By Norman Fox A Chilling Encounter in Vancouver's Eastside On a cold night in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, I found myself trapped behind a dumpster. I was three days deep into addiction, lost and unaware of it at the time. All I felt was an overwhelming paralyzing fear. I was terrified, deeply sad, and utterly alone. I had been stuck there for hours, likely since early evening. My feet were soaked in a puddle of rainwater—probably dumpster runoff, which was worse. Disgust w

My pocket, 2007. The meeting directory got worn down fast. The cigarettes stuck around longer. Both had their place. Finding Momentary Connections in Recovery I’ve been in recovery spaces for decades. I’ve witnessed the bravado, the resistance, and the masks people wear. Yet, every now and then, something breaks through the surface. A single word. A moment of silence. A magical interaction in a group setting. Everyone seems to connect not just with their ears but with somethi

Left behind most nights. Waiting most mornings. I’ve been thinking a lot about impermanence lately. Not just in the big, dramatic ways, but in the smaller, daily things we live with—like a slowly fading TV screen. I wrote this short reflection recently, and while it starts with a story about a television, it’s really about something deeper: learning to live with change and finding appreciation in the middle of it. Voice Blurs I have a very large TV. I came by it more accident

An ordinary table, a simple cup of coffee — nothing special at first glance. But on this morning in early recovery, seeing and capturing this moment through my camera gave my day a sense of meaning. Creativity didn’t just fill the empty space; it helped me reconnect with who I was. It was another fairly sad morning — feeling lost, still struggling to understand my life. I had been walking around the DTES for hours, practicing photography, trying to make sense of things. Event

Navigating new challenges—inside and outside the classroom. Understanding the difference between taking a break and real recovery starts with the right support. Introduction When a university-aged child cuts back on drinking or drug use, parents often feel a mix of relief and uncertainty. Are they genuinely embracing recovery, or is this just a temporary break? Understanding the difference can help you offer the right kind of support without pushing them away. Why Some Young

Recovery doesn’t always announce itself with a dramatic rock-bottom moment.

When a child is living away from home, recognizing the subtle early signs of addiction can be difficult to define. But if addressed early, these signs can be real lifesavers. Money is almost always an issue for young people, especially when they’re away at school and living on a tight budget. So, when you notice their spending habits changing without a clear or authentic reason, trust your instincts. As parents, if you’re helping pay the bills, you’re entitled to ask question

A New Perspective: Finding Strength in Change A Year of Growth and Discovery Last year marked a significant turning point in my life—a year of growth, learning, and self-discovery. I faced a situation that pushed me to make an important change: leaving my role as a clinical support worker at the same treatment center where I once sought help for my own addiction. It was a decision that, though difficult, was necessary for my personal and professional growth. Reflecting on how

Recovery Is About Finding Connection and Strength to Move Forward The first time I entered treatment, all I wanted was to quit drinking. That was it. But by the second time, I realized I needed more than just sobriety—I needed answers . I needed to understand how I had been able to put everything I loved—my family, my pride, my success, and the trust of friends—on the back burner in favor of one more three-day binge. Having spent time in two of BC’s most well-known treatment