Music has always been a cornerstone of Renascent’s Melissa Lauren’s life. Her deep passion for the art form, coupled with her profound understanding of addiction, inspired this life-long musician to compose Old Friend. It’s a song that powerfully compares addiction to an old friend who unexpectedly returns; and Melissa has pledged a portion of the song’s sales to Renascent Foundation.
“Addiction, I’ve learned, is an ever-present companion for many—one that can resurface even after decades of recovery,” shares Melissa, who performed the song alongside fellow musician and addictions counsellor, Darren Greer. “The song speaks to the fear and humility of facing an ‘old friend’ like addiction. It’s a reminder that trust in oneself is both empowering and terrifying.”
As an Addictions Counsellor at Renascent’s Client Care and Access Centre, Melissa works on the front lines of addiction recovery. She helps people access life-saving treatment at Renascent, where proceeds from the song’s sales will help support critical programs, including live-in treatment, Continuing Care, Family Care, and Alumni Care.
“Working at Renascent has taught me that addiction knows no boundaries,” Melissa explains. “The stories I hear from clients and their families reinforce that addiction is an illness, not a moral failing. By sharing stories, creating art, and fostering open dialogue, we can break the stigma of addiction and save lives.”

A Musical Background
Melissa’s love for music began when she was a child, contributing greatly to her identity, sense of community and belonging. She spent her teens performing jazz, blues, and in a swing band. These formative experiences inspired her to study Music Therapy, earning a Master’s degree in the field, and later focusing on addictions and mental health.
“For most of my life, I’ve worn two hats—one as a social service worker and the other as a musician,” she explains. “Over the last decade, these two paths have converged in unexpected and meaningful ways, particularly through my work with Renascent. The intersection of music and addiction recovery has shaped my personal growth and transformed how I help others.”
Today, when Melissa isn’t working at Renascent, she channels her passion for music into arranging choirs, conducting workshops, and inspiring hope through her artistic endeavors.
Combining Music and Philanthropy
Melissa is especially proud of Old Friend and her decision to leverage Bandcamp, a philanthropic music platform, to share it. “On Bandcamp Fridays, all proceeds go directly to artists’ chosen charities. Raising funds for Renascent through this platform is a perfect way to combine my love of music with my commitment to supporting life-changing work.”
She adds, “Addiction and mental health are complex issues that cannot be neatly summed up in a four-minute song.”
“I’ve witnessed the profound impact of art on recovery,” Melissa reflects. “Music allows us to take the raw, often painful experiences of addiction and create something beautiful. For clients, this process can lift the weight of shame and open a door to healing.”
By purchasing Old Friend, listeners can support Renascent’s mission and contribute to breaking the stigma around addiction.