Families for Addiction Recovery "FAR"

08/02/2025

Grey Bruce Public Health has been notified of three suspected drug poisonings that occurred July 31, 2025, in the Kincardine area. The individuals believed they were using co***ne, but became unresponsive and required Naloxone.

Public Health advises people who use drugs to:

✔️ Take extra caution if mixing . Mixing drugs, including , increases the risk of harm and .
✔️ Go slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
✔️ Use only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious . Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.

, The National Overdose Response Service, can be reached by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will stay on the line with the person while the drug is used. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

08/01/2025

We’re thrilled to share the launch of a new Youth Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic at CAMH — a low-barrier, walk-in clinic supporting youth aged 13–17 who are struggling with substance use.

Click the link for referral forms: https://www.camh.ca/en/patients-and-families/access-camh/referral-form

07/31/2025

Surviving Addiction returns with an amazing second season. In Episode One Max shares his story of identity, belonging, and recovery. What began as a search for connection became a near-fatal struggle with addiction—until one moment of compassion changed the course of everything.

Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS467de1FHQ

07/30/2025

🕊️ Save the Date 🕊️

Join us for International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 as we come together to remember, raise awareness, and end the stigma. 💜

📍 Toronto City Hall
📅 August 31, 2025
🕚 11:00 A.M.

Let’s stand as one big family, driven by hope.

Add your loved one’s name to our commemorative canvas and be part of this powerful tribute.

07/28/2025

Need support navigating a loved one’s substance use? You’re not alone.

Families for Addiction Recovery have a free phone support line for families across Canada. Speak with a trained volunteer who understands what you're going through and can offer compassionate guidance using CRAFT, MI & ACT approaches.

🕛 Available:
Monday – Friday: 12:00PM–3:00PM EDT
Wednesday Evenings: 7:00PM–9:00PM EDT

📞 Call toll-free: 1-855-377-6677 ext. 207

07/25/2025

Positive reinforcement means catching someone doing something good and acknowledging their efforts or successes. This will help your loved one feel good about himself and less hopeless about his situation.

Even the tiniest of positive behaviors is worth acknowledging, but the acknowledgement must be genuine. The positive reinforcement should be in proportion to the positive behavior. It could be as simple as expressing gratitude that your loved one came home for dinner, or came home on time, or smiled at you. Rewarding your loved one’s positive behavior can take the form of a smile, a soft touch or a kind word. Many tiny celebrations of the good can add up, just like many small criticisms can become overwhelming.

Visit farcanada.org to learn more.

07/23/2025

Have you used fentanyl and taken Kadian (SROM) for opioid use disorder?

Researchers want to hear your voice. If you're 18+, live in Toronto, and have current or past experience with prescribed Kadian, you may be eligible to participate in a 1-hour interview.

07/21/2025

Need a safe space to talk? Join FAR Canada’s FREE Online Support Group! Open to anyone looking for connection, understanding, and support.
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🗓️ July 21 at 7:00 PM (ET)
🗓️ July 22 at 12:00 PM (ET)
💻 Held online – join from anywhere!
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You are not alone. We’re here.
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07/18/2025

Legal terminology can be confusing, but it is essential for caregivers navigating the healthcare system. Consider attending The Ontario Caregiver Organization event welcoming Kate Dewhirst, who will explain key legal information for caregivers.

Register for this FREE online seminar today: https://shorturl.at/vlvID

OCO is pleased to welcome Kate Dewhirst, who will explain key legal information that caregivers should know.

07/16/2025

Supporting a loved one living with psychosis or schizophrenia? You’re not alone.

Join the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health’s Strengthening Families Together program this August — a 4-session virtual course designed just for caregivers.

Led by a mental health professional and a family member, you'll learn practical tools for:
✅ Communication
✅ Boundaries
✅ Crisis planning
✅ Relapse prevention
✅ Caregiver well-being

📅 Tuesdays, August 5–26, 2025
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM EST (via Zoom)
🎟 $175 (individual) / $250 (pair)

Spots are limited — register today: https://www.iamentalhealth.ca/Media-Events/Events/2025/strengthening-families-together-august

07/15/2025

FAR board member, Oona St-Amant, RN presented at the INSPIRE2025 conference in the Blue Mountains, sharing findings from our CIHR-funded study on systemic familial alienation in healthcare and social services. She emphasized the vital role of family in supporting those with substance use disorders, despite being marginalized by the system. Using participant quotes, she outlined six ways families experience alienation, including distrust from professionals, lack of support, treatment barriers, privacy issues, detachment rhetoric, and neoliberal individualization of illness. Her talk highlighted the broader harm these dynamics cause and sparked thoughtful discussion.

07/14/2025

If your child is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone.

Our Parent-To-Parent Program connects you with a trained parent supporter who’s been through it too. Over eight one-hour sessions across two months, you'll gain tools, strategies, and emotional support to help you and your child navigate this journey.

You deserve support from someone who truly understands.