In Honour of National Addictions Awareness Week: Two Stories of Recovery
National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is a time to reflect on the challenges and victories that come with addiction recovery. During this week, people share their stories, shedding light on the importance of breaking free from the cycle of addiction and living a sober, fulfilling life. Here, we hear from two individuals who have walked the difficult path of recovery and now advocate for a life of sobriety.
Owen Pelletier, a member of the Cowessess First Nation, is employed by STR8 UP in Saskatoon, an organization dedicated to providing outreach, programming, and support for those engaged in criminal street lifestyles who aspire to enact positive changes in their lives.
Pelletier obtained his degree in Indigenous Social Work last year, motivated by a strong commitment to contribute to the well-being of others.
In addition to his role at STR8 UP, Pelletier identifies as an entrepreneur, sharing his narrative through professional speaking engagements, healing workshops, and presentations centered around the medicine wheel.
Life was not consistently favourable for Pelletier. Having previously lived a life characterized by crime, violence, and addiction, Pelletier embarked on a journey of transformation in pursuit of a healthier and more constructive lifestyle.
“Living in the gang life and being an addict for several years and realizing how there’s a big stigma attached to it,” he said. “Waking up so many times broke, hungover, crying, (and) suicidal and then having to go to treatment.”
Now, Pelletier utilizes his recovery journey to inspire others, demonstrating that change is attainable, regardless of the challenges faced.
“It requires time. People may stumble along the way,” he said. “What matters is the ability to rise again, to be truthful, and to persist.”
He emphasized the importance of support for those struggling with addiction.
“If you know somebody who’s an addict and you want to help them, you can’t give up on them,” he said. “They’re going fall and when they (do), you need to be there to help them to pick them back up … continue to support and be there for people who are struggling. Just knowing that you have someone there might be that glimmer of hope.”
Cherie Dubois, a member of the Pasqua First Nation, will celebrate four years of sobriety on December 17th. She previously struggled with an addiction to crystal meth. Dubois served as one of the keynote speakers at the NAAW celebrations in Cowessess, where she recounted her journey through addiction and recovery.
“I battled it with it for about seven years before I got off of it,” said Dubois. “It was a really hard drug to get off of … I just was tired of feeling like a shitty mom … I had no vehicles. I had no job. I had no money. I was tired of scamming to find my next fix.”
Following her struggle with addiction, Dubois discovered her true passion by establishing her own clothing line named ‘Pass the Message: Custom Designs and Apparel.’
“I found that when I wore clothes that empowered me, it helped me get through that day, because it was one day at a time. I never would have thought I’d be four years clean,” she said.
“The clothes that I create is about healing and inspiring other people that we’re resilient people, and that we do recover.”
Dubois urged individuals to connect with their loved ones who are facing challenges related to addiction.
“Don’t give up praying for them. Prayer works,” she said. “An addict doesn’t wake up and chooses to be an addict. It’s a sickness … there’s hope, no one’s too far gone, there’s still hope.”
If you or you know someone struggling with addictions, call the HealthLine at 811, a confidential 24-hour health information and support telephone line, and speak to an Addictions/Mental Health Counsellor.
