By Adam Donnelly

Family the focus at Kamloops addictions conference

Apr 19, 2016 | 5:04 PM

KAMLOOPS — Addiction is a complex issue, which can be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and experiences throughout a persons life. Today, at a conference held at Hotel 540, people gathered to discuss the topic of addictions, and how to best help the individuals who are battling them. As it turns out, one of the keys to helping addicts recover exists close to home.

WATCH: Full report by Adam Donnelly

For Dr. Lyn McBeath, addiction runs in her family. She remembers stories of her grandfather, a World War 1 veteran. “[H]is 11 brothers and sisters, as well as my Grandfather… developed drug or alcohol addiction, but in those days it was considered a moral weakness,” MacBeath told CFJC Today.

Despite the family history of addiction, Lyn never thought the disease would hit as close to home as it did. “I never expected my daughter would ever end up having problems with addiction, because my mother didn’t have problems [and] I didn’t have problems,” MacBeath said.

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Lyn’s daughter Nancy battled a serious heroin addiction for several years. Nancy says the causes of her addiction were deep seated. “It’s complicated,” Nancy replied, when asked about what what caused her addiction. “I think a lot of it comes from childhood, though. It takes time to process that.”

Nancy has been in recovery for nearly a decade, and now offers support to people battling their own addictions. She attributes her recovery to the support she received from those closest to her.

“Family was absolutely everything,” Nancy said. “The people that I found who were also on this journey, friends who became like family members. I’m faily clear that I wouldn’t have been able to do it without that support.”

That’s one of the messages being delivered at today’s conference, being hosted by a number of agencies, including The Phoenix Centre, Interior Health, and School District 73. One objective of the conference is addressing the root causes of addiction in youth, who tend to be more vulnerable.

Many experts seem to agree the importance of social acceptance, and living a purposeful life are also keys to helping those with addictions recover for good.

Lyn: “The importance of social factors, and how important it is for people to have a life that’s satisfying for them, and especially to have connections with people, and not be isolated.”

Nancy: “Having a lfe that felt meaningful was a huge part of my recovery.”