Recovery Day Ottawa Spreads Hope and Awareness – Ottawa Life Magazine

September 22, 2017

“If we don’t break the stigma associated with substance use disorders and process addictions, then we will never see recovery. If there is no visible recovery and support for recovery, then there is no visible hope for those suffering and those that care for them. This is a complex issue and we need to work together. There are no simple answers.”

These are the words of Gord Garner, producer of Ottawa’s annual Recovery Day taking place this Saturday at City Hall. The event, put together alongside The Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA), is one where hope, kindness and inspiration are offered not only to raise awareness on addiction/recovery issues but also one that hopes to smash the stigmas surrounding them.

It’s those stigmas that played a large role in Gord dedicating so much of his life to helping those in need. He looks back upon one instance remains etched on his mind as he speaks of a woman he took to the emergency room. This person was crying out for help, recognizing her substance use disorder and look to seek treatment and withdrawal services. As they were leaving the hospital a doctor would say to Garner: “You know, she’s just going to drink again, anyways.”

Read More: http://www.ottawalife.com/article/recovery-day-ottawa-spreads-hope-and-awareness