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
We often tell people that “addiction is a family disease”; it’s a common saying and for good reason. We know that addiction is a disease, and just like other illnesses, it can be passed down through generations of family members. Families are also interconnected systems: the whole is a sum of each part. Family members … Continued
“We see addiction itself as the problem, rather than the use of a specific drug” (Narcotics Anonymous World Services, 2014, p. 7). It can be hard to tell if a friend or loved one has a problem with addiction, and even harder to recognize addiction in ourselves. The stigma around drug and alcohol abuse and addiction means that … Continued
Addiction is a neurobiological disease (a disease of our nervous system) characterized by an overpowering desire and repeated compulsion to consume a substance or engage in a behaviour despite negative consequences. When we hear the word addiction we usually think of drugs and alcohol, but people can become addicted to processes too. These are known … Continued
Wherever you are in your recovery journey, the holidays can be a tough, triggering time, and this year it’s even more complicated by COVID-19. Some of us will be spending the holidays alone, others might be feeling pressured into attending family gatherings. This 2020 Holiday Survival Guide is here to remind you that millions of … Continued
I attempted outpatient counselling and therapy before checking myself into my first treatment centre in 2008. I had a wonderful experience, met incredible people, and still have fond memories and connections. After a very short time back at home (72 hours), I relapsed, and remained in active addiction until my second treatment stay in 2009.
If you have a spare moment today, use it to create a self-care action plan based on your needs and desires. Too often, self-care gets described as a face mask and a glass of wine. The truth is, self-care is the combination of healthy activities you can do to reduce your stress, improve your mood, … Continued
This coming July 24th is International Self-Care Day, making this the perfect time to check in on your own self-care and assess if there is room for improvement. Too often, self-care gets described as a face mask and a glass of wine. The truth is, self-care is the combination of healthy activities you can do … Continued
I will be honest, when I first heard that the government was starting to close down businesses, I was a little panicked about what would happen to Renascent. I was somewhat relieved when I found out that we were a part of the essential services that would remain open, but a little fearful of what … Continued
