Driving change – Meet Miguel, Rehabilitation Counsellor 2 with the Impaired Driver Program

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Miguel L., BSW, RSW, is passionate about helping people.

For over two decades, Miguel has been a counsellor and fierce advocate for youth, families, and adults affected by addictions and mental health challenges.

About the Impaired Driver Program:

The Impaired Driver Program is a mandatory step in the re-licensing process for Manitobans charged with impaired driving or those who have received two or more tiered licence suspensions within 10 years.

The first step of the program is an assessment of the person’s attitude towards impaired driving, as well as an evaluation of their drug and alcohol use.

Following the assessment, the program provides education and counselling sessions, referral to substance abuse treatment programs, as well as connections to other community resources.

Counsellors within the Impaired Driver Program use a respectful and nonjudgmental approach, and work with their clients to:

Reduce the risk of repeat impaired driving
Prevent or reduce harms that come with substance use
Encourage safer substance use or abstinence, if needed

“My decision to pursue a career in addictions and mental health was shaped by two powerful influences: the compassion of my mother, Rita, who worked as a counsellor for many years, and my past lived experience with substance abuse and mental health as a young person. “

For six years, Miguel has worked in WRHA, Mental Health & Addictions as a Rehabilitation Counsellor 2 with the Impaired Driver Program. He provides counselling and support services – in both French and English – to clients charged with impaired driving, and he says the role is extremely fulfilling.

“I learn invaluable lessons from my clients – whom I see as mentors and teachers – daily. It has been a privilege to journey alongside many individuals on their own paths to recovery. Seeing people tap into their own capacity to change and move towards making healthy lifestyle changes is definitely the best part of my job, and makes a career in addictions and mental health very rewarding!”

At least one in five Canadians experiences problems with alcohol, drugs ,or gambling during their lifetime.

People of all ages and backgrounds experience these issues – and make positive changes.

In Canada, people with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder compared to the general population. Further, at least 20% of people with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use disorder. As substance-related harms continue to affect families and communities, there is a growing need for timely, accessible addictions and mental health services in Manitoba.

“It’s hard to find someone who has not been touched by addiction and/or mental health challenges in some way. Allied health professionals play a vital role in our communities, and we really are the front-line service providers that Manitobans count on each day. Our work matters!”

When Miguel isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Roxanne, and their two children, who keep them busy! Despite his many hobbies – photography, gardening, making music and cooking – Miguel still finds time to lend a helping hand volunteering on the board of his children’s daycare.