VRJS is developing a restorative process for individuals in addiction recovery as well as their family, friends and community supporters.
By the time individuals struggling with addiction begin the process of recovery their addiction has not only impacted their own lives, but also the lives of their family, friends and community. As a result of addictions family, friends and community members may experience the following:
- Loss of trust
- Feelings of loss, shame, guilt, anger, isolation
- Changes in how they relate to and engage with their community, family and friends
- Increased responsibilities
- Increased risk to their physical safety from exposure to substances, substance use behaviour, and drug related culture/ community
- Loss of emotional safety
- Decreased financial security
The Restorative Recovery Program brings individuals in recovery together with their family, friends and community in order to address the harmful relational effects of addictions. This process, which is based on a peacemaking circle model, provides participants with a safe space to strengthen their connections, share experiences, discuss how they have been impacted by the addiction, and develop a plan to move forward. It is an opportunity for individuals in recovery to take accountability for their actions and make amends, as well as for participants to experience healing and work towards repairing relationships. The exact goals and outcomes of the circle are determined by participants with the support of the circle keepers/ facilitators. Circle keeping is carried out by community volunteers who are trained in peacemaking circles and have a personal understanding of the impact of addictions on the community. The role of the keeper is to ensure that the voices of participants are represented equally and that the circle is respectful and working to achieve its desired outcomes.
Program development progress report:
- On October 19th, 2011, program organizers met with individuals in the addiction recovery and restorative justice community with the goal of increasing knowledge of how restorative processes can be used to address the needs of those in recovery.
- On December 14th, 2011, a second circle discussion will take place in order to communicate updates on the progress of the program development and receive additional feedback from the community
- VRJS is currently looking for funding opportunities and community supporters to assist in the continued development and management of this program.
Please contact Gillian Lindquist at gillianlindquist@vrjs.org if you are interested in attending future meetings, receiving more information or contributing to the development of this program.
