A bright future free from drug addiction for 176 graduates

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 1, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - 176 individuals were recognised at Portage's 42^nd annual Recognition Ceremony today for having overcome their drug addiction problems at one of Portage's addiction treatment centres in the Montréal region. Proud parents, friends, staff members, and partners gathered in Maisonneuve Theatre at Place des Arts to applaud the graduates for all the hard work they put into their recovery and to celebrate the new healthy and positive lifestyles they are now enjoying.

Diplomas were awarded to the graduates of Portage's five addiction rehabilitation programs in the Greater Montréal region: three at the lac Écho campus (for adults, francophone adolescents, and anglophone adolescents) as well as the Mother and Child Program and the Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers (MICA) Program.

"Watching our graduates come up on stage, full of pride and hope for the future – it's the greatest reward for Portage," stated both Peter Howlett, President, and Peter Vamos, Executive Director of Portage.  "We are so very proud to have been able to help these people, who have lived such hardship because of their addiction problems, to get back on track, to find their way, to leave drug addiction behind."  They also took the opportunity to recognise all the staff members present, who work tirelessly to help guide the residents through.

The MICA Program for people with mental illness, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary in October, was highlighted at this year's ceremony. "I'm proud of myself for all that I accomplished at Portage," said Nicolas, a graduate of the MICA program. "I feel strong and in control now, and so happy to be able to start a new chapter of my life."

The ceremony also featured musical performances and testimonials, and concluded with a shower of balloons on a stage full of graduates - happy and strong and hopeful for the future.

About Portage

Portage has helped tens of thousands of people overcome drug addiction since its first centre was opened in 1973.  It provides a range of services adapted to the needs of its various clienteles: adults, adolescents, pregnant women and mothers with young children, and people with mental illness. Portage operates nine addiction rehabilitation programs in Québec (Montréal, Québec City, and Saint-Malachie) and two others in New Brunswick and Ontario.

For more information, please visit www.portage.ca

SOURCE Portage

For further information: Seychelle Harding, Director of Communications - Portage, Cell: 514-754-6675, Email: [e-mail]; Nicole Nawrocki, Volunteer, TACT Intelligence Conseil, Cell: 514 660-4366, Email : [e-mail]