Addiction is no longer a distant crisis affecting “someone else.”
A cross Manitoba and Canada, the numbers paint a sobering picture. Preliminary Manitoba data shows a 28 per cent increase in sub- stance-related deaths between 2023 and 2024. Across Canada, accidental poisonings remain the leading cause of death for males aged 20–49 and females aged 20–39. Every day, an average of nine Canadians die from stimulant-related causes alone. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community impacted by addiction. At Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, we see firsthand how dev- astating addiction can be, but we also witness the hope and new life that recovery makes possible right here in our communities. For Ray, addiction began early and eventually con- sumed more than two decades of his life.
“I lived a dark life of drugs and alcohol,” he shares. “I tried many times to stop, but it felt impossible. I began drinking at 14 and using hard drugs by 19.” After losing multiple family members in a short period of time, his addiction deepened. “I lost my wife and family and spiraled deeper, using daily and living without rest or hope.” Following multiple overdoses, including one where his family was told he might not survive, Ray reached out for help. “Eight days later, I walked into Adult & Teen Challenge with no hope or purpose. But God had a plan.” Today, Ray is clean and sober and living a life filled with meaning and hope. Noah also came to Adult & Teen Challenge at a point when addiction and depression had left him feeling hopeless and self-destructive. “I have struggled with sexual addictions, alcohol, co- caine and opioids for the last number of years,” he shares. “I was quickly killing myself. I would not have lasted another
Your Gift Can Help Provide for the Most Vulnerable in Winnipeg
Leave a legacy that heals and uplifts. Your gift can add detox beds, bring smiles, warm meals, and hope for new beginnings to those in crisis. Transform lives with your compassion!
On average, each day we serve:
250 Breakfasts
400 Lunches
www.lighthousemission.ca 1-204-943-9669 info@lighthousemission.ca
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Manitoba
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