Guy Felicella Inspires Change Through Personal Recovery Story

Guy Felicella shared his powerful journey from addiction to recovery during a recent presentation in Port Alberni, British Columbia. Speaking on August 31, 2023, Felicella recounted his struggles with drugs, crime, and his time on the Vancouver Police Department’s most wanted list. His story, however, is not solely about the challenges he faced; it is also a testament to the importance of human connection in overcoming adversity.

Felicella, who has been recognized multiple times in Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 list, advocates for both harm reduction and recovery. He emphasizes that genuine connections can make a significant difference in the lives of those battling addiction. “Behind every human being you’ve ever seen on the street, there’s a story behind that individual,” Felicella stated, highlighting the necessity of empathy and understanding in addressing the addiction crisis.

The event was organized by the Port Alberni Community Action Team, with co-chair Nina Kossenko-Holm underscoring the value of having individuals with lived experience share their stories. According to Kossenko-Holm, who has been sober for over a decade and now serves as a peer support worker with Island Health, it is crucial for the community to engage in meaningful conversations about addiction. She noted, “(People with addictions) are more likely to listen to somebody that understands us as opposed to somebody that’s trying to tell us what to do with no idea what’s actually happening.”

Felicella’s own journey into addiction began in an abusive household, leading him to seek solace in drugs. He recounted how he cycled in and out of recovery programs, often struggling to maintain his sobriety. Throughout his turbulent history, he has faced multiple overdoses—an experience that has shaped his commitment to advocating for harm reduction services, such as supervised consumption sites.

One poignant moment he shared was the memory of his grandmother visiting him twice a year, bringing small gifts and meals. These gestures of kindness resonated deeply with Felicella, reminding him of the love that exists even in the darkest times. He also recalled a Christmas Day in 2012 when a stranger offered him coffee and a hug while he slept on the street—a moment of compassion that he has since sought to acknowledge.

Felicella’s recovery journey took a pivotal turn when a doctor helped him confront his trauma and address underlying issues, such as ADHD. This holistic approach ultimately led him to sustain his sobriety. At the conclusion of his presentation, he shared a photo of his children, emphasizing that without access to harm reduction services, he might not be alive today, nor would they have been born. “I want to share my story to let others know that you aren’t alone in your struggles and there’s also hope that people can change their lives,” he remarked.

The event also drew attention from community leaders, including Minister of Health and Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne. She expressed her support for raising awareness about the toxic drug crisis and affirmed her commitment to addressing the issue as a healthcare professional. “Having Guy as a person to learn from and hear about his journey helps inspire me to do the work that I’m doing today,” Osborne stated.

Osborne elaborated on the need for evidence-based policies to effectively combat the crisis. She acknowledged that previous solutions have not always been successful, and emphasized the importance of adapting strategies based on what works for individuals in recovery. “The impact that health care has not just on a person’s physical health, but their entire full self is critical,” she noted.

Kossenko-Holm expressed optimism about the event’s impact, hoping that attendees would leave more willing to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness or addiction. “I think when we leave here today, everybody’s going to look at the people outside on the streets from a different perspective,” she stated. “When you have community, you’re not isolated.”

The Community Action Team continues to meet monthly at the Echo Park Field House, aiming to raise awareness about addiction and provide resources for those in need. Since 2016, the Alberni-Clayoquot area has seen 172 drug poisoning deaths, with nine fatalities recorded in 2023 alone. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgency of addressing addiction through compassion, community support, and effective policy measures.