“I was so worried I was going to live a boring life,” Jarrod says. “What I didn’t realize was I was confusing ‘boring’ with peaceful.”

Looking back, he says finding peace was the last thing he expected after decades of drug and alcohol use. For years, he had become an expert at convincing himself he was a “functional” alcoholic and drug user who had everything under control, even as his life slowly unraveled.

And whenever his substance use crossed a line, he simply moved the goalposts.

“I’d tell myself, ‘Never before work,’” he recalls.  “Eventually, I started using at work. I’d have a rule that I’d never drive after two drinks, but then it became three,” he says. “Things just kept getting more and more out of hand.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his routine, his fragile sense of balance disappeared and Jarrod was suddenly using all day, every day. Over the course of 13 months, he lost seven jobs. His health deteriorated, his savings disappeared, and the lies he had spent years hiding finally came to light. His wife insisted he get help, and he reluctantly agreed.  However, Jarrod recalls his first week at Renascent as one largely spent in resistance – until a conversation with a counsellor shifted his perspective.

“He said, ‘You’re a pretty smart guy. You’ve got everything figured out. How’s that working for you?’  He pointed out that I was literally on the brink of losing my marriage, my home, and my health.”  In that moment, Jarrod decided to stop arguing and start listening.

“What Renascent gave me was a running start,” he reflects. “They didn’t just teach me how to quit – they taught me how to live in recovery.”

He took the advice seriously. In his first 90 days after treatment, Jarrod attended 233 meetings, found a sponsor, joined a home group, and immersed himself in service. More than five years later, he still attends up to 14 meetings every week.

“At first I went because I had to,” he says. “Now I go because I want to be there for newcomers.  It’s so important that we create an environment people want to return to; encouraging them to come back and persevere is everything.”

Citing his own experience, he also wants people to know there’s a range of options for pursuing – and staying in – recovery.

“I try to live a principled life, as outlined in the Steps,” he shares.  “And for me, a secular AA group has been instrumental in my recovery.  People should know that, regardless of their beliefs, there is support available to them.  The most important thing is staying connected.”

He also emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind, pointing out that all his preconceived notions about recovery have proven to be wrong. 

“Every assumption I had going into this was wrong, especially the idea that there was going to be something missing in my life without substances.  That couldn’t be further from the truth – I don’t think I’m missing out on anything.  In fact, I’ve gained so much more.

Before treatment, I had no peace of mind. Now I have a clear conscience. I’m willing to accept the things I cannot change and focus on those I can.  I’m truly content.

Recovery really is a beautiful thing.”