more complex and dangerous detoxification due to withdrawal symptoms. For example, the withdrawal from benzodiazepines, which people may not even know they have consumed, can result in higher rates of psychotic episodes. The increased complexity and intensity of withdrawal necessitate longer stays in detox facilities, careful medical assessment and tailored protocols to ensure the safety of individuals undergoing detox. What was once a typical five-day stay may need to be extended up to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the withdrawal.

The mixing of unregulated drugs with safe-supply opioids leads to extraordinarily high tolerance levels and more painful withdrawal. As a result, when these individuals enter detox, the withdrawal process is much more physically painful and mentally distressing.

There is a heightened risk of overdose and death because the supply is not regulated. Tragically, even first-time experimentation with these substances can be fatal, as seen in the deaths of very young individuals.

Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to feel things will never truly get better. As professionals working in the field of addiction, our biggest daily challenge is maintaining hope in the face of rising overdose deaths, our struggle to address the toxic drug supply, the need for access to safe supply, and the politicization of the issue. It doesn't feel like we're gaining positive momentum toward resolving such a complex problem amid increasing societal tension. The possibility of forced treatment and whether it would result in a positive outcome for that person questions the balance between respecting a person's autonomy, the need for intervention and who gets to decide.

At some point, individuals need to commit to themselves. Regardless of the grip that addiction may have, if a person cannot find even the slightest desire for change within themselves, then no one else can do all the work for them.

If you or someone you love is ready to commit, Day One Society provides medical detoxification in a safe and supervised environment for those at higher risk. The program includes Youth Detox Services for individuals aged 24 and under in a separate, age-appropriate space. A fundamental aspect of the support provided by Day One Society is the emphasis on treating every individual with dignity and respect, listening to their experiences, and working collaboratively with each client. This person-centered approach fosters trust and hope.

Our single centralized phone or text number streamlines the referral and screening process, making it easier for individuals to seek help and initiate the intake process. This process includes an initial screening to ensure the caller seeks relevant services. A complete assessment is conducted upon intake into detox, and a physician sees individuals within 24 hours. Detox services typically have a 3-day waitlist, with priority given to individuals being transferred from hospitals and those with more complex healthcare profiles, such as pregnant women or those presenting with complex withdrawals.

Discharge planning begins immediately upon entering detox, with a dedicated coordinator linking clients to aftercare services to provide ongoing support. This overview can include referrals to longer-term treatment facilities, wraparound services in their home communities, and the 12-step community. The goal is to provide ongoing support and prevent individuals from leaving without a connection to required resources.

At Day One Society, we have hope for everyone who walks through our doors. Our staff works closely with individuals, listening to their stories, finding meaningful connections, and developing discharge plans rooted in hope. Caring for people is at the core of our mission.

There are successes to highlight, too, such as adding five Youth Detox beds in 2024 to our 20 adult beds and our growing partnership with Tke̓mlúps te Secwépemc. We recently installed artwork in the Youth Detox area depicting local territories, plants, and animals. This initiative allows us to show respect for the territory and learn more about the First Nation.

In 2024, the Out of the Ashes bursary received seven applications. This program, designed to support young people on their recovery journey by helping them achieve their educational and personal goals, represents a continued success for the Day One Society. The inspiring stories and accomplishments of participants, including one individual who completed their Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice at Thompson Rivers University, demonstrate that there is always potential for individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.

The fact that people are still stepping into recovery despite the overwhelming challenges of the toxic drug supply and the continued willingness of individuals to seek and engage in recovery is seen as one of the greatest successes of all. This resilience and determination offer a strong foundation for positive change. 

Community engagement at the local level is essential for ensuring that the broader community understands the context of the challenges our community faces and the realities of substance use. It is often easier to ignore a problem when it seems distant or doesn't directly affect someone. Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate community. For those willing to confront the complexity of substance use issues and ready to expand their empathy and compassion, I am grateful. Through this awareness, we can cultivate a shift in perspective that fosters real change.

In Kamloops, Day One Society is one of many organizations and initiatives that support recovery, foster understanding, and offer pathways toward a brighter future for those affected by substance use. If you or someone you love needs help, you can reach out to many services such as A New Tomorrow, who provide long-term treatment for both adults and youth and lists community resource information for Peer Support (12-Step Community) Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon, which offer free support services for individuals struggling with substance use and their families.

Interior Health offers a Home Detox Program, which may be suitable for individuals whose withdrawal is not considered life-threatening. It also has its own Mental Health and Substance Use programs offering various services. Community services like Family Tree and A Way Home Kamloops are also great resources and a starting point for help and conversation. Ask Wellness and Urban Matters have launched a new Peer Navigation Program to reach the most vulnerable and initiate the referral process to substance use services. While access may be a challenge, primary care providers such as physicians and nurse practitioners can help people connect to the appropriate support in the community.

The 211 Provincial Information Line is user-friendly and details substance use, mental health services, and other relevant support and services.