It was on Christmas Eve of 2018, that Asim walked through the doors of Renascent Madison Avenue Centre. The former real estate agent’s alcohol addiction had spiraled out of control. He and his wife separated, and he was at a crossroads.
“I was constantly slipping and falling in my duplex. I was not safe from myself,” shares Asim. “My body was always shaking and I always felt ill.”
At Renascent, Asim got a taste of a new life through recovery. He enjoyed his time at Renascent, and was interested in learning from the very first day he walked through the centre’s doors.
“I learned disciple in treatment and a better understanding of addiction as a disease. I was also introduced to the 12-Steps, which puts you in check with God,” shared Asim. “Treatment made me a better person. I became a better Muslim.”
Asim’s time in early recovery was not without its challenges. Later that year after leaving treatment, one of his best friends died suddenly.
“That got to me,” he shares. “I relapsed for about three months, then got myself back together.”
Filled with a new hunger for life, Asim decided to pursue various academic streams. He received first aid training, among other courses, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, worked as a member of the Region of Peel’s vaccination support team. Later on, at the age of 50, he completed his high school diploma. Today, Asim works at a long-term care home, and volunteers at his Islamic Centre, among other pursuits.
“I enjoy working. It’s not the money that I am pursuing,” says Asim. “I like the variety in learning different things and enjoy being of service to others in my community.”
Still separated, Asim’s wife has noted the significant change in his character. “Recovery benefitted my family life. My wife thanked the counsellors for all of their hard work after I left treatment,” says Asim.
Reflecting on his time at Renascent, Asim says, “Being at Renascent gives me memories that I will never forget. My experience in treatment will last me a lifetime.”
