By Jill Sperling

Local praise for report detailing addictions recovery strategies

Jul 23, 2018 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — A recent report by the BC Centre on Substance Use outlines strategies for strengthening recovery from addictions and reducing the stigma faced by those entering that process. 

The report provides evidence of the positive impact the recovery process has on individuals. 

Quality of life, mental health, and family relationships tend to improve among those in recovery, and criminal offences are reduced. 

ASK Wellness Executive Director Bob Hughes says recovery is possible, and he’s happy to see an effort to destigmatize addictions. 

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“We couldn’t do what we do in the field of addictions and providing social supports if we didn’t see the product of community efforts to support people, and just frankly human resilience to overcome the clutches of addiction,” Hughes said. “That’s the inspiration, and that ‘s the reason why we do what we do.”

The BC Centre on Substance Use has created four working groups that will make recommendations to policy makers. 

The groups will have specific areas of focus, such as health systems, education and clinical tools, under served and vulnerable populations, awareness and celebration, and policy and enforcement. 

“I think the one piece that I note is not included in there is that interaction between criminal behaviour and addictions,” Hughes said, “and that is where the heart of the stigma lies is people looking at levels of crime that are break and enter, bicycle thefts in our community… these are often tied to addictions, and I think that that’s hopefully a table that does emerge from these four areas of committee work that says that’s an area we need to look at.”