A Mother’s Battle: Navigating the Opioid Crisis with Correne Antrobus
The opioid crisis has gripped countless families across Canada, leaving in its wake a trail of heartbreak and loss. Among the voices emerging from this tragedy is Correne Antrobus, a devoted advocate and member of Mom Stop the Harm. Correne’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication to bringing awareness and change to the way society handles addiction. In a recent conversation with Christopher Balkaran on the Open Minds Podcast, she shared her deeply personal journey and the broader implications of the opioid crisis.
Correne’s involvement with the opioid crisis began when her daughter, the eldest of three, fell into addiction. Her daughter’s journey started with seemingly harmless drinking, which escalated to substance abuse and eventually led to heroin and later fentanyl. Correne recalls the shock and confusion she felt upon discovering her daughter’s addiction. Despite a promising start in life, her daughter’s path took a dark turn, one that Correne could never have anticipated.
The story of Correne’s daughter is not unique; it mirrors the experiences of many families facing the horrors of addiction. What makes Correne’s narrative particularly compelling is her proactive approach to dealing with this crisis. Recognizing the severe lack of support and understanding, she became heavily involved with Mom Stop the Harm, a national organization founded by three mothers who lost their sons to overdose in 2015. This group advocates for policy change and provides peer support to grieving families and those with loved ones in active substance use.
One of the critical issues Correne highlights is the stigma attached to addiction. She explains that for many years, addiction was a topic shrouded in shame and secrecy. It was only when the crisis reached a tipping point that people began to acknowledge the widespread nature of the problem. Correne stresses the importance of viewing addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. “We need to help people,” she asserts. “As people, we should be helping other people.”
The opioid crisis is exacerbated by several systemic failures, particularly the lack of adequate resources for those seeking help. Correne recounts the numerous times her daughter asked for help but faced long waiting periods for detox and treatment facilities. This delay is often critical, as the window of opportunity for intervention can be fleeting. She advocates for immediate access to treatment and long-term support, emphasizing that recovery is a prolonged and often nonlinear process.
Another significant point Correne raises is the necessity of safe supply and harm reduction strategies. She supports the establishment of safe injection and inhalation sites, where users can consume substances under supervision, thereby reducing the risk of fatal overdoses. This approach, while controversial, is grounded in the reality that people will use drugs regardless of legal and social barriers. Ensuring that they can do so safely can prevent countless deaths.
Correne’s work with Mom Stop the Harm extends to public education and advocacy. The organization strives to change failed drug policies and challenge the stigma surrounding addiction. They also provide crucial support networks for families affected by substance use, offering a space where people can share their experiences without judgment. This peer support is invaluable, providing comfort and solidarity to those navigating the turbulent waters of addiction.
“We just don’t want more people to die needlessly.” Her advocacy work, grounded in her personal struggle, aims to ensure that others do not have to endure the same heartache.
