Group promotes restoration of balance and harmony

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Wherever they may live across the province, Saskatchewan residents suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol can turn to the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (MACSI) for help to find inner peace and freedom.

"Although our services target Metis and First Nation peoples, the Council's services are open to all citizens of the province," said George McBeth, executive director of MACSI.

"We have an absolutely unique service in Canada-there's no other quite like it. We cover the entire province with offices in every major community which are interconnected so we can access the many strengths and services available," he said. MACSI has field educators who operate outside of communities, so they can travel in more remote northern locations to meet with clients.

"We like to partner with as many organizations as we can to provide expertise and learn from each other. For instance, I met recently with the provincial advisory group on diabetes, as we are beginning to realize that there's no single organization who can come up with all the answers," he explained. Lifestyle is a major factor in both diabetes and addiction situations, and diabetes is high amongst Aboriginal populations.

"Everything is connected. We are talking about the health of people, and if we are ever going to make a difference, we have to approach it from every angle and work together in terms of prevention, intervention, getting assistance for people, and follow up."

The recovery stage is a crucial one in terms of healing addictions. "People in our treatment centres begin to find some inner strength and a better way of life for themselves. But when they leave, unless they can replicate the healing environment, they are going to struggle," he said. All clients have an after-care plan, and have phone numbers of people to call for help if they need it.

"It may be an organization or group, which are commonly found in larger communities. Or help may be a recovering addict who the client can call, especially in smaller towns or villages where formal services may be lacking. Help does not always have to be from professional sources."

MACSI believes that staff must be role models of sobriety and to this end, all employees of MACSI have at least two years of recovery. "Not only does this help us to understand the human condition from a unique perspective, but it also sensitises us to the fears, the dreams and the hopes of the individuals walking into our centres for the very first time, wondering if this is the time they will make it," he added.

Linking clients with self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous is crucial as well. "Few people can make full recovery on their own. Getting back out into the world, when you've spent a number of years in a particular lifestyle, can be absolutely terrifying. You've lost all your social skills, you're having to relearn everything about yourself, your community, about surviving in a new world, and it's scary," said McBeth.

The recovering addict's primary focus must be on remaining sober. "That's the important first step. As time goes on and he or she gets stronger, the hurts that were inflicted on loved ones can be slowly addressed, but it takes time to get to that stage, and it can't be rushed. To do so would totally overwhelm the client and would increase the likelihood of returning to substance abuse."

MACSI has residential co-ed facilities in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert where a 28-day program provides clients with the first steps towards recovery, followed by close follow-up care.

"We feature four major components to the healing process. Education provides basic information about addictions, the mental effects, and the characteristics and attitudes association with addictions," he said. As well, counselling includes both individual and group sessions while skill development provides clients with the tools necessary for sober living.

Lastly, group sessionsgive recovering addicts the opportunity to share their experiences and to understand what is necessary for emotional, cultural, and spiritual healing. "Members learn that they can get support from each other. They can be open and honest, and speak out about their issues, sometimes for the first time."

Several factors are present that may cause a person to become a substance abuser. "Many clients are coming from dysfunctional life situations. They have experienced many hurts and they are escaping. Aboriginal people have often had parents or grandparents who came through the residential school system, and they have no role models of a normal family situation," he added.

"But there are some absolutely, incredibly, healthy people out there who will help clients coming out of treatment. We are learning more about addictions and treatment all the time. We are getting better and we are celebrating our successes," he said. "Our treatment centres are listed in the phone directory. If you are caught in the hopeless cycle of addiction, call us. We can help."