THUNDER BAY -- Addiction is a battle that can be overcome.
That was the message from the city’s first Recovery Day, an event to celebrate those who have prevailed through struggles with substance abuse, which was hosted by the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and local Drug Awareness Committee at Prince Arthur’s Landing Saturday.
Nancy Hernandez-Basurto, chair of the Drug Awareness Committee and public health nurse, said the event allows people to change the narrative of addiction.
“Having conversations allows us to explore and dispel myths as well as celebrate the triumphs people have by sharing those stories and having those conversations,” Hernandez-Basurto said.
“They can say ‘here I am, I’m in recovery and I’m really proud of it’ or ‘I’m supporting someone in recovery and I’m really proud of it.’”
The event highlighted the different services that are available locally to help people in their fight, as well as information about the recovery process.
A compilation of stories of community members and their battles was shown, as well as a national documentary about the prevalence of addiction.
Organizers also had people who are in the recovery phase speak and share their stories about overcoming addiction.
One of those presenters was Dana Nobis.
Nobis spoke of her experiences more than six years ago in hospital while suffering from withdrawal, and the lack of compassion she encountered.
She acknowledged speaking about her experiences isn’t easy but knows it can help make a difference.
“For me to go up there is really hard but I do it because people need to hear my story and it’s important for people to know people have gone through it and there’s help out there,” Nobis said.
Hernandez-Basurto said a primary focus of the event was to create a sense of support and compassion while being curious to learn more about the struggle of addiction.
