By: Glen Adams, Manager – Client Care Access & Engagement Centre There is no question that our emotional health is important. If left unchecked and unaddressed, emotional distress can lead to mental distress and result in relapse. People living with addiction use various substances to help manage their emotions. So developing new healthy techniques and … Continued
By: Cheryl M. Sitting here now, I can appreciate the journey to my sobriety. I don’t regret all the bad stuff. Instead, I give thanks for the gratitude that overflows daily of who I am today. I am a better Mother. When I made my amends to my then 20 and 16 year old boys, … Continued
By Lindsey Storey, Renascent Alumni I was in extreme active addiction when I first went into treatment. I’d been using heroin and fentanyl heavily for almost 10 years and it was only when I was in treatment that I realized how much self-work I would have to do to stay clean. My dad died suddenly … Continued
This article is the second in a two-part medical series explaining the underlying biology and brain science of addiction. Portions of this series are excerpted and adapted from the upcoming book Hope Against Hope, authored by Renascent’s Clinical Director, Michael Lochran and consulting Psychotherapist, Laura Cavanagh. Hope Against Hope’s anticipated release is in 2021. Addiction is … Continued
This article is the first in a two-part medical series explaining the underlying biology and brain science of addiction. Portions of this series are excerpted and adapted from the upcoming book Hope Against Hope, authored by Renascent’s Clinical Director, Michael Lochran and consulting Psychotherapist, Laura Cavanagh. Hope Against Hope’s anticipated release is in 2021. “You don’t … Continued
When Pat found out she had a drinking problem, there were two feelings that welled up within her – disbelief and denial. The mother of two had been off work for a number of months on long-term disability and medical test results showed Pat and her doctor the stark reality of her situation. Willing to … Continued
By Jenn F. Before choosing to go to Renascent in November 2019, I was on a steady decline with alcoholism. I had gone through a detox program and knew that if I went back home, I would drink again. I was hesitant at first about going to Renascent’s Graham Munro Treatment Center – an all-female … Continued
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. In fact, in order to be truly healthy, a person should prioritize their physical, spiritual, mental and social health. Dave McWilliams is an addictions counsellor at Renascent and is the organization’s Program Coordinator for Tobacco Cessation. Having been … Continued
Ashleigh H. I was asked to write about my step four experience. I’m sitting on a train as I reflect on this entire process, these past few months, and what surrendering to this program has done for me. My name is Ashleigh, I am 26 years old, and today I can honestly say I am … Continued
It has not been an easy road getting here. After many attempts at staying sober, losing everything I ever cared about and loved, including my children and my marriage, I finally gained enough of what I now know is humility to work an honest program of recovery. I needed the humility to throw away my old ways of thinking and commit to keeping an open mind while working through the 12 steps. I came back to AA after an 8-year relapse, broken and hating myself. With this commitment I learned about my old coping skills and the “nature” of my wrongs and how they were truly blocking me from any spiritual relationship.
