SOS offers helping hands

Lord Roberts

The City of Winnipeg reports that every year Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to more than 10,000 calls related to substance use — an average of 27 calls a day.

Although medical interventions are often necessary, there are a number of community-based support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Winnipeg Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) that help people overcome addictions.

Winnipeg SOS offers a secular approach to sobriety that emphasizes personal responsibility, positivity and rational thought rather than relying on a higher power.

The first SOS meeting was held in North Hollywood 40 years ago. Today, there is a network of autonomous SOS groups across North America.

One of Winnipeg SOS’s three in-person meetings is held at the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. It also hosts Zoom meetings.

Lesley-Ann O’Hara founded Winnipeg SOS in 2013 because she wanted to stay sober, but the AA philosophy wasn’t a fit for her.

O’Hara describes Winnipeg SOS as a confidential, self-empowerment support group for people with addictions to alcohol, drugs and behavioural addictions such as gambling.

“We do not believe we are powerless over any addiction or difficulty in life, but rather we have the power to change our own life and path forward,” O’Hara said. “We don’t define ourselves by our addictions. We do not have steps that we must go through or sponsors. We are a community of like-minded individuals who are there for each other.”

During the hour-long meetings, members discuss a range of topics related to sobriety such as nutrition, relationships, neuroplasticity and healthy coping strategies.

O’Hara is one of three senior members known as guardians. She credits Ken Williams and Kayce Funk, the other guardians, for ensuring the meetings run smoothly and new members receive a warm welcome.

“If someone is a little nervous, we will sit beside them and support them,” she said. “We offer to go out for coffee or just call them to answer any questions. We also encourage new members to try various types of groups like AA and SMART Recovery until they find which one will work best for them.”

The guardians are also responsible for maintaining the integrity of Winnipeg SOS, including overseeing finances. Winnipeg SOS relies on voluntary financial contributions to pay for room rentals, Zoom and activities such as picnics, games nights and holiday parties.

Anyone striving for abstinence is welcome to attend. Visit winnipegsos.com for a current listing of meetings.