Lloydminster’s addiction recovery support continues to grow with Recovery Day. The national event celebrates recovery and aims to inspire those who are still struggling with addiction.
The event has gone a long way from having 50 people outside City hall just a few years ago. Residents in Recovery Society Program Director Tyler Lorenz says around 200 people flocked to Weaver Park on September 7 to hear the journey of those who have battled addiction.
“It seems to double every year. So, it really goes to show that more people are more open to their recoveries and we’re are starting to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and addictions .”
The event had a number of treatment centres and addiction resources for those seeking more information about recovery.
Many speakers shared their stories battling addiction such as 21-year-old Kale Moth of Lashburn who found himself homeless at 18. Moth wears his cousin’s ashes around his neck after he passed away from a fentanyl overdose at 26-years-old. He has started the Cody Anders Scholarship fund in memory of his cousin.
“It just goes to show anybody can transform their life regardless of how things are today, there is always hope,” says Lorenz
Lorenz believes the event is important in showing the community that people in recovery are turning their lives around.
“Everybody always thinks ‘once an addict, always an addict’ and that’s clearly not the case. People do recover, turn their lives around and rejoin society. I think it’s really important that we need to support individuals in recovery so we that we can get more people off the street and into the community.”
Lloydminster’s recovery community was given a lot to celebrate last week as Resident’s in Recovery Celebrated its one-year anniversary. The non-profit has supported the recovery journey of 156 people along with operating three sober living homes.
Lorenz believes Lloydminster’s recovery support is strong. He is positive the community will only continue to grow every year with more resources and get more people into recovery.
