Jeff Wilbee of Kitchener

Jeff Wilbee helps hundreds gain control of their addictions

Jeff Wilbee’s long struggle with alcohol addiction began at 16.  Throughout his childhood, Jeff suffered from a mood disorder that was assessed but never formally diagnosed, and he began abusing alcohol as a way to cope with his emotional pain.  When Jeff was 11, he started running away from home.  He eventually dropped out of school ending up on the streets and in conflict with the law.  Jeff’s grief continued to escalate and he often contemplated suicide as an alternative to the life he was living.

Jeff started to realize that he deserved more out of life and began studying mathematics to prepare himself for a career as an accountant.  At 19, he married and started a family. He later became a Cost Analyst and studied accounting at the University of Waterloo. Jeff was experiencing major success but was not ready for the sudden changes and as a result, he suffered frequent anxiety attacks. To curb his anxiety he began ingesting a mix of tranquilizers and alcohol. His life spiraled out of control and he lost everything dear to him.

Left with no job, no marriage and no connection with his three children, Jeff was unable to control his drinking.  He knew he had a problem but did not know how to solve it and spent most of his 20’s under psychiatric care.  His first hospital stay lasted over seven months and although the hospital staff believed he was getting better, he spent his weekend passes drinking heavily. Jeff was given six months to live if he continued to drink.

Jeff was referred to a recovery home and turned to self-help groups for support. Through the engaging motivation of others and a spiritual guiding force, he came to believe that he did not have to live his life in the shadow of his addiction.

Since 1977, Jeff has held such titles as the Executive Director of St. Leonard’s Society, Chair of two Ontario District Health Councils, advisor to the National Drug Frame Work, member of the National Workforce Development Group, and Executive Director of Addictions Ontario and Canadian Addictions Counselors Certification Federation.

He is proud of his involvement in the development of the National Drug Awareness Week, the Recovery Awareness Campaign, and High on Life.  Jeff is currently the President of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and is involved with addictions beyond North America.

“[Jeff has] a warm smile, a heart of gold and a relentless spirit full of commendable courage,” said Norma Medulun, Jeff’s co-worker and nominator. “He plans to broaden his horizons into the professional speaking field and motivate others to discover and follow their bliss.”

Today, Jeff is a devoted family man and grandfather and enjoys his life with his wife Dianne. He also helps hundreds of people gain control of their addictions and improve their lives and relationships. Jeff is happy to call himself a recovering alcoholic and no longer fears the pain that controlled his past.

“If my life ends tomorrow, I know I have accomplished my purpose.”

 

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