Saskatoon family opens sober house in son's memory

After losing their son to an opiate overdose, Al and Laurel Reisinger wanted to do something positive to keep his memory alive.
 
That’s why they decided to open a sober living home in Saskatoon.
 
Alexander’s House is a place where recovering addicts have a chance to get back into the routine of day-to-day life in a sober, supportive environment.
 
“Something to bridge the gap between the structure of rehab, and just being let loose with no structure at all,” Al Reisinger told 650 CKOM.
 
The sober house has room for five men that will be selected by a board, including an addictions counsellor and a medical doctor.
 
“There’s certain criteria that are put into place to make sure that where they’re at matches what we’re able to offer,” Reisinger said.
 
After seeing first hand the programs and options for people dealing with addictions, the Reisinger’s noticed gaps in what’s available in the province. That’s why they put up mostly their own money to purchase a house for the program.
 
“Mental health issues here in Saskatchewan, are not great from the standpoint of being able to get help,” Al said. “I mean the 30-day program, for example at Calder, doesn’t do much for people struggling with opiates or amphetamines.”

Alexander’s House requires participants to help out around the house, have a job, volunteer, or go to school.