The Lived Experience of Volatile Substance Misuse: How Support Contributes to Recovery and Sustained Well-being

Abstract

This article examines the role of support in the lives, recovery, and sustained well-being of two long-term First Nations volatile substance misusers in Canada. Through the application of visual-arts-based and oral life history methodologies, support is conceptualized and analyzed from joint Indigenous and Western worldviews. With a culturally informed understanding of the types of connections that bring about support, insight is offered to those who are a part of the recovery and maintenance support systems of individuals who misuse volatile substances.

Keywords :

• volatile substance misuse
• support
• recovery
• First Nations
• arts-based methodology
• well-being
• cultural healing

THE AUTHORS

Russell Bone was raised in foster homes throughout Western Canada and is a survivor of residential schooling. He also survived a terrible accident in which he lost both his legs due to the misuse of volatile substances. With vigorous rehabilitation, personal determination, and a solid base of social support, Russell is able to walk on his prosthetic limbs. Russell's many years of battling and conquering his addictions have provided him with unique insights into personal well-being. Russell is currently serving on the Advisory Committee for a research project undertaken by the Saskatoon Team for Research & Evaluation of Addictions Treatment and Mental Health Services.

Colleen Anne Dell, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Research Chair in Substance Abuse at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Sociology and School of Public Health. She is also a Senior Research Associate with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Canada's national addictions agency. Her research is grounded in a community-based participatory approach. Her research interests include the relationship between identity and healing from drug addiction, most specifically among Aboriginal populations and criminalized women. She has worked extensively at the community and national levels, including with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba and the Senate of Canada.

Monique Koskie, B.A., is an artist and undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan and has practical experience in the area of chemical technology, in which she is working toward her diploma. Since being assessed with a learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a few years ago, she has drawn upon art to visually represent her own and others’ stories. Monique has volunteer experience as a Student Ambassador and with the Sexual Assault Information Center at the University of Saskatchewan. She also hosts a local radio show, titled “Let's Be Real”; her show talks about coping strategies for life stressors. Monique currently serves on the Advisory Committee for the Saskatoon Team for Research & Evaluation of Addictions Treatment and Mental Health Services.

Michelle Kushniruk, B.A., is the Research Coordinator of the Saskatchewan Team for Research & Evaluation of Addictions Treatment and Mental Health Services. She recently obtained her 3-year B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan and completed the Aboriginal Justice and Criminology program that is offered by the Department of Sociology. Michelle has volunteer experience with the Saskatoon Food Bank, CHEP, Quint Development, and Saskatchewan Abilities Council, as well as practical academic experience at the Prince Albert Grand Council Spiritual Healing Lodge on Wapheton First Nation, and the Research Department at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon.

Cynthia Shorting was raised in a home where domestic abuse and alcoholism were an everyday part of her world. As an adult, Cynthia underwent a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period following a 67-foot fall. Cynthia has battled and overcome a life-long addiction to volatile substances, and her experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the topics of addictions, treatment, and recovery. Since returning to her home reserve nearly a decade ago, Cynthia has gained great knowledge of her Indigenous cultural arts and spiritual practices. She is currently serving on the Advisory Committee for a research project undertaken by the Saskatoon Team for Research & Evaluation of Addictions Treatment and Mental Health Services.