Fentanyl killed her son. This is what she thinks of involuntary treatment
The struggle of a parent watching their child battle addiction is a heart-wrenching experience that Christy Soulliere knows all too well. As her son Austin Tremblay grappled with a methamphetamine addiction, she did everything in her power to support him, even when he was homeless. Despite her efforts, Tremblay’s addiction ultimately led to his tragic death from a fentanyl overdose at the age of 27.
Like many other parents in Ontario, Soulliere has faced the harsh realities of the worsening homelessness, mental health, and addictions crises. In response to these challenges, Ontario’s big city mayors have called on the provincial and federal governments to provide more tools to address these issues. Brampton’s mayor specifically suggested a program that would compel individuals with mental health and addictions issues to seek treatment.
In Windsor, city council recently agreed to express interest in participating in any future pilot program involving involuntary care to address the escalating crises. While the specifics of such a program remain unclear, some health experts and advocates have raised concerns about the potential implications.
For Soulliere, the idea of involuntary treatment raises complex considerations. She acknowledges that while it may be effective for individuals with mental health issues, she doubts its effectiveness for those struggling with addiction. She believes that forcing sobriety on someone who is not ready for change is unlikely to yield positive results.
Dr. David Gratzer, an attending psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, shares similar reservations about involuntary care. He emphasizes that forcing individuals into treatment goes against their human rights and lacks strong evidence of efficacy. Instead, he advocates for increased funding and resources to address social issues, improve access to evidence-based treatments, and reduce wait times for those seeking help voluntarily.
Dr. Dominique Morisano, a clinical psychologist, underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues contributing to substance use. She asserts that individuals must be willing to engage in the work required to break the cycle of addiction. Morisano advocates for a holistic approach that focuses on providing ongoing support and resources to set individuals up for success post-treatment.
Ultimately, Soulliere urges families dealing with addiction to offer unwavering support and understanding to their loved ones. She emphasizes the need to combat the stigma surrounding addiction and encourage those struggling to seek help without judgment. By standing by their loved ones and providing unconditional support, families can play a crucial role in the recovery process.
