In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level assumptions to explore what addiction really looks like, why recovery takes time, and what supports are needed to help people move forward.

Key Takeaways

1. Addiction is a chronic, recurring condition

Recovery is not a one-time fix. Relapse can be part of the process, not a failure.

2. Detox is only the beginning

Detox removes substances from the body, but it does not address the underlying causes of addiction.

3. Treatment is a process, not a place

Recovery can take many forms, including outpatient care, day programs, or residential treatment. What works varies by person.

4. Addiction is often rooted in pain

Substance use is frequently a way of coping with trauma or unresolved emotional challenges.

5. There is no “one-size-fits-all” recovery

For some, recovery means abstinence. For others, it may involve reduced use, stronger coping skills, or rebuilding stability in life.

The Four Pillars of Substance Use Response

Mike highlights a widely recognized framework for addressing substance use:

· Prevention – Early intervention and education, especially for youth

· Harm Reduction – Keeping people safe and alive while building connection

· Treatment – Access to care across a continuum of needs

· Enforcement – Addressing supply and public safety concerns

Each plays a role. None works in isolation.

System Gaps Identified

· Lack of seamless transitions between detox, treatment, and recovery

· Limited access to supportive, recovery-focused housing

· Insufficient early prevention and intervention funding

· Fragmented care systems that make continuity difficult

A key insight: Where someone goes after treatment can determine their long-term outcome.

Shifting the Mindset

· Recovery is not a “movie of the week” transformation

· Progress may take multiple attempts

· Compassion and understanding are essential, even amid public frustration

· Addressing behaviour does not mean ignoring the underlying causes

What Does Success Look Like?

Success in recovery is not uniform. It may include:

· Long-term abstinence

· Reduced substance use

· Improved mental health and coping

· Reconnection with work, family, or community

· Ongoing support through programs or peer networks

The path is different for everyone—but support is critical at every stage.

Final Thought

Addiction is complex. Recovery takes time. And meaningful change requires a full system of support—from prevention to housing to long-term care.

More information and links can be found on the A Way Forward Podcast page at cmhakelowna.org.

Have questions or suggestions? Email us at awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

About the Podcast

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.

Grief is rarely simple. In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels explores Complex grief — the layered and often misunderstood experience of loss that can include trauma, unresolved relationships, sudden death, and other difficult circumstances.

Jessica is joined by Mikayla Angle, Community Education Coordinator at CMHA Kelowna, and Chivonne Monaghan, an educator, speaker, and author. Together they share personal experiences, professional insights, and the work they are doing to create more open conversations and community support around grief.

In This Episode

· What complex grief means and why it’s different from clinical diagnoses like prolonged grief disorder

· How trauma, estrangement, sudden loss, or unresolved relationships can shape the grieving process

· The stigma and silence that often surround grief conversations

· Why traditional grief models don’t always reflect lived experience

· The importance of community, connection, and peer support in healing

· How turning pain into purpose can help people navigate grief

· New conversations and initiatives being developed through CMHA Kelowna’s Discovery College

Key Takeaway

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline or a single path. For many people, loss comes with complicated emotions, unanswered questions, and experiences that don’t fit traditional narratives. Creating space for honest conversations and community support can help people feel less alone in their grief.

Resources & Links

· CMHA Kelowna Discovery College

· Chivonne Monaghan’s website

· Central Okanagan Hospice Association

· Springfield Funeral Home

More information and links can be found on the A Way Forward Podcast page at cmhakelowna.org.

Have questions or suggestions? Email us at awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

About the Podcast

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.