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IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday April 26, 2011, Victoria BC - LifeRing Secular Recovery Canada is partnering on a number of research projects with the University of Victoria and Camosun College to better understand areas of substance misuse and addictions treatment through mutual self-help groups. Michael Walsh, Executive Director of LifeRing Canada; Dr. Erica Woodin; Dr. Michelle Bass and Alina Sotskova M.Sc, Doctoral Student and a team of researchers are working together to conduct a research study that will survey the experiences of persons who attend LifeRing. We are particularly interested in learning more about experiences in recovery and especially when seeking out peer support groups. This is the first of its kind research for LifeRing Canada and is an important step to obtain empirical evidence outcomes to better understand who it is we are attracting to our groups and what it is they are looking for in a mutual self-help support group. The outcomes could also be very beneficial in helping us enhance our service delivery. The studies will last over a three-month period and we will be surveying and interviewing people who currently attend LifeRing and who attended LifeRing in the past. We encourage anyone who has attended LifeRing before to contact us and help us learn more about LifeRing and recovery from substance misuse and addictions. Your information will be 100% confidential. If you would like to participate in the study or have any questions, please e-mail LRstudy@uvic.ca and they will send you the link to the survey. If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Bassm@camosun.bc.ca. We would be grateful for your time and experience. - 30 - For more information: www.LifeRingCanada.org Michael Walsh Executive Director LifeRing Canada - michael@LifeRingCanada.org Michelle Bass PhD - Director; Research Chair LifeRing Canada - BassM@camosun.bc.ca Dr. Erica Woodin - Assistant Professor Department of Psychology University of Victoria ewoodin@uvic.ca Alina Sotskova - M.Sc., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student University of Victoria asotskov@uvic.ca

About LifeRing Canada - LifeRing is an inclusive and safe network of non 12-step abstinence based self-help support groups offering meetings six-days a week in Victoria and other locations for those affected by addiction and substance misuse; and for those in relationships with them. In our peer-led groups, we listen, encourage and support people in all stages of recovery. Facilitating connections through the LifeRing PALS Program helps make the road to a successful recovery a lot easier. LifeRing's philosophy follows evidence-based and peer-support models that empower each participant through strength-based and self-determination practices. In our meetings there is a diversity of approaches to sober living; it is up to each person to decide what does and does not work for them. The main purpose of the group is to create the right environment to reinforce each others choices to stay clean and sober. LifeRing is an ongoing workshop where individuals build their own recovery plan. All meetings are free to attend. LifeRing is a United Way of Greater Victoria funded agency. About UVIC Department of Psychology and the Peer Support in Recovery Survey Dr. Erica Woodin and Alina Sotskova, M.Sc. are conducting the Peer Support in Recovery Survey from April 26, 2012 until July 10th, 2012. We are interested in how peoples experiences in recovery change over time, so we will be running the survey 4 times. If you can participate all 4 times, thats great! However, its up to you how many times you participate once, twice, three times, or four times. The survey can be done online, in person, or through the mail. Just let us know what works best for you! The survey will ask you questions about yourself, your recovery, and your experience in LifeRing. All information will be kept strictly confidential. We are happy to offer our participants a $10 Tim Hortons gift card each time they complete a survey. Email LRstudy@uvic.ca to participate. About Camosun College Health and Human Sciences - In the School of Health & Human Services were dedicated to providing education in a range of caring professions in our community. We currently offer a certificate and a post degree diploma in mental health and addictions. Both programs were designed in collaboration with Vancouver Island Health Authority and prepare graduates to work with in the field of mental health and addictions. The Mental Health and Addictions certificate prepares students for entry positions in the field. The Post-Degree Diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health & Addictions prepares students with advanced training and skills in the assessment, planning, treatment, and evaluation of older teens and adults experiencing acute, persistent, and/or co-occurring mental health and addiction challenges.