Collaborative Care gives DCHC Client ‘New Bash at Life.’

“I’m going to use until I die. Liquidate all my money and die,” that’s the fate 36-year-old Michael Dover resigned himself to over eight years ago. Today, Michael is clean, healthy, and a passionate advocate for the same type of collaborative, person-centred, community care that he says, “gave him a new bash at life.”

A permanent resident from England, Dover came to Canada hoping to leave substance use behind him, but when his behaviour followed him, he didn’t know what kind of solutions were available. That changed when he was introduced to the Pinewood Centre of Lakeridge Health (Pinewood).

“I didn’t know there was help. I felt shunned from society,” explained Dover. “They took me in and saved my life.”

After developing a relationship with Pinewood, Dover was referred to Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) for bloodwork, something he had avoided fearing the consequences of his lifestyle.

“I thought I had HIV,” said Dover. “Ignorance was bliss for so long. But I wanted to do this the right way.”

Dover met with Linda Simmons, a Registered Nurse at DCHC for his results. This turned out to be a life-changing meeting. Dover avoided his worst fear and was cleared of HIV, but tested positive for Hepatitis C.

“I’m only a permanent resident so I didn’t even think I was entitled to help,” explained Dover. “Linda sat me down, told me there were solutions, a new treatment, but it was expensive, and she would see what she could do. I got it free of charge.”

Linda also talked Dover through his financial concerns and put together a plan with him. Unfortunately, Dover relapsed before starting his Hep C treatment.

“I called Linda and said I can’t start it because I don’t trust myself,” admitted Dover.

Simmons told Dover to take care of himself, and that his treatment would be available for him when he was ready. After being kicked out of a friend’s house for stealing, Dover realized that he was ready. He had relapsed before, but this time was different.

“Sleeping outside [an Adult withdrawal management services facility] made me realize, I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” explained Dover. “I knew there was a plan for me. Not only did that eliminate my fear, but it gave me hope because I had a plan. I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, and I’ve never used drugs again.”

Dover checked into Pinewood soon as they had room and was able to attend a treatment centre in Kingston. All the while, Linda Simmons collaborated with the treatment centre to ensure Dover kept up with the Hep C treatment she was able to get him started on.

Today, Dover is healthy, living clean, pursuing a career in engineering at Durham College, and participates in a men’s Narcotics Anonymous group. He says he’s learned how to take bad days without fear of relapsing.

“I’ve experienced bad times and stayed clean. Just remember, if you’re going through tough times, better times [can be] around the corner. Don’t leave five minutes before the miracle happens.”

As someone who has been through it, Dover has a simple message for those living with substance use disorders who are considering treatment: “Jump in and trust the process,” exclaimed Dover. “Take the advice, take the directions from health-care providers. It’s not easy but its worth it.”

For Linda Simmons and those who helped Dover achieve his goals of recovery from his addictions and getting to a place of wellness and good health, he has a simple message: “Thank you,” said Dover with a smile. “I couldn’t have the life I have today on my own. Now I want to stay clean, not just for me, but the people at Pinewood, the DCHC Team, everyone that believed in me and gave me this chance.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please visit our harm reduction page.