VICTORIA – “One of the deadliest myths regarding addiction is the idea that somebody has to hit rock bottom before they can change,” says Sue Donaldson, founder and Executive Director of Pegasus Recovery Solutions Ltd.
Sue Donaldson, founder and Executive Director of Pegasus Recovery Solutions Ltd.
“Rock bottom, for many people, is death, and there are things employers and families can do earlier in the progression to help create motivation for change in someone dealing with a substance use disorder.”
For nearly 20 years, the Victoria clinic has been helping countless patients and families find hope and healing in the face of addiction with a wide array of recovery solutions.
“I have a passion for working with family members,” says Donaldson. “They are often the first to reach out, and with support, they can impact the trajectory of an alcohol or drug problem. My other passion is on the workplace side, supporting employers and employees in creating safer and more productive workplaces, by addressing substance use disorders effectively.”
One of the most impactful programs at Pegasus has been their Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which has been running for eight consecutive years.
“Not everyone requires residential inpatient treatment,” Donaldson notes. “In fact, many do better if they can stay in their lives while attending treatment, especially those who have commitments (children, work, school).
“This way they are supported in building the components of recovery and the requirements of a sober life into their lives in real time.”
While some people require full inpatient residential care, the integrative approach of the IOP creates a sound foundation to establish stable, long-term recovery.
The program is divided into two parts. First, patients complete an eight week, three hour per-day program that includes various groups, as well as individual therapy, which can be completed both in-person or virtually. This is followed by six months in a weekly aftercare group.
The program can meet a variety of needs: as a stand-alone program for those first embarking on a recovery journey, as a post-residential treatment path, or as an option for those going through relapse or a challenging time during recovery.
Pegasus Recovery’s team of professionals provide evidence-based treatment methods. Random biological screening for drugs and alcohol helps ensure accountability. It has also become an accessible option for those who can’t afford inpatient treatment.
“This model of care is becoming more popular in our field,” remarks Donaldson. “When I first started Pegasus, this model didn’t really exist in Canada. Even now, we are one of only a few that offer this type of service in-person, with an option for virtual engagement. Many other programs of this type are virtual only.”
Pegasus was founded by Donaldson in 2007.
“I had been working in the public addictions treatment system for a number of years, but increasingly I felt like that system was trending in a direction that no longer fit for me,” says Donaldson.
“I questioned whether it was effectively addressing the problem. I began to look at the ways the private system was working, and realized I was much more aligned with the recovery focused model of care found there.”
Donaldson named the clinic Pegasus, having a lifelong passion for horses, and basing the name on the Greek myth, where the winged horse aids the hero Bellerophon in slaying a three-headed chimera.
“I have long been fascinated with this myth, and I found the slaying of the three-headed monster to be an apt metaphor for those battling addiction, and entering recovery” she says.
What can family members or employers do if they suspect that someone may be dealing with a substance use problem?
“Consultation is a good place to start,” says Donaldson. “Family members can reach out and discuss options for intervening. There is so much that can be done to interrupt the trajectory, and the starting point is often a consultation with a concerned family member.”
Pegasus also works with employers, providing consultation, medical monitoring, biological testing, substance use assessments, and case management.
“The best case scenario for an employer is to understand their duty to accommodate,” remarks Donaldson.
She advises that employees ensure they have a policy with clear procedures in place for addressing substance use disorders in the workplace before they are faced with having to address it with an employee. They should also ensure that employees understand the policy and the compliance that is expected of them.
“If an employer suspects their employee may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, an early step is to engage a professional to conduct an assessment,” Donaldson states. “From there, they can be advised on what actions to take.”
To find out more, visit pegasusrecoverysolutions.com
Business Examiner Staff
