Delta Police Constable Geoff Young’s Courageous Story: Overcoming Addiction and Fighting to save his Career.

Joining the Bend, Don’t Break Podcast today is Geoff Young. Geoff is 42 years old and has been with the Delta Police Department for 12 years. Prior to joining Delta Police, he served in the infantry in the Canadian Armed Forces in New Brunswick with the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was also a Corrections Officer at Surrey Pre-Trial Services Centre, as well as a commercial pilot for both land and seaplanes.    In today’s episode, Geoff transparently shares his incredibly courageous story centered around his struggle with opioid addiction. Geoff speaks about the struggles with managing complications from Crohn's disease which led to multiple hospital stays and surgeries, and how the narcotics he was given for 23 months threw his life into a downward spiral.    From reintegrating work, having tough conversations, the importance of receiving support, to coming out on top of your struggle by ‘owning it,’ and more — you don’t want to miss this week’s episode and the key lessons Geoff shares!   Key Takeaways: [:40] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Geoff Young to the podcast. [1:05] Chief Neil Dubord reads a comment from a listener! [2:21] Geoff Young begins telling his story, starting with an illness he sought medical attention for as well as managing Crohn’s disease. [6:30] Geoff talks about the emotional side of his addiction to opioids due to his medical condition. [11:03] Geoff speaks about what’s happening at work while all of this is going on. [12:42] What happened after Geoff wasn’t getting enough opioids from his medical prescriptions. [15:37] Life after recovery: receiving criminal charges for altering prescriptions, a police act investigation, learning that he was not getting fired, and receiving treatment. [17:48] Geoff speaks about what supported him during these stressful times and what gave him the strength to continue. [19:28] Did Geoff find it bumpy to get reintegrated back into work? [21:57] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some key lessons and takeaways from Geoff’s story thus far. [22:50] How “owning it” and having the tough conversations was key in Geoff’s recovery. [26:15] How long has Geoff been back at work? And how is he feeling today? [27:25] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes the key lessons from Geoff’s story. [28:08] Geoff brings up another key lesson from his recovery. [30:15] Chief Neil Dubord highlights an important aspect from today’s episode. [30:58] Where to go through the details of Geoff’s trial. [31:33] Aaron Hill pops into the podcast and thanks Geoff for coming in and highlights his favorite key takeaway. [33:02] Chief Neil Dubord gives thanks to Geoff Young for sharing his story in this episode.   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.