Shame is one of the most painful and isolating emotions we experience in addiction. It tells us we are not enough, not lovable, and not worthy of connection or healing. It’s the voice that says, “You’ll never change.” For many of us, shame didn’t start with our addiction, but addiction deepened it — and then … Continued
“I drank, but I never thought I had a problem,” Cary says. He admits he ignored the warning signs for years, like never being able to call it a night when others did. “When I started drinking, I just couldn’t stop,” he reflects. “It didn’t matter what time of day or night it was — … Continued
By Kyle, Renascent AlumniPeople often say that Step 4, which calls us to make “a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves,” is difficult. But the thing is, it’s not that hard if you choose to just address the things you’re comfortable acknowledging. The first time I completed Step 4, I shared what I was … Continued
Step 5 calls us to “admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” In my recovery journey, I found this Step to be the most freeing experience. In truth, it took time to remember and write down the resentments I harboured, and all the things I needed … Continued
In the early days of recovery, many people describe feeling unexpectedly euphoric, hopeful, and invincible — as though the weight of addiction has finally been lifted and life has opened up in brilliant colour. This phase is often referred to as the “Pink Cloud.” But what exactly is the Pink Cloud, and how should someone … Continued
Michael’s struggle with addiction led him to a life centred on alcohol and, ultimately, turned into a desperate cry for help. “I’d lost hope,” he says simply. “I was on my way to suicide, or on my way to treatment. Fortunately, I chose the latter.” After completing an inpatient program at Renascent, he was better … Continued
