Local Screening Opens Dialogue on Hope & Recovery

On March 19th, Desert Sun Counselling hosted a community screening of Smashed at the Oliver Theatre. The documentary profiles the work of Dr. Jeff Harries, founder of the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society (CAUDS), and offers a hopeful, evidence-based look at new approaches to treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring local health experts: Dr. Garnett Tarr of South Okanagan General Hospital, Steve King of Wild Mountain Counselling, Lori Motluk—former CAUDS board chair and Interior Health director—and a local AA leader who shared insights from his lived experience. Audience members asked a variety of questions, ranging from use of medications, how to talk to loved ones, care pathways, and available services in theSouth Okanagan.

“Our goal was to get people talking, learning, and connecting,” said Marieze Tarr, Executive Director of Desert Sun. “Conversations like this are essential to changing the way we understand alcohol use.” The panel discussion format was chosen to give community members the chance to hear a range of perspectives, ask questions, and learn directly from local professionals and people with lived experience.

For some attendees, the event was as emotional as it was informative. “It was powerful to see this kind of conversation happening so publicly,” said one community member. “It made me feel like I wasn’t alone—and like support is actually available here.”

Adding to the evening, the theatre was transformed into a pop-up tasting lounge, where local favourite Firehall Brewing served a selection of creative alcohol-free mocktails. Firehall recently launched an extensive non-alcoholic menu, further expanding their offerings to meet growing demand. “Our non-alc beer is now one of the most-ordered items at the brewery,” said a representative from Firehall. “People are genuinely excited to have options.” Their involvement highlighted how parts of the alcohol industry are adapting to maintain their social and economic roles by becoming more inclusive and offering options for those seeking to moderate or abstain.

Mrs. Tarr pointed to the value of gatherings like this one. “When people come together to talk openly and without judgement, that’s when stigma begins to fall away,” she said. Events like this help communities become places where honest conversations are welcomed. “If more people feel seen and supported, they are then more empowered to reach out,” she added.