THUNDER BAY – LIVING – For many in our community and region, alcohol takes a toll. For Indigenous youth, many struggle with alcohol, and watch it steal friends, family members, and destroy lives.
This is a message specifically to Indigenous Youth on Moving on Past the Life Stealing Bottle.
You already carry strength. It comes from your family, your Nation, your land, and the ancestors who made it through hard times so you could be here.
Alcohol does not make you stronger.
It steals your time, your money, your trust, and your dreams.
If you’re thinking about quitting, that’s your spirit speaking up. Listen to it.
Why Quit Now
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Alcohol is a depressant. It numbs pain for a moment, then the pain comes back heavier.
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It can pull you away from school, sports, language, culture, and people who love you.
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It leads to fights, accidents, and trouble with the law. That’s not the story you want.
Where Your Strength Comes From
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Teachings: Respect, love, honesty, courage, wisdom, humility, truth—these aren’t just words. They’re a map.
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The Land: Time on the land clears your head. Walk, fish, drum, pick medicines, bead, or hunt with family.
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Community: Elders, Knowledge Keepers, healers, coaches, counsellors. You are not alone.
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Identity: You’re more than a party. You’re a son, daughter, cousin, auntie/uncle-in-training, teammate, future worker, business owner, leader.
The Real Talk About Alcohol
Alcohol companies want lifelong customers. They don’t care about your future; your community does. Drinking isn’t a rite of passage. It’s a detour. You don’t need a bottle to be brave, funny, or accepted. The right people will respect your “no.”
How to Start—Today
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Decide for 24 hours. Win today. Tomorrow, decide again.
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Clear your space. Remove bottles, cans, and gear tied to drinking.
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Tell one safe person. An Elder, parent, auntie/uncle, coach, or counsellor. Ask them to check in.
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Plan for cravings. Use HALT: are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired? Fix that first. Eat, breathe, call someone, rest.
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Ride the wave. Cravings peak and fade in about 15 minutes. Set a timer. Move your body. Take a shower. Go outside.
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Swap the habit. Tea, water, sports, gaming in moderation, beadwork, drawing, drumming, journaling, gym.
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Use culture. Smudge, pray, sing, sit in circle, attend ceremony when you can.
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Stay busy at danger hours. Make plans for evenings and weekends.
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Track wins. Put a checkmark on your calendar each sober day. Watch the chain grow.
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Protect your money. Open a savings jar or account. Watch it climb instead of going to alcohol.
What to Say When Friends Push You
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“I’m training. Not drinking.”
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“Got goals. I’m good.”
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“I’m driving.”
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“Doctor’s orders.” If they push harder, they’re not looking out for you. Step back.
If You Slip
It’s a slip, not the end. Learn from it. What led to it? Fix that piece. Start again the same day. Call your support person.
A Simple 7-Day Starter Plan
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Day 1: Clean your space. Eat well. Early sleep.
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Day 2: 30-minute walk or workout. Smudge or quiet time.
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Day 3: Call or visit an Elder/mentor. Share your goal.
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Day 4: Try a new hobby or return to one you loved.
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Day 5: Cook a healthy meal. Drink lots of water.
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Day 6: Help someone—chop wood, tidy, watch a younger cousin. Service builds pride.
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Day 7: Review your week. Count wins. Plan the next 7 days.
What You Gain
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Clear mind, better sleep, stronger body.
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More money in your pocket.
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Trust from family and from yourself.
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Time for language, culture, school, work, and the things you love.
Safety Note
If you drink heavily every day, stopping all at once can be risky. Talk to a nurse, doctor, clinic, or counsellor about a safe plan. You can also reach out to your Band Office, local health centre, or Friendship Centre for support.
You are not broken. You are a whole person with a future worth protecting. Your ancestors prayed you would make it. Quitting alcohol is one powerful way of honouring them—and yourself. Start today. Win today. Then keep going.
