Families for Addiction Recovery "FAR"

05/11/2026

At FAR, we use The Invitation to Change Model, which is a compassionate and non-confrontational approach, to support ourselves and our loved ones. This hilarious and wise video illustrates both the challenge and power of simply listening and genuine presence.

05/08/2026

“I thought to myself that a lot of manpower was used originally to get her back to safety. Now she was right back at the river and still not in a good state of mind. Our system sprang into action to make her safe but they could not hold her long enough. Now she’s back and likely heading to another bad encounter.”

Read more: https://www.farcanada.org/an-afternoon-at-the-river/

By: Paul Corby, Windsor, Ontario Living on Riverside Drive in Windsor, I have a great view of the Detroit River. A couple of weeks ago, I looked out and saw a few police cars gathered with officers standing in a group near the river. There was somebody on the other side of the waist high […]

05/06/2026

This Week In The News: From New HART Hubs and Rising Overdose Concerns to Emerging Evidence on CBD and Telemedicine in Addiction Treatment

Click the link to read more: https://www.farcanada.org/news/this-week-in-the-news-from-new-hart-hubs-and-rising-overdose-concerns-to-emerging-evidence-on-cbd-and-telemedicine-in-addiction-treatment/

05/05/2026

🚨 DRUG ALERT from Toronto Public Health: Increase in Drug-Related Deaths in Toronto 🚨

Preliminary data show there was an increase in suspected opioid-overdose related deaths attended by Toronto Paramedic Services between April 28 and May 1, 2026. Three of the fatal calls occurred within close proximity of each other in the North York area, and all occurred outside of downtown. Three of the fatal calls occurred outdoors, two occurred at private residences, and none occurred at a shelter setting.

This is a devastating reminder of just how unpredictable and dangerous the unregulated opioid supply has become.

These aren’t just numbers — they are people we love.

If you or someone you love uses substances, please take extra precautions:
• Don’t use alone — have someone you trust nearby
• Always carry a naloxone kit, it could save a life!
• Use a supervised consumption site, if possible.
• If you need to use alone, have a safety plan.
• Check what's in your drugs at local drug checking services.

Support is available. You are not alone.

ConnexOntario offers 24/7 confidential support: 1-866-531-2600

05/04/2026

Social connection is essential to mental health, and still too many people in Canada feel lonely. This May 4–10, CMHA’s Mental Health Week invites us to Come Together, Canada through small, everyday acts of connection. Because connection strengthens mental health.

05/01/2026

Support is just a call or click away.

If you have questions about your health you can connect with a registered nurse through Health811 for free, confidential advice anytime.

Call 811 or visit ontario.ca/health811 to chat online.

04/29/2026

This Week In The News: From Untold Stories of Recovery to Family Lessons on Addiction and New Family-Centred Treatment Approaches

"It showed me that love isn't always the answer. It doesn't always make things better. And most important, love isn't always about holding on. Sometimes love is about letting go.”

Click the link to read more: https://www.farcanada.org/news/this-week-in-the-news-from-untold-stories-of-recovery-to-family-lessons-on-addiction-and-new-family-centred-treatment-approaches/

04/27/2026

At FAR, we use The Invitation to Change Model, which is a compassionate and non-confrontational approach, to support ourselves and our loved ones. Loving and caring for someone struggling with addiction can be exhausting. This video illustrates why it's important to put down the glass of water (your worry) for a period of time every day. Another way of saying that you can't pour from an empty cup. You matter too.

Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGTfEfVcMqA

04/24/2026

Behind every young person navigating a parent’s substance use is a need for support, understanding, and connection. Organizations like Starlings Community are helping build that circle of care. They are offering peer mentorship, caregiver resources, and professional tools so no one has to face it alone.

04/22/2026

This Week In The News: From a Decade of Canada’s Toxic Drug Crisis to Growing Waitlists, New Recovery Communities, and Evolving Conversations on Treatment and Substances

“I guess something just sort of clicked when I came to Bruce Oake. I guess I really had to be ready, I really had to be ready for a life change,” he said “I didn’t feel alone.”

Click the link to read more: https://www.farcanada.org/news/this-week-in-the-news-from-a-decade-of-canadas-toxic-drug-crisis-to-growing-waitlists-new-recovery-communities-and-evolving-conversations-on-treatment-and-substances/

04/21/2026

This week we honour our incredible volunteers. We are so thankful for your commitment to help families whose loved ones struggle with substance use. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization.

We are so grateful to those who give their time to support families impacted by substance use. Thinking of volunteering? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] and join our incredible team.