The Addiction Services staff are welcoming to anyone willing to ask for help.
When someone steps out of the elevator into our Suntrac Addiction Treatment Centre, they are often searching for a change.
They could be looking for a way forward to a better quality of life, an improvement to their health, or the rebuilding of a relationship with family. One thing is certain. The status quo simply will not do.
Many times, it’s a significant life event that brings a person through our doors. For some, it’s the loss of a job or the breakup of a family unit. For others, it’s mandated by a judge or advised by their doctor.
Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step towards a better life, but it can be a difficult transition filled with intense feelings and anxiety.
Our staff are there to support each client along their recovery journey.
“Often, as the first point of contact with new clients, I meet people who have a feeling of embarrassment or shame, either about things they’ve done or whatever is going on in their life,” said Hayley, Intake Worker at Suntrac.
“We explain to every prospective client that this is a caring community. It’s a group of people who are not going to judge you or think less of you. We’re here to help, and we want that help to be open, available, and welcoming to anyone who is willing to ask for it.”
Once they’ve joined a Suntrac group, clients will also be paired with a trained addiction worker for one-on-one counselling, resources, and support.
Working in addiction services isn’t for everyone. But for many of those who do it, it’s more than just a job, it’s a calling.
For April, who works as a manager in Mission Services’ Addiction Services department, that calling started quite early in her career.
“I was working in a shelter as a social service worker, but that was the first place that I really experienced working with people who had addictions.”
“I saw the need in the community and in the shelter settings at that time, and I gravitated towards being able to make an impact in the lives of those needing addiction support.”
“I knew right away that was what I wanted to do forever.”
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 21% of Canadians (over 6 million people) will meet the criteria for addiction at some point in their life. The effects of addiction don’t just stop at the individual; they also extend far beyond to impact the lives of family members, friends, and coworkers.
Addiction is often hidden away and stigmatized, and comes with a lot of misconceptions.
“When you mention addiction, people immediately think of the person who is living on the street, not your dentist or your banker or someone who otherwise appears to be outwardly successful,” said Greg, Director of Addiction Services.
“Our addiction programs see people from all walks of life. We are an option for people who are working and want to be able to deal with their addiction while continuing to navigate their lives.”
Mission Services has offered addiction programming for over 40 years, and has seen thousands of lives changed forever during that time.
“We celebrate the small wins as well as the big wins,” said April. “If someone is willing to open up and begin working on their recovery journey, that’s always a win. Taking that first step is so important.”
“Every recovery journey has its ups and downs,” she continued. “Along the way, there may be falls and slips, but eventually, if you keep climbing, you will get there, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”
