Episode
Episode 24: Substance Use and Addiction: The Recovery Journey
- Published
- Apr 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2063
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://awayforwardpodcast.transistor.fm/24
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Summary
In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction. This conversation goes beyond surface-level assumptions to explore what addiction really looks like, why recovery takes time, and what supports are needed to help people move forward. Key Takeaways 1. Addiction is a chronic, recurring condition Recovery is not a one-time fix. Relapse can be part of the process, not a failure. 2. Detox is only the beginning Detox removes substances from the body, but it does not address the underlying causes of addiction. 3. Treatment is a process, not a place Recovery can take many forms, including outpatient care, day programs, or residential treatment. What works varies by person. 4. Addiction is often rooted in pain Substance use is frequently a way of coping with trauma or unresolved emotional challenges. 5. There is no “one-size-fits-all” recovery For some, recovery means abstinence. For others, it may involve reduced use, stronger coping skills, or rebuilding stability in life. The Four Pillars of Substance Use Response Mike highlights a widely recognized framework for addressing substance use: · Prevention – Early intervention and education, especially for youth · Harm Reduction – Keeping people safe and alive while building connection · Treatment – Access to care across a continuum of needs · Enforcement – Addressing supply and public safety concerns Each plays a role. None works in isolation. System Gaps Identified · Lack of seamless transitions between detox, treatment, and recovery · Limited access to supportive, recovery-focused housing · Insufficient early prevention and intervention funding · Fragmented care systems that make conti…