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This write up is from a councillor who once suffered from addiction himself.
He mentioned in a meeting once gambling has the highest rate of suicide.
Small wonder really everything a person works for slowly slips through the door.
Stay safe and warm!

Did you know? Ten percent of North Americans—23.5 million Americans and three million Canadians—are in long-term recovery. These are not just statistics; they are our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers, our role models. They are moms, dads, sons, daughters, professionals, athletes, artists—the list goes on. And they are standing up against shame and stigmatization, leading the charge towards a more inclusive and supportive society.

Anonymity was once the guiding principle of recovery, but times are changing. Today, more and more people are choosing to be “anonymous no more,” openly advocating for recovery and sharing their stories with courage and pride. By giving recovery a face, we break down barriers and inspire others to seek the help they deserve.

Celebrities like Robert Downey Jr, Stevie Nicks, Brad Pitt, Jamie Lee Curtis, Russell Brand, Pink, Bradley Cooper, Demi Lovato, Steven Tyler, and Eminem have bravely shared their journeys of recovery, proving that no one is immune to addiction—and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. But it’s not just the famous faces; everyday heroes are stepping into the spotlight, too.

Tommy Rosen’s Recovery 2.0 movement, Dr. Gabor Maté’s groundbreaking work, my own Mistaken Identity Model of Addiction, and the countless individuals who have found healing and hope through twelve-step programs are all part of this powerful wave of change. By sharing our stories, embracing vulnerability, and supporting one another on the journey to recovery, we dismantle the stigma and pave the way for a brighter future.

Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about rediscovering who we truly are, it’s a healing journey of finding inner peace, and living our best lives. It’s about waking up clean and sober, serving others, making amends, and learning to love ourselves unconditionally. And most importantly, it’s about recognizing that the light was within us all along.

So let’s celebrate recovery as the new cool. Let’s continue to have honest conversations, break down barriers, and support one another on this incredible journey. Together, we can change the conversation, transform lives, and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

After all:
It’s cool to wake up clean and sober.
It’s cool to discover who we really are.
It’s cool to learn that surrender is not a weakness but a place of great power.
It’s cool to start each day with meditation and prayer.
It’s cool to serve others still suffering as we once did.
Having real friends to share support, challenges, and growth is cool.
It’s cool to make amends.
It’s cool to be vulnerable to other like-minded people.
It’s cool to have a program of holistic recovery.
It’s cool not to have to lie to ourselves or others.
It’s cool to no longer run from our pain and suffering.
It’s cool to discover that the light was always in us.
It’s cool to learn how to love ourselves unconditionally.
It’s cool to let go of self-centeredness and find inner peace.

Warmly,
Paul Noiles

#RecoveryRedefinesCool #BreakTheStigma #EmbraceTheJourney ✨