Marie Taypatat tells her story as she talks about substance abuse at Galt Gardens during the Recovery Day event on Sept. 21, 2019.
Recovering addicts gathered as they shared their stories at Galt Gardens on Sept. 21.
The third annual Recovery Day is a way for people who have had issues with substance abuse in the past to tell their story. At the event were also booths from multiple companies who help with substance abuse, including Streets alive, SMART Recovery, Arches and Moms Stop the Harm.
One person who was able to tell her story was Marie Taypatat. She spoke about her addiction to morphine after getting into a car accident when she was 16-years-old.
“Over the years I started to have problems in my back. In 1990, I got back surgery and I was in the hospital for five months. Once I got out, I was given a heavy dosage of morphine. As time went on, I started experimenting with other drugs,” she said.
Taypatat added that it was a constant battle, as she went to jail in 2018 where she was offered a bed in a recovery centre. She has now been there for three months.
“During my addiction, my life was really bad. I lost all connection with my kids and grandkids. Just recently, I was able to get my family back and get a job. I also learned new coping skills when it comes to dealing with my addiction. I just have a much better life,” she added.
Taypatat also said she believes she is living proof that recovery works, with people always telling her, “Once an addict, always an addict.” She believes that anyone can recover from addictions as long as the person puts their mind to it.
Jesse Judson, team leader of the event thinks this gathering really helps people come out of their shell.
“This event is about a subject that people are not normally comfortable talking about. I think the fact that people like Marie came up and told their stories was very brave and I respect them for that,” he said.
Judson thinks the event has grown exponentially and thinks Recovery Day will continue to bring more people as they try to help others who are fighting addiction and other mental health issues.
Recovery Day started with a celebration of the Blood tribe with traditional songs and dance by red paint. These dances included the Fancy dance and the Chicken dance, as the dance club travels around Canada and America to perform these routines. The event also had food, as well as a bouncy castle for the kids to enjoy.
Recovery Day also has events located in British Colombia, Calgary, Red Deer and Winnipeg as they continue to help support those who struggle with addiction.
