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 at

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