North Bay band formed through addiction recovery treatment

Three men formed a band while in addiction recovery at a North Bay facility. They say music was key to their healing & now play to inspire others.

A shared journey through addiction recovery has united three North Bay men, binding them through friendship and their mutual passion for music.

Ben Levac, Ahren Simmons and Darren Hutchinson were all recovering from substance use disorders. The trio formed a band while in treatment and are now using their music to inspire others.

Finding harmony in recovery

The trio’s story began within the Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District Oak Street addiction treatment facility.

Levac, who fell into alcohol and drug addiction when he was 14, arrived with his guitar, seeking help.

“I thank God that that happened because I wouldn’t be here without it,” he said.

There, Levac connected with Simmons and Hutchinson. Their partnership was cemented through a trade of skills and instruments.

“I ended up giving Darren a guitar and in exchange, he taught me how to play bass,” Simmons said.

Quickly dubbed the Oak Street Boys, they began playing for other patients, using music as a therapeutic tool.

“Music was a really good form of recovery for us,” Hutchinson said.

“It brings out an emotional chart for us.”

Community support and advocacy

The band performed this week at a Recovery Rocks event, an open-mic session hosted by the CMHA to celebrate hope, healing and strength.

The event also advocates for more effective treatment options and support systems, addressing significant barriers like stigma, poverty and lack of housing.

Statistics indicate 18 per cent of Canadians meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, highlighting the need for accessible and comprehensive support services.

Blake Lomas, a recovering addict of 17 years, spoke to the core issue of addiction.

“Addiction is a disease of isolation and it takes us out of life,” he said.

“It takes us away from family, friends and any connection to the universe or anything else. My message to others is to find the connection.”

Mary Davis, CEO of the local CMHA, outlined the available support.

“From harm reduction, inpatient treatment, supportive community treatment, aftercare and our addiction support case management program as well,” she said, calling it “an honour” to be part of someone’s recovery journey.

Message of hope, perseverance

For Levac, who is celebrating three months of sobriety, support from CMHA staff, his family and his bandmates was fundamental.

“It feels awesome and without the people from Oak Street, I wouldn’t have done it,” he said.

The trio said they hope their story demonstrates that finding a positive outlet can be pivotal, having found their own peace through rock and roll.

“Just take it one day at a time. That’s the best advice I can give to anyone,” said Levac.