Families finding strength, compassion and community in face of addiction
When Ramona (name changed) was overwhelmed by the realities of her son’s struggle with addictions, the Mental Health and Addiction Adult Family Program provided her with a lifeline.
“I was skeptical but I knew I couldn’t continue to deal with everything alone,” she said.
The Saskatoon-based Adult Family Addictions Program provides Saskatchewan families of adults with mental health and addictions challenges with education, counseling and resources to gain understanding, heal and support their family members’ recovery.
A referral from her son’s addiction worker connected Ramona to a counsellor in the Adult Family Program - a support system she has continued to lean on for more than 26 years. She now gives back as a peer supporter, facilitating sessions for others experiencing the same roller coaster of emotions that Ramona faced. Through individual appointments, educational and group sessions, Ramona has found strength, compassion and community.
“I am a firm believer in learning, compassion and support, and the Adult Family Program helped me embrace all three.”
Today, Ramona’s adult children live with continuing challenges. Thanks to the Adult Family Program, she is confident in her ability to cope and support them while caring for herself.
“I can’t say enough about how much this program has helped me during this difficult journey,” Ramona said. “I am stronger, more compassionate, understanding and a better parent because of the help I received.”
From left: Dione Fleury, Addiction Counselor; Dana McHattie, Addiction Counselor Senior; and Brenda McAllister, Manager, Adult Community Mental Health and Addiction Services - Saskatoon provide support and resources for adult family members of individuals struggling with mental health and addictions through the Saskatoon-based Adult Family Treatment program. Services are accessibly virtually to support adult family members from across the province.
