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.
It’s the dream, isn’t it? Being able to work from your couch, not having to get dressed or commute or survive office chit chat over a broken printer? Except now that we’re all living the dream, some of us are discovering that working from home can really mess up your home life, and isn’t always … Continued
Ask a Family Therapist with Sunil Boodhai, MSW (RSW), BEd., manager of Renascent’s Family Care Programs, therapist, and counsellor. Q: My husband has had a drinking problem since the beginning of our marriage. He has gone to treatment three times now. Each time it seems to work for a few months or even a year, … Continued
by P.C. I have my list for Step 8 from my Step 4 inventory. This step holds me accountable to the harms I have caused others. Step 8 awakens me to clarity. I have heard a common phrase in the rooms for years: “What is your part?” and I was asked to consider, could it … Continued
“Were you addicted to alcohol?” “I was, I was indeed, yup.” “You were… so that means you stopped?” Talking to children about addiction and recovery doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it’s an important part of helping a family heal together. Find out more about how we break the cycle with Renascent’s Children’s Healthy … Continued
Sadly, children are often the first hurt by alcohol and drug addiction and the last helped. Children of alcoholics are four to nine times more likely to develop an addiction as a direct result of their family experience. Left untreated, these kids are more likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues as … Continued
Ask a Family Therapist with Sunil Boodhai, MSW (RSW), BEd., manager of Renascent’s Family Care Programs, therapist and counsellor. Q: I’ve been reading your column and I like many of the things you have been saying. However, I feel like your responses are a bit simplistic. It’s easy to talk about enabling as a major issue … Continued
Spouses often complain that they have lost themselves in the process of their significant other’s addiction. They find that they have become people that they not only never intended to be, but that they do not like. In family treatment, you get to find yourself again. You will come to know and accept that your loved one’s addiction is not your fault and that you cannot make them relapse.
