During this week of social rehabilitation, various activities are organized throughout the province, be they conferences, workshops or competitions. In Trois-Rivières, a former drug addict and alcoholic who gained control over himself decided to speak openly about his life’s journey to show that it is possible to get back on track.
Two years ago, Yannick Goulet never thought he would be where he is today. While he spent his time doing drugs, he became homeless. Now he is celebrating 16 months of sobriety, having used alcohol and drugs since he was a teenager.
Because of his consumption, he had to appear in court several times, primarily for bodily harm and negligence. After hitting rock bottom, he decided once and for all to take control of himself and knock on the doors of organizations to find help. After six attempts at therapy, the last one was the right one.
“You only notice this when you suffer collateral damage from your consumption. “You harm those you love, your parents… Healthy relationships that are less present, you have several ‘red flags’ as they say,” he explained.
For 800,000 people in Quebec, life in criminal and consumer circles is a reality. To give hope to those who no longer have it, Social Rehabilitation Week was created.
“Most people find their place in the community, in society, find a job, find an apartment and become active and positive citizens in society again. Social Rehabilitation Week is the opportunity to show all these examples that work, because usually it’s the failures that are highlighted in the media, it’s repeat offenders and things like that,” explained David, Director General of the Association of Social Rehabilitation Services of Quebec Henry.
The 27-year-old from Trois-Rivières is now giving more conferences to tell his story, like the one on Tuesday evening to students at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières. He also believes that opening up to social media can help those going through the same trials as him.
Yannick Goulet has to work hard every day. He is a sous chef in a restaurant, volunteers in therapy homes and has found healthy relationships again.
“I am aware that I did something wrong. “I think the best amends I can make for the people I love is to stay clean so they can sleep easy knowing I’m okay,” he confessed.
He doesn’t forget what he did in the past, but uses it as motivation to improve his future.