By Rosalind Russell – Laura Ann Robitaille, a mother of three daughters, a widow, and an addict, marked her recovery by attending the Fifth Annual Drug Walk in Espanola last Friday.
Robitaille, 53, told Around & About she had been happily married and living the life when she was widowed some ten years ago, which eventually led to a bad relationship and a downward spiral that involved drugs, abuse and addiction.
She says ironically, she was a health worker but ended up losing her job as a crisis counsellor due to her drug use.
Robitaille stresses it is the services of the Espanola Regional Hospital’s RAAM Centre and the support of local social services that have led to her recovery over the last year, including providing a place to live, counselling and constant support.
Now in full recovery, she is moving to take on a new job in October, stressing she shares her story because she wants fellow addicts to know there is help available, adding the annual walk is a way to let people like her access the help they need.
The annual event attracted a small group of attendees who were able to talk to workers manning booths featuring different services, a BBQ, some children’s activities, demonstrations and more.
Photo of Laura Ann Robitaille provided/Drug Walk by Aidan Kallionen
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