addictions

Nathan Watts, a member of the Tseshaht First Nation near Port Alberni, shares his story of substance use, a perspective he said isn’t seen enough. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Watts)

Public shaming, hate perpetuates further substance use: UVic researcher

Longtime addict Nathan Watts offers a user’s perspective on substance use

Nathan Watts, a member of the Tseshaht First Nation near Port Alberni, shares his story of substance use, a perspective he said isn’t seen enough. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Watts)
The former St. Joseph’s School converted to the St. Joseph’s Art Studios in 2019. (File photo by Don Bodger)

Former Chemainus St. Joseph’s School site sold to addictions recovery group

Diocese stresses the importance of a community outreach option in its decision

The former St. Joseph’s School converted to the St. Joseph’s Art Studios in 2019. (File photo by Don Bodger)
The Salvation Army Victoria officially launched its new live-in drug and alcohol recovery program March 31. From left to right: Shelley Gudgeon, Salvation Army Community Council member, Major Sheldon Feener, Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) executive director, Jeffrey Baergen, ARC program director, Sarah Potts, Victoria city councillor, and Patricia Mamic, public and government affairs director. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Baergen)
The Salvation Army Victoria officially launched its new live-in drug and alcohol recovery program March 31. From left to right: Shelley Gudgeon, Salvation Army Community Council member, Major Sheldon Feener, Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) executive director, Jeffrey Baergen, ARC program director, Sarah Potts, Victoria city councillor, and Patricia Mamic, public and government affairs director. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Baergen)
A new harm reduction strategy called Tailgate Toolkit targets addictions amongst trades and construction workers. (Unsplash)

Harm reduction project targets Vancouver Island construction, trades workers

More than half of B.C.’s 2018 overdose deaths were people working in trades or transport

A new harm reduction strategy called Tailgate Toolkit targets addictions amongst trades and construction workers. (Unsplash)
Friends and family say much more needs to be done to help people like ‘Roby.’ Photo supplied

More than a statistic: how ‘Roby’ fell through Vancouver Island’s cracks

Mother, friends point to obstacles preventing the most vulnerable people from getting help

Friends and family say much more needs to be done to help people like ‘Roby.’ Photo supplied
Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. minister of mental health and addictions. (News Bulletin file photo)

Province funding 20 treatment and recovery spaces in Nanaimo

B.C. government partnering with John Howard Society, Edgewood Treatment Centre

Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. minister of mental health and addictions. (News Bulletin file photo)
20-year-old Merritt man Darius Sam raised over $100,000 for the Nicola Valley Food Bank after his attempt to run 100 miles in 24 hours gained widespread attention. Sam will be attempting the feat again Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, this time to raise awareness on the topic of addiction. (Contributed)

Merritt man attempts to run 100-miles in 24 hours for addiction awareness

After raising $110,000 for the food bank in his first 100-mile try, Sam is focusing on a new cause

20-year-old Merritt man Darius Sam raised over $100,000 for the Nicola Valley Food Bank after his attempt to run 100 miles in 24 hours gained widespread attention. Sam will be attempting the feat again Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, this time to raise awareness on the topic of addiction. (Contributed)
Kelly Fells and Jenny Howard outside the Ministry of Health building as part of a rally in July aiming to call attention to the ongoing overdose epidemic. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
Kelly Fells and Jenny Howard outside the Ministry of Health building as part of a rally in July aiming to call attention to the ongoing overdose epidemic. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
Security checks in at the Fuller Lake Arena parking lot homeless tenting site, a stopgap measure during COVID. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Homeless policies wreaking havoc on communities

Free housing, drugs making matters worse for those living in those neighbourhoods

Security checks in at the Fuller Lake Arena parking lot homeless tenting site, a stopgap measure during COVID. (Photo by Don Bodger)
(The Canadian Press)

B.C. launches 24/7 helpline to connect experts with people with addictions

The helpline will allow clinicians unfamiliar with prescribing safe alternatives to discuss options

(The Canadian Press)
Chris Macdonald was troubled by his own difficulty with addiction. (Photo submitted)

Man found dead in his tent at Chemainus homeless camp

Facebook posts tell of personal struggles and attempts to stay clean and sober

Chris Macdonald was troubled by his own difficulty with addiction. (Photo submitted)
Dakota Johnny says he’s choosing to focus on feelings he can control to help him get through the pandemic. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)

Vancouver Islanders navigate addiction recovery during the pandemic

Dakota Johnny and Stephen Vickets are residents of Foundation House

Dakota Johnny says he’s choosing to focus on feelings he can control to help him get through the pandemic. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
Approximately 75 tents line Pandora Avenue on April 3, some closer than the two-metre physical distance regulation set out by the provincial health officer. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)

Advocates call safe drug supply a victory but worry about logistics in pandemic

Pandemic contributes to scarce supply, advocates worried about potential impact on the streets

Approximately 75 tents line Pandora Avenue on April 3, some closer than the two-metre physical distance regulation set out by the provincial health officer. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
Many teens don’t know that they’re inhaling nicotine while vaping. (File photo)

Many teens unaware if they’re vaping nicotine or not

Health Canada survey finds many youth are unaware of the risks of using nicotine products

Many teens don’t know that they’re inhaling nicotine while vaping. (File photo)
B.C. cyclist braking stigma on addiction from coast to coast

B.C. cyclist braking stigma on addiction from coast to coast

Mathew Fee aims at world record for longest distance on BMX bike while sharing his story of recovery

B.C. cyclist braking stigma on addiction from coast to coast
The new Therapeutic Recovery Community will be housed in the former Choices Transitional Housing site in View Royal. (Grant McKenzie/Our Place)

Our Place’s addiction recovery community opening Friday in View Royal

The Therapeutic Recovery Community aims to break the cycle of homelessness

  • Oct 25, 2018
The new Therapeutic Recovery Community will be housed in the former Choices Transitional Housing site in View Royal. (Grant McKenzie/Our Place)