Being a member of the program with a concurrent disorder of mental health and addiction, here is my story. Hi, my name is Kate and my sobriety date is July 23, 2019. I went to Renascent the first time and they directed me to CAMH in Toronto. I had to fix my mental health before I could conquer my addiction. I was duel addicted to drugs and alcohol.
After having proper mental health stability I went back to Renascent. I went this time for relapse prevention. I chose to get sober and share my message because living the life of using was killing me. Using almost took everything from me, including custody of my child, which is why I am sober today.
Today, I am over 800 days sober. If I can do it, any one can do it! Some days are easier then others. One day at a time. One minute at a time. One second at a time. However many seconds you may need. Let go and let God! Step 12 of the Alcoholic Anonymous program is to Help Others. I have never done a speaker meeting of myself but I plan to in the future. My ego gets in the way sometimes and I am nervous when it comes to public speaking. However, getting sober is the best thing that ever happened to me and with that I share this poem which is in a Peterborough “River” Magazine.
UNTITLED
Dec 18/2020
Once my world was very grey
Drugs and sadness filled my day
Pain and suffering was the way
Now I am sober hip hip hooray
One day at a time
The mountain I climb
The struggle is real
I learned to deal
Life was suffering before
Now living life is galore
I pray for the world to see
That sober is the way to be
I live sober to show the rest
That way of life is the best
I love being sober it is a blast
Now my life has settled at last
Katherine
I just want the world and the others that are struggling with dual-addiction or mental health and addiction to know that there is help!! Renascent saved my life! It’s a WE program not a ME program. Get a sponsor, and go to 90 meetings in 90 days. You are in control! GOOD LUCK! Sending lots of love and positive vibes!