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We’re trying to break the stigma surrounding addiction: Residents in Recovery Society

Locals are coming together on Recovery Day to hear the stories of those who have battled with addiction. The national event celebrates recovery and looks to inspire those who are still struggling with addiction.

Recovery Day has been happening in Lloydminster for the past three years. The event takes place on September 8th to align with Recovery month in Canada. Residents in Recovery Society Program Director Tyler Lorenz says hearing the stories and seeing what others have gone through helps inspire his recovery.

“It’s always been helpful for me to see that it is possible to keep working towards abstinence and sobriety. It certainly helped me and I know a number of people that have been impacted.”

While in jail Lorenz found recovery after 29 years of addiction. After getting a diploma in addiction and social work, he became a SMART recovery facilitator, worked with the Lloydminster men’s shelter and is now trying to help more with Residents in Recovery.

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Lorenz says Recovery Day is close to his heart, being someone who has been sober for two years and turned his life around, he hopes that stories similar to his can inspire others.

” We work to break the stigma surrounding addictions in the community. If people see there are recovering addicts and alcoholics out there it gives hope to people that are still struggling and allows people in the community to see it isn’t a lost cause.”

Lorenz says he thinks a 100 people will be in attendance for this year’s events, growing from 60 last year. The event has changed from last years and will start earlier running from 10 am to 1 pm.The event will take place at Weaver Park on September 8th.

A pancake breakfast will kick off the event and nine speakers have committed to telling their story. Cody Bates will be headlining the event talking about selling drugs in Calgary to becoming someone of faith and recovery that he is today.

 

 

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