Author
Nicholas Chielotam Akas, PhD
Senior Research Fellow, Center for Socially Engaged
Theatre (C-SET), University of Regina, Canada
Email: akasdancescholar@gmail.com
Abstract
Addiction can have significant consequences for
individuals and families, including homelessness,
disrupted family relationships, and, in some cases,
separation between parents and their children. Despite
these consequences, individuals experiencing substanceuse challenges should not be defined solely by their
addiction, as appropriate recovery support can provide
opportunities for personal change, sustained recovery,
and the rebuilding of family relationships. Against this
background, this paper uses a conceptual and practicebased approach informed by professional observations at
Susan Ulmer Addiction Services in Fort Qu’Appelle,
Saskatchewan, to examine addiction recovery and family
reunification. Specifically, the paper explores: (a) how
recovery services may support individuals in developing
greater self-awareness and commitment to sobriety; (b)
how recovery and personal change may contribute to
family reunification; and (c) the experiences and
challenges of children affected by parental substance
use. Drawing on professional observations and contemporary peer-reviewed literature, the paper
proposes Nicholas Akas’ 3W Framework for Positive
Change: Who, When, and What, as a practice-informed
conceptual framework for understanding personal
change in the context of recovery and potential family
reunification. The framework considers who is seeking
change, when substance-use patterns and recognition of
the need for change emerge, and what may need to
change to support sustainable recovery. Recovery
extends beyond abstinence and may involve personal,
behavioral, relational, and environmental change. Family
reunification may be an important recovery-oriented
goal, contingent on sustained recovery, family
circumstances, safety, rebuilding trust, and appropriate
professional and social supports.
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