Evan Hall has turned his life around after becoming addicted to opioids at the age of 16. But it hasn't been easy

Evan’s 14-year-old sister regularly bought blueberry slushies at the convenience store. A sweet treat. But sugar, in excess, can lead to a myriad of health problems including tooth decay, obesity and diabetes.

Evan, as a 16-year-old, bought opioid drugs from the same convenience store. “Oxys” are the street name for oxycontin.  A real convenience for a budding substance user. But the health consequence of using opioids can be death. In Ontario, about 2,500 people a year end up suffering this fate. Not a sweet journey.

Fortunately, Evan is here with us.

Evan Hall is now 31 and has turned his life around. He is no longer using drugs and works as a youth support worker at a drop-in center. Evan is articulate and witty, with classic Hollywood good looks, trendy horn-rimmed glasses and an athletic physique. Next year, after a circuitous journey, Evan will graduate with a degree in social work.  

Most surprising about Evan’s story is that he did not fit the mould of the stereotypical “troubled teen” – in fact, far from it. Evan grew up in a squarely middle-class home with his mother, father and two sisters. “I had a very good childhood, and I had two parents together,” he said “and they both had very good jobs.”

But his family background, current appearance and professional success........

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