Alex was not aware of how much his addiction had taken a hold of him until he entered treatment at Renascent’s Madison Avenue Centre. It was there, that a series of ‘ah-ha’ moments would set him on a multi-year journey of recovery.
As a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, Alex returned to Canada from Afghanistan at age 32. Retired from service, his using and drinking began soon after his return and escalated at a rapid rate. Soon enough, daily substance abuse became a big part of his lifestyle.
“I had a lot of sober time while I was deployed, but my way of thinking was not healthy,” said Alex, who felt he had an unhealthy relationship with his emotions for many years prior to his deployment. “It was when I returned and my Scottish-Irish Family noticed I drink a lot, that I realized I may have a bigger problem than I thought.”
Alex noted, “Prior to treatment, I had never dealt with my PTSD. I never examined my emotional state, and I was only able to address these issues when I started being honest with myself about my addiction.”
“My life now is very different,” said Alex, whose journey includes three separate stays in treatment. “I have rekindled my relationship with my family. I have a homegroup, a sponsor, and six sponsees. I am self-employed; and have levels of patience, compassion, empathy, and tolerance that I never had before. I express how I feel religiously. I am no longer that aggressive guy.”
With more than a year of continuous sobriety under his belt, Alex has sound advice for those who are newer in their recovery journey.
“Do exactly what you were advised to do in treatment – get a sponsor and a homegroup, and work the Steps,” said Alex. “Share your story whenever it is possible. Be of service whenever asked. Be accountable. Make every day the best day of your life by being the best version of yourself every day.”
Having attended treatment more than once, Alex understands the negative feelings that can arise after relapse. He describes feeling shame, guilt, and remorse; but was pleased to see how welcoming Renascent’s staff were when he returned.
“If you attend treatment and it doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to go back. Don’t wait until your life is in complete shambles before trying again,” said Alex. “The cemetery is full of people who intended to go to treatment, but never took the necessary steps.”
