At a frail 108 pounds, Dustin Cunning sat among family members and surrendered. He lived in active addiction for about 17 years until that unsuspecting day when his family staged his intervention. It was that day which would be the catalyst that changed his life. “I drank and used for a couple of years until … Continued
It was almost by chance that Luisa Schifitto first became acquainted with Renascent. She was invited to participate in a Renascent Foundation fundraiser in 2019 and from the moment she learned about the cause, she became a passionate champion. Just six years ago, Luisa lost her older brother to substance abuse. He was 45 years … Continued
For me, Mother’s day is a roller coaster ride filled with different emotions. The good, the bad and the ugly of “remember when…” It is easy to feel guilt as a mother when you think back at the years where you were by far the best mother that you could be. When I was under … Continued
Like many who enter addiction treatment, Ashley was sick and tired of being sick and tired. After years of using, she had come to her wits end dealing with the consequences of her addiction. “I had gotten to the point where I couldn’t live like that anymore. I went to my probation officer and said … Continued
By Natalie, Renascent Alumna Learning new habits was one of the most challenging things in recovery. I grew up in an alcoholic home and learned many bad habits from a young age. I felt responsible for my parents drinking and thought that if I could be better or do better, they would love me enough … Continued
Mark vividly recalls the accident that was the catalyst which started it all. In 1985, he and a friend were going for a motorcycle ride in Los Angeles, California. They hopped on their bikes and a few kilometers later the unimaginable occurred. A Toyota ran a red light and Mark hit the side of the … Continued
Portions of this article 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 is scheduled for publication later this year. Adolescence and early adulthood are developmental periods of particularly high risk for the development of substance use and … Continued
Portions of this article 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 is scheduled for publication later this year. Addiction is a progressive neurological disorder, characterized by a loss of control over one’s drinking or using behaviour, … Continued
By Lori Bateman, Renascent Family Program Alumni From the moment my brother, Iain went to detox, to four months later entering Renascent for his treatment, it was an unravelling. The following day after dropping him off at the detox centre was very surreal and I was filled with so much emotion. I couldn’t stop crying. … Continued
By Tammie K, Renascent Alumni February is the month for love! Learning to love myself through recovery has been the biggest change and the most beautiful gift I have received since getting sober over a year ago. I always felt that I was missing something, missing a connection deep within. I realized a long time ago … Continued
