As many as 4.4 million Canadians fit the criteria for the diagnosis of substance abuse disorder, according to a co-founder of Salvus Clinic.
Dr. Susan Crouse attended the last Moncton City Council meeting to discuss Recovery Day 2021.
“The purpose is to build awareness, challenge stigma and celebrate the role that recovery plays in the lives of millions of Canadians,” said Crouse.
In the midst of the fourth wave of COVID-19, the committee has decided to hold a purely virtual event this year.
“The focus of recovery day is about changing the conversation about addiction, away from the problem towards celebrating a solution,” said Crouse.
About 47.4% of individuals with a substance abuse disorder report barriers to initiating recovery and accessing recovery services, Crouse told the council.
A recent COVID-19 outbreak in a Moncton homeless shelter allowed Crouse to further discuss the barriers.
She said some people wish to recover but lack the tools and resources.
“In an affluent country like Canada, access to services should be as easy as getting a glass of milk,” said Crouse.
2021 marks the 7th annual recovery day in Moncton. The event hosts include Salvus Clinic, Harvest House, YWCA, John Howard Society and Horizon Addiction and Mental Health.
Recovery Day 2021 begins on Facebook at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
