Workers at a west-of-downtown harm reduction centre are set to go on strike Monday morning in part to protest chronic underfunding they say is leading to heavy workloads and staff burnout amid a toxic drug crisis.
"I think we're still embarrassed to admit how profoundly the pandemic has negatively affected mental health and driven people into addictions and other forms of crisis."
"I think we're still embarrassed to admit how profoundly the pandemic has negatively affected mental health and driven people into addictions and other forms of crisis."
This profile originally appeared in the 2020-21 Giving Guide. Read the full magazine here.
Since 1976, Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services – a non-profit, community-based treatment centre – has been dedicated to supporting those impacted by substance use or behavioral addictions and related mental health issues. We serve youth and young adults (aged 12-25), adults, parents and families. We provide more than 15 comprehensive programs that include prevention, education, individual and group treatment.
Whether it’s substances, gambling, gaming or other compulsive behaviours; and whether individuals want to reduce their use, use in safer ways or eliminate their use entirely, Rideauwood counsellors are here to help. We know that shame and the stigma around addiction can decrease the likelihood of people seeking the services and the supports they need. That is why at Rideauwood there is no “right path” to recovery – only the path that you choose.