EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is part of an ongoing SooToday series — 'Turning the Tide' — that explores potential solutions to our city’s toxic drug crisis. You can read more about our project HERE.
There is a story behind the face of every person who has battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
A 53-year-old man named Norris - who is new to the Sault - shared his story at last night's Rockin' Out for Recovery event.
Norris took to the stage at the Sault Ste. Marie Drug Strategy Committee’s 10th annual event at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion and told the audience about his own experiences of suffering, survival and recovery.
“I was born into poverty. I had a really rough upbringing. I was in and out of foster care. I suffered a lot of mental, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. I thought drugs and alcohol gave me a way out of all that,” Norris told SooToday after he left the stage.
He asked to be identified only by his first name.
Despite some success in building a life for himself after a nightmarish start, using substances eventually took their toll on him.
“I got married, had a kid, built a very successful business, but eventually drugs and alcohol took all that from me,” Norris said.
“Most of all, what drugs and alcohol took from me was hope.
"It took my self, it took my morals, my integrity, how I viewed the world. It made me a victim when I was already a victim, given my upbringing. When I wanted to quit and realized it was a problem, it was too late. I couldn't quit. I couldn't stop using drugs.
"It became a need and became a void that had to be filled on a daily basis, sometimes an hourly basis.”
Norris nearly died.
“I tried to end my life. I'm really lucky to be here. I started the journey of recovery in the ambulance after they found me almost dead in my house. I told the paramedic I'm a drug addict and that I can't quit using.”
When offered help, Norris took it.
“I just couldn't live like that anymore.”
After spending some time in hospital, Norris entered the Sault’s Ken Brown Recovery Home, a residential addiction treatment facility dedicated to helping men recover from substance use disorder.
“I have a lot of gratitude for the Ken Brown Home because they showed me a way and complete strangers just stood up and cared about me. They showed me love, compassion.”
Starting his road to recovery eight months ago, Norris said he is once again employed and drives a vehicle.
“One thing about most addicts that I'm really seeing is that we are all very skilled and very talented, whether it's with computers or construction or whatever it is. This is what I’ve seen from my experience.
"So, I'm very fortunate. I have a lot of talents and a lot of skill sets.”
He plans to use those skills to study social work at college next September and wants to help those who have experienced sexual assault as well as focus on suicide awareness and prevention.
What does Norris consider as the starting point for recovery?
“Honesty,” he said.
“If you can't be honest with yourself you're not going to make it. You won't make it. Admit that you have a problem, that you're powerless over it and that it controls everything you do.”
Then get help, he said.
“Recovery is not easy, but it's worth it. It's well worth it.”
Indigenous drumming kicked off Tuesday’s Rockin’ Out for Recovery event, followed by a brief address from Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.
A number of health and social services agencies had information tables set up at the Bondar Pavilion, including the Ken Brown Recovery Home, Group Health Centre Hep Care Program, Sault Area Hospital Addiction Services, Women In Crisis, John Howard Society, Children's Aid Society of Algoma, Nogdawindamin Family And Community Services and SOYA.
The Sault Ste. Marie Drug Strategy Committee gave away gift bags containing water, chips and small first aid kits to those in attendance and pizza was also available.
Live entertainment was scheduled for the event.
“It’s really important for our community to know that behind every person there is a story . . . there's a life history and experience that has led to where they are today and to the struggles that they're experiencing. I feel that there's so much of a bigger picture that we need to talk about as a community,” said Hilary Gordon, Algoma Public Health program manager.
More resources are needed in the campaign against mental health challenges and addictions and less stigma, said Nathan Mondor, Indigenous Friendship Centre alcohol and drug prevention worker.
Mondor has had his own struggles with drugs.
“I'm 13 years clean from stimulants. I got better by reconnecting fully with my Indigenous culture by going back and doing ceremonies, by going back and fasting and healing my trauma.”
Mondor was clear on what he feels is needed to help those who are suffering.
“There have to be changes to the system that allow people to have dignity and access to stable housing and food and they have to start taking away a lot of the waiting barriers for getting actual help. Having people wait for months to get into treatment is absolutely absurd,” Mondor said.
