Andy is one of three sons, born and raised in Fort Erie. He works with his brother and father on the canal. With a passion for CFL and his local darts league, he was leading a normal, hard working middle class life renting out a basement unit at his parents duplex until life changed unexpectedly for the entire family. His younger brother Mark died suddenly in 2021, losing his life to the opioid crisis. It was a shock to everyone in the family except Andy. He knew his brother occasionally took opioids as painkillers since he did the same. He knew his brother was missing school and decided not to play football in his final year of high school. He tried to be there for his brother when he saw Mark pulling away from his friends. Andy wishes he was able to understand the warning signs and be there to help his little brother. He didn’t think it was a big deal because he took opioids on occasion and felt in control.
“After Mark died, I found myself wanting more to forget what my parents were dealing with.” Andy realized how dependent he was on opioids and it was becoming more difficult to control his life and maintain his work schedule. He ended up losing his job and was constantly wrestling with the guilt he felt losing his little brother. He thought that his parents didn’t know what was happening, but he was wrong. They provided some support and the number of Segue Clinic in Fort Erie.
Fast forward to January 2024, when Andrew turned 30 and he called the Segue Clinic in Fort Erie. He couldn’t continue alone knowing he was getting closer to ending up like his little brother. He couldn’t do that to his family. He credits the structured therapy program helping him get into and stay in recovery. “It’s not easy, but thinking about the life my brother doesn’t get to live and feeling more in control is worth it.” The team at Segue listened to Andrew’s story, understood with compassion and helped Andrew with next steps.
“It’s not easy, especially around Christmas time. We miss Mark and I find it harder to cope when the weather is cold and dark. I stay in touch with my support team at Segue especially around the holidays.”
Today Andy is employed once again, has moved back home and is beginning to feel settled and hopeful. He hopes his story will support others who feel lost and alone.
Segue Clinic focuses on recovery orientated care and provides the help which many refer to as the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.