Brian had spent over 25 years in the bar and restaurant industry in Vancouver, but it wasn’t until he left that industry that he was led down the path of heavy alcohol consumption and addiction. Despite his initial efforts to seek help and quit drinking, it wasn’t until after five years of addiction that he decided to seek the support he needed at the Abbotsford Addictions Centre (AAC).
“I joke that I spent 25 years behind the bar and five years under it,” said Brian.
Brian’s struggle with addiction had seen him through three full detoxes from alcohol and drugs, each followed by brief periods of sobriety before falling back into old patterns.
“I’d always had somewhere to go as far as employment or where I was living, so for the first detox I stayed sober for seven or eight months, second time, nine months. But whatever situation I put myself in was a situation that became easy to fall back into the same patterns,” Brian recalled.
Brian’s recovery came to a turning point after a devastating fall while attempting to wean himself off alcohol. Brian suffered a severe accident that damaged his face and served as a brutal reminder of the consequences of his addiction. Realizing he had no more chances to spare, Brian sought help from the Abbotsford Addictions Centre, marking the beginning of his path to sobriety and a new chapter in his life. That’s where he connected with Lesley Braithwaite, the Supervisor of the Abbotsford Addictions Centre.
Abbotsford Addictions Centre team, from L-R: Devinder Dherari-Sidhu, Dalbir Randhawa, Sharon Hollingsworth, Lesley Braithwaite, Lori Duncan, and Bobby Daveshar.
“…Whatever situation I put myself in was a situation that became easy to fall back into the same patterns.”
Lesley’s approach to counselling was a pivotal factor in Brian’s recovery. She met with him weekly, helping him uncover the roots of his addiction and equipping him with tools to cope with stress and anxiety in healthier ways.
“Our counsellors understand that addiction is complex. We strive to approach each client with compassion and a non-judgmental attitude. You have to have a really tight connection with people to try and connect with them enough to get some help,” said Lesley.
Brian appreciated the fact that Lesley went beyond merely listening and taking notes. Instead, she engaged actively in their sessions, offering guidance and support. The counselling sessions with Lesley provided Brian with a robust support system and a clearer understanding of his own issues, making his journey to sobriety more manageable.
“I’d experienced therapy with a couple of different psychologists before, but Lesley was different in the way that she would advise me through the process and made it easier for me to deal with things as they came.”
One significant aspect of Brian’s recovery was his involvement in the weekly group meetings through the SMART Recovery program facilitated by Josie Kane, a Clinical Counsellor at AAC. Although initially hesitant, Brian soon realized the value of sharing experiences with others who had faced similar challenges. He credits his new understanding of addiction to Josie’s compassionate approach.
“Addiction can happen to anybody, nobody is above it, so the groups gave me the chance to realize that,” said Brian.
“Our counsellors understand that addiction is complex. We strive to approach each client with compassion and a non-judgmental attitude. You have to have a really tight connection with people to try and connect with them enough to get some help.”
AAC offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at supporting individuals struggling with substance misuse. Founded in 1988, AAC provides free outpatient alcohol and drug services, funded by the Fraser Health Authority. Their services cater to youth, adults, multicultural communities, and seniors, ensuring that support is accessible to all.
AAC employs a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to address substance misuse and its effects. They offer individual, couples, and family counselling, recovery and support groups, and referrals to other necessary services. AAC also engages in community prevention activities by providing public presentations and prevention work in schools and the community.
Staff at the AAC continuously upgrade their skills and provide culturally sensitive counselling in Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse populations.
Brian’s story is a testament to the profound impact of the AAC and the dedicated work of professionals like Lesley. Since achieving sobriety, Brian has rebuilt his relationships with his family, who had witnessed his struggles and supported him through his recovery.
In addition to his work operating a hydrovac truck, Brian has ventured into writing. Brian’s first book is a personal milestone that he takes great pride in and was inspired by the question “What would you say to five-year-old you?” that Lesley posed to him in one of their counselling sessions. Brian’s book “Things I Would Say To Five Year Old Me: A book of life lessons for everyone” is currently available on amazon.ca.
Brian’s journey is a powerful reminder of the possibilities that open up when individuals receive the right support and are willing to confront their challenges head-on.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be welcomed into the Archway fold and Lesley has been a godsend in more ways than I can even express,” said Brian.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be welcomed into the Archway fold and Lesley has been a godsend in more ways than I can even express.”
Brian’s book “Things I Would Say To Five Year Old Me: A book of life lessons for everyone” is currently available on amazon.ca.