Who is the target audience for my presentations?
My presentations are intended for all audiences. I adapt them based on my audience and the needs expressed by the institution. In high schools and colleges, my focus is mainly on prevention, whereas at the university level, it is more on my life journey and the lessons I've learned. For criminology and psychology students, I delve deeper into the reasons that led me to use substances for 10 years, the challenges I still face, and the stages of my personal development.
I have also spoken to victims of armed conflicts, sexual abuse, or psychological violence. Nuns have also asked me to talk about my relationship with God and how my spiritual awakening was a pivotal moment in my recovery.
Gaby's story
Gaby was born in Quebec to a mother who was a prostitute and a drug addict. From birth, Gaby experienced health issues related to withdrawal syndrome (low mobility, tremors, nausea, vomiting, etc.). She was then placed with a foster family who officially adopted her two years later.
As a teenager, she developed mental health problems related to her inner turmoil and identity crisis. She desperately sought acceptance and love from her classmates, especially the boys. She turned to alcohol and drugs as a means to increase her popularity and ease her inner pain.
Gaby's substance abuse led to behavioral problems and rebellion against her adoptive family, to the point of posing a risk to the safety of other household members. Upon reaching adulthood, she chose to leave the family home and experienced a period of homelessness and toxic romantic relationships.
Over the next 10 years, Gaby made several suicide attempts before finally agreeing to undergo residential therapy at a detox center.
For nearly eight years now, Gaby has been sober and works very hard to maintain her sobriety. In addition to advocating for sobriety, she strives to become a better person. She maintains a good relationship with all the members of her adoptive family and ensures she keeps her mental health in check. Gaby now has many passions. Besides giving talks on substance abuse prevention, she performs comedy shows and has written children's books on preventing racism and intolerance.
Hi there!
If I speak openly and frankly about my life journey, it is primarily to help others and also because being honest helps me stay on the right path. I am fulfilled when I see that my talks can alleviate others' suffering and perhaps prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.
In my presentations, I also aim to destigmatize addiction. Society often views this phenomenon with bias, suggesting that detoxification is easy and success is guaranteed. I combat these prejudices by speaking openly and candidly about delicate topics such as suicide, prostitution, and homelessness.
I apologize if the honesty of my words may sometimes make some audience members uncomfortable, but I believe it is the best way to convey my message.