By Laura Bhoi, CEO, Renascent Friday, September 30th, is the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Although not recognized in Ontario as a statutory holiday, Renascent recognizes this day as one, in alignment with Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report. This day is of great importance, … Continued
By Logan Freeman, person in recovery What is mental illness stigma? In relation to mental illness, stigma is when someone is marked or discredited somehow, or reduced from being a whole person to being a stereotype or labeled as a collection of symptoms or a diagnosis (e.g. ‘psychotic’). The meaning of the word stigma is … Continued
After being in active addiction for five years, Keaton become desperate for help. “For the longest time I was in complete denial. It didn’t matter that addiction led me to institutions. Though that was where I gave up – in prison,” shares Keaton candidly. “I put my hands up and said I can’t quit on … Continued
By Karen Gallant, Addictions Counsellor, Virtual Intensive Treatment Program When I first came into recovery, I thought my past actions didn’t hurt others. When I read through the steps the first time and came across the ninth step, I thought, ‘well, I won’t need to do that step.’ As I walked through the work with … Continued
‘Magic’ is the word Addictions Counsellor, Brittany McDonald uses to describe the life-changing work that happens at Renascent Graham Munro Treatment Centre (Munro Centre). Having cared for hundreds at Munro Centre, Brittany knows it is the willingness of clients to receive help, coupled with the unparalleled skill and commitment of staff, which makes this ‘magic’ … Continued
Taking a Closer Look at the Consequences of Stigma Our vision at Renascent is that all people, families and loved ones impacted by addiction will have timely access to treatment. But one of the biggest barriers to treatment is stigma. S – What is Stigma? Stigma is any attitude, belief or behaviour that discriminates against … Continued
It’s impossible to know by just looking, the number of twists and turns that make up a person’s recovery journey. This is true for Renascent’s own Giuseppe Mercuri. After nine overdoses and ten stints in treatment, this year Giuseppe is celebrating eight years in recovery and seven years as a Renascent addictions counsellor. Giuseppe remembers … Continued
After struggling for years with addiction, Hunter was admitted to Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre (Sullivan Centre) in the height of Ontario’s fourth wave of COVID-19. Though this was his first time in treatment, Sullivan Centre wasn’t new to Hunter. He sat in that exact building 17 years prior watching his father graduate from treatment. … Continued
By: Susan Jones, Renascent Alumni I last had a drink on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016. I happened to be in Toronto on a business trip and had stayed over the weekend to visit family and help provide support to my mother who was looking after my ailing father. It was a Sunday morning when … Continued
Christine, Renascent Alumna Step 8 seemed terrifying when I began my journey. I knew I had done a lot of harm, but I hadn’t been willing to look at it too closely. I entered Renascent a completely broken woman who was willing to do anything for my recovery. I made a commitment to my sponsor … Continued
