Vancouver, B.C. – The city’s ongoing battle with addiction and homelessness has once again come into sharp focus. In a recent live broadcast produced by Skyrise Media, journalist Sherry invited Clinical counsellor Ali Khodami and an anonymous Vancouver resident in recovery to join her in an open discussion about the human toll of substance use—and the pathways toward healing.

Khodami, who has spent more than two decades supporting individuals and families, stressed that addiction is less about the drugs themselves and more about the emotional voids people are trying to fill.

“Addiction acts like a false solution to life’s crises,” he explained. “It brings temporary relief, but it is destructive in the long run—damaging both body and mind and cutting lives short.”

The anonymous guest shared a deeply personal account of the spiral into substance use after a painful divorce and financial setbacks.

“At first, it felt like comfort,” the guest said. “But soon I realized I was walking toward destruction. Addiction is like dragging a heavy weight alone—it takes away your autonomy. You can’t escape without help.”

Throughout the program, Sherry also opened the lines for community voices. Listeners called in to share their experiences and concerns, underscoring the urgent need for more services.

“I’ve seen friends lost to addiction—it’s heartbreaking,” one caller said. “Programs like this give hope, but we also need more shelters and mental health support on the streets.”

Another added:

“Recovery isn’t easy, but hearing real stories makes it feel possible. People need to know they’re not alone.”

The conversation dug into the exhausting cycle of dependency and relapse. Khodami compared it to suffocation, while the guest described the daily fight to stay on track:

“It’s like holding your breath until you can’t anymore. Recovery means fighting every day, replacing old habits with new ones—walking, journaling, anything to keep moving.”

Both guest and counselor emphasized that no one recovers in isolation. Family, medical professionals, and community support networks are all part of the equation.

“We need doctors, nurses, counselors, and families to work together,” Khodami said. “Re-acceptance is crucial. It’s not a solo journey—it’s a team effort.”

Conclusion

As Vancouver continues to grapple with the intertwined crises of addiction, homelessness, and mental health, the voices from this Skyrise Media broadcast serve as a stark reminder: solutions cannot be piecemeal. Through Sherry’s journalism, residents, experts, and those with lived experience came together to call for a citywide response that blends immediate care with long-term systemic change. In the words of one caller, programs like these give hope—but hope must be matched with action.