There’s little I love more than cruising down a sweet single track on my mountain bike. Add my dog and some pals into the mix and you have a recipe for my perfect day! Even though I’m a confident rider and have the skills and experience to tackle most of what the trails throw at me, things can still go sideways, and unfortunately brain injury is a real risk of the sport I love. Earlier this spring, my season was off to a great start. I was feeling fit and confident, and even tackled a bike everyday challenge where I mountain biked for 24 days straight before a knee injury from a running accident put me out for a few days. But I recovered quickly and was back on the bike in a matter of days. However, in mid-May I had a crash that showed me first hand the possible consequences of the sport I am so passionate about. It was a lovely spring evening on Knox Mountain in Kelowna, on a trail I’ve done many times with a group of supportive pals, where I took a crash that caused me to experience my first concussion and started me on a new journey of recovery, learning, and rebuilding my confidence to get back on my bike. Here’s my story of brain injury and recovery, and the lessons I learned from the experience.

Like many people who use drugs, Faith turned to illicit opioids to take away pain and hurt. When she realized she wanted to stop using, Opioid Agonist Treatment, or OAT, was key. 

Integrated Treatment Teams offer non-judgmental, discreet and flexible substance use treatment and support in your community. Treatment can include both counselling and medications, and can be provided online or in-person depending on your goals and preference.  One of the most important and unique aspects of the team’s approach is the support provided by peers – people with personal experience with substance use who are there for you to provide advice or just listen. People like Patrick and Jessica.

Ellen had never really spoken with anyone about her alcohol use. She credits the day treatment program for providing the safe place she needed to begin sharing, where she realized that she wasn’t alone.

Matthew first realized he needed help with his alcohol use during his late 20s. He was drinking daily, he says, and recognized that he was using alcohol as a way to bury problems in his life.

Devon is a peer worker who provides overdose prevention and harm reduction supports to those living in shelters and supportive housing. As someone who had his own life saved at an overdose prevention site, he understands the value of these services and it’s important to him that others understand the facts.