On a cold day in spring 2022, Adrian’s double life came to an abrupt halt when he was hit by a car during his commute. At the time, he worked as an addictions counselor but was still grappling with his own addiction.
“I was telling clients to stop using, but I knew I would use when I got home,” Adrian admitted.
Lying in a hospital bed, isolated after undergoing three major surgeries because of the accident, Adrian faced his darkest moments. Gripped by despair, these moments of hopelessness ultimately became the catalyst that opened the door to the type of surrender that would change Adrian’s life.
“I couldn’t leave my home for some time while I was recuperating, and I didn’t like attending online recovery meetings,” said Adrian, who at the time was trying to return to a routine that would support sobriety. “I started contemplating suicide and admitted myself to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) twice. I told CAMH staff that I need to go to treatment and that’s how I got to Renascent, for the second time.”
Prior to his most recent stay at Renascent Madison Avenue Centre in June 2023, Adrian attended treatment at Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre, as well as other treatment centres. His substance use began in his teenage years, rooted in a challenging upbringing.
Born into a family of 14 siblings with parents who also struggled with addiction, Adrian was sent to a group home at age 5, where he endured abuse. Upon returning home, he became involved in criminal activities with an older relative.
“I felt accepted and part of something,” Adrian recalled, describing himself as a “monster” by the age of 15. His first criminal sentence came at 18.
Returning to Renascent’s Madison Avenue Centre in June 2023, Adrian approached treatment with renewed determination. “This time was different. I went above and beyond because I really wanted to stay sober,” he shared. Adrian embraced aftercare, participated in service, stayed in contact with staff, and continues to attend alumni meetings.
“I can’t express how grateful I am for Renascent,” Adrian said, reflecting on how the staff helped him confront the emotional walls he had built over the years. Their support allowed him to heal from childhood trauma and recognize his value and safety.
For others struggling with addiction, Adrian offers this advice: “Renascent is the best place because it saves lives. It’s a short program, but it gives you the tools you need for the real world. I still use those tools today.”
While Adrian’s journey to recovery has been long and filled with setbacks, today he lives a transformed life. A father of eight, Adrian is happy to be the kind of parent his children can now rely on. “When I look back at where I’ve been and where I am now, it’s a long journey. A lot of people counted me out,” he said. “But we all have the opportunity to change. While we may be addicts, addiction does not define who we are. The bumps and slips don’t define us.”
