When parents Jen and Tyler* needed help to overcome their opioid use disorder, find sobriety and keep their children, they turned to CUPS.
Justine and Laura, coordinators on the CUPS OAT team, worked with Jen and Tyler to get them the support they needed. The Opioid Agonist Treatment helps people manage opioid dependency.
First, the couple was stabilized with prescription medication that safely replaces the use of opioids.
As Justine says, this is an essential first step. “If you’re not well physically, you won’t get anywhere else.”
Next, the couple was seen by doctors to assess and treat their overall health. Once through detox, physically cared for and back home, Jen and Tyler maintained their sobriety. They kept their housing and continued to connect with CUPS while they worked to get custody of their children.
“They worked hard and showed a strong willingness to change,” says Laura. “They were very motivated to get their children out of foster care and back home with them.”
After successfully reuniting with their kids, they worked with the CUPS mental health team and Women’s Health Clinic to make sure they were all getting primary care support. But support at CUPS also goes beyond mental and physical health. It’s about learning and growing; building resilience for the future.
Connected with the Family Development Centre, Jen and Tyler participated in family counselling and several parenting classes such as Nurturing Parenting. Every aspect contributed to their success.
This integrated approach to care is how CUPS helps the whole person, and whole families. Each element of care supports increased resilience and helps clients graduate from CUPS programs with strength and independence.
“We see a lot of success stories,” says Justine. “We’re excited and thankful whenever we see children reunited with their parents.”
Laura adds: “Jen and Tyler are such a sweet couple. They’re just trying to make their lives better for themselves and their kids as best they can. Life hasn’t dealt them a nice hand, but despite the odds, they are pushing through. Their kids are everything and you can really see that in both of them.”
CUPS provides free health care and mental wellness services for adults, children and families in Calgary facing the challenges of poverty and trauma, through an integrated approach to care.
*Names have been changed to protect their privacy.