Guy Felicella Shares His Recovery Journey at Port Alberni Event

Guy Felicella, a prominent advocate for harm reduction and recovery, recently shared his powerful journey of addiction and recovery during a presentation at the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. This event took place on August 31, 2023, just ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day and was hosted by the Port Alberni Community Action Team. Felicella’s candid discussion covered his past experiences with drugs, involvement in crime, and his time on the Vancouver Police Department’s most wanted list.

Felicella’s narrative highlights the importance of human connection and support in overcoming addiction. He emphasized that every individual struggling with substance use has a unique story, urging the audience to recognize the humanity behind addiction. “Behind every human being you’ve ever seen on the street, there’s a story behind that individual,” Felicella stated during his presentation.

The event aimed to foster understanding and education about the ongoing crisis of addiction in the community. Co-chair of the Port Alberni Community Action Team, Nina Kossenko-Holm, stressed the significance of having someone with lived experience engage with the community. “People with addictions are more likely to listen to somebody that understands us as opposed to somebody who’s trying to tell us what to do with no idea what’s actually happening,” she explained. Kossenko-Holm, who has been sober for over a decade, now serves as a peer support worker with Island Health.

Felicella’s story began in a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse, leading him to seek solace in drugs. He recounted his struggles with recovery, having entered treatment multiple times, and the challenges he faced in maintaining sobriety. Felicella has experienced six near-fatal overdoses, illustrating the severity of his past. His journey to recovery was significantly influenced by moments of kindness, including visits from his grandmother and a stranger who offered him coffee and support on Christmas Day in 2012.

During the presentation, Felicella underscored the dual importance of harm reduction services, such as supervised consumption sites, and recovery programs that support individuals in achieving lasting sobriety. He reflected on how these services played a crucial role in his survival and recovery. “Without harm reduction services, I wouldn’t be alive, and my children wouldn’t have been born,” he stated, showcasing the profound impact of support systems on personal transformation.

Josie Osborne, the Minister of Health and MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, attended the event to show her support for the community’s efforts in addressing the toxic drug crisis. Throughout Felicella’s presentation, she took notes, indicating her commitment to understanding and tackling the issue. “I am here to affirm my commitment as their MLA and B.C.’s minister of health to do everything that I can to fight this and to support people,” Osborne said after the presentation.

Osborne acknowledged the complexity of the crisis and the need for evidence-based policies. “Health care touches each and every person,” she noted, highlighting its impact on physical and mental well-being. Osborne emphasized the importance of meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey and recognizing when previous solutions have failed.

Kossenko-Holm expressed optimism about the event’s impact, stating that if attendees were more willing to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness or addiction, it would represent a significant success. The Port Alberni Community Action Team meets monthly to raise awareness about the crisis, aiming to save lives, reduce stigma, and foster community support.

In the Alberni-Clayoquot area, the statistics are stark: since 2016, 172 people have died from drug poisoning, with nine fatalities recorded since April 2023. The community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of addiction, underscoring the urgency of initiatives like those led by Felicella and local organizations.

As the presentation concluded, Felicella urged the audience to recognize the potential for change in individuals struggling with addiction. “I want to share my story to let others know that you aren’t alone in your struggles, and there’s also hope that people can change their lives,” he said, leaving attendees with a message of resilience and possibility.