Could substance use be hiding an attempt to survive? Adolescence and the transition to adulthood are often synonymous with instability and challenges. For many adolescents, hormonal changes, a desire for autonomy and the will to define oneself are intertwined with mental health issues. An increasing number of youth struggle with anxiety, depression or ADHD. Self-medication… Read more »
Thanks to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities’ generous contribution, 30 adolescents and young adults from the Lac Écho residential centre enjoyed a highly enriching climbing activity in September, supervised by the team of specialized instructors from the organization Ça me dit de grimper (I feel like climbing). Climbing remains the sport best suited to building connections… Read more »
This year marked the third edition of the Recovery Walk, a growing tradition made possible through the continued partnership between Portage and Kim Bellas, Founder of Sober is the New Cool. Nearly 100 participants gathered at Beaver Lake to walk together and celebrate the strength, resilience, and hope that recovery represents. What began as a… Read more »
Concurrent disorders are among the most challenging issues in our health care system. Individuals who have both significant mental health problems and substance use disorders are often caught up in a maze of disjointed services that can, paradoxically, make things worse rather than better. What is a concurrent disorder? A concurrent disorder is when… Read more »
While conversations about mental health have come a long way over the past few decades, there is still much work ahead. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness each year, with youth being particularly vulnerable. In Canada, 1.25 million young people need mental health… Read more »
I’d like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the guidance and support I received during my drug rehab therapy at the Portage program for mental health and addiction. It was not an easy journey, but thanks to the program and the staff’s guidance, patience and knowledge of mental health issues, I… Read more »
Before coming to Portage, I was an alcoholic and I resorted to drugs that I would use everyday. Substance use had taken over my life and slowly but surely, I started to lose everything. My family did not recognize me anymore, my addiction was affecting my ability to work and keep a job, and I… Read more »
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, much has been said about the disastrous state of the population’s mental health. Mental health issues are thought to affect a large segment of society, and more specifically young people. Because the term mental health is so often misused, it is important to understand what it is and what it… Read more »
Perseverance and Determination This is the story of the journey that saved my life: I had always enjoyed partying ever since I was in high school. I started using when I was about 17 years old. I gradually moved on to higher doses and stronger drugs. Over time, I became addicted to several substances and… Read more »
Illicit drug use among youth can stem from various factors including social pressure, curiosity, anxiety, depression or a desire to experience strong sensations. Despite these common motivations for drug use, parents don’t always recognize the early signs of substance use in their children. These signs can go undetected for many reasons, including a lack of… Read more »
