
(September 3, 2019) – This September marks the 13th annual celebration of recovery in Ontario. Canadians in recovery from addiction join with friends and family throughout the month to build awareness, challenge stigma and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Approximately 22% of Canadians will be affected by addiction in their lifetime. Recovery Month is an opportunity to share stories of personal triumphs and growth, talk about treatment options and individual goals, and to work together to break down the stigma surrounding addiction.
“Recovery to me is self-defined wellness, resiliency, tenacity, and the ability to negotiate the fluctuations. Recovery is not allowing myself to be marginalized, victimized, defined or limited. It is amazing what I have discovered from ‘falling down that rabbit hole’ many times…but getting back up every time,” says Betty-Lou Kristy, person with lived experience, AMHO board member, and Director at the Centre for Innovation in Peer Support.
Ever since the first annual recovery campaign hosted in Ontario, the movement’s momentum has increased and gained a larger audience. Although the journey of recovery can look different for everyone, it is important that we continue to speak openly about addiction so those struggling know they’re not alone, and so that we continue to make the case for much needed investments in high quality supports and services.
“Addiction should be treated the same way as other health conditions,” says Adrienne Spafford, CEO of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario. “It’s important that when people have the courage to reach out for help, the appropriate services and high quality supports are available no matter where you live in the province.”
AMHO is the leading voice for addictions care in Ontario representing nearly 200 addiction and mental health organizations. Our members provide services and supports that help Ontarians with their recovery.
Join Addictions and Mental Health Ontario and our members as we celebrate recovery by checking out a recovery event near you: http://bit.ly/2Puq3Cu
Quick Facts
- This is the 13th annual celebration of recovery in Ontario.
- The first annual recovery campaign in Ontario was held in October 2006 by members of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario.
- This year, more than a dozen communities in Ontario are hosting events to celebrate recovery month, from St. Catharines and Brantford to Thunder Bay and Parry Sound. Find out more at: amho.ca.
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