Maggie began her wellness and recovery journey on July 29 of this year. She has experienced trauma throughout her life and struggled with addiction. However, it was the loss of her brother that gave her the strength to make a change for herself, her beautiful children and her family.
“I wanted to choose a different path in life," recalls Maggie, who made a pivotal decision on that day to get sober.
She returned to her home community, a place she had not visited in a long time. There, she was embraced with love and kindness, which gave her the support she needed to begin her recovery journey. With the help of her parents and community, she participated in dance practices and ceremonies that uplifted and nurtured her spirit.
Maggie said she had the opportunity of attending treatment and expressed her gratitude to Brianna Rai, Harm Reduction Coordinator for Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, for her encouragement and effort in helping her access care.
“I don't think I would be this far along in my recovery without it [treatment]," said Maggie, who ended up attending a treatment centre where she found the tools and resources that would become helpful throughout her recovery journey.
Maggie also speaks about the opportunity of participating in smudging every night during treatment and participating in sweat lodges.
“Before treatment, I thought I had healed from my trauma, but when I participated in the sweat, I was really able to let go of a lot of things."
Listening to others share their experiences with chronic relapse and their paths back to sobriety was a powerful part of Maggie's recovery. During her time at the treatment centre, she built connections with others on similar journeys. She is happy to report she's still in contact with many from that network of support today.
This journey not only helped Maggie recover, but has also supported her wholistic well-being. She has reconnected with her spirit, her community and her children. Maggie says she wishes that more information about available supports had been accessible earlier in her journey, but that she hopes by sharing her story, she can help others find what they need.
Maggie also said she wants to remind everyone that there are people who care and are ready to help. Once you are ready to reach out, you will find resources, individuals, organizations and programs that can support and uplift you in a good way.
Reclaiming Your Wellness Month
Reclaiming Your Wellness (formerly known as “Sober for October") is an alcohol awareness campaign and challenge held annually by the FNHA to provide people with the opportunity to examine the role of alcohol and other substances in their lives, whether they take a harm reduction or abstinence-based approach. The goal of the challenge is to enhance the knowledge, skills, resources and supports for individuals, families and communities.
Visit our website for more information and support on Treatment and Harm Reduction, and to read past messages about Reclaiming Your Wellness (formerly known as “Sober for October).
We hope you are inspired by this story to continue your Reclaiming your Wellness journey. Help us inspire others! Tag FNHA on social media or email your wellness story to the Wellness Initiatives Team at active@fnha.ca and we can write your story with you to share on the FNHA website!
