Christine, Renascent Alumna Step 8 seemed terrifying when I began my journey. I knew I had done a lot of harm, but I hadn’t been willing to look at it too closely. I entered Renascent a completely broken woman who was willing to do anything for my recovery. I made a commitment to my sponsor … Continued
By Sue F, Renascent Alumni HUMILITY (noun); TO BE FREE from pride and arrogance (Meaning taken from Webster’s dictionary) a. Pride (noun); self satisfaction in one’s achievements 2. Self esteem b. Arrogance (noun); an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assessments When I volunteered to write about humility, I needed … Continued
Marissa, Renascent Alumni My story begins like many others, with tales of a broken family, neglect and abuse. I have many good memories but bad ones are also painted throughout. My parents divorced when I was only 5 years old. By the age of seven, my mom was remarried to a very cruel man who … Continued
By Andrew M., Renascent Alumni I came to this program with a belief that my real problem was the use of drugs and alcohol, and was told early on that my alcoholism was but a symptom of a bigger problem, an internal condition – often described as a spiritual malady. As I engaged this process … Continued
By Tim D., Renascent Alumni I would like to share with you my experience with “acceptance” and how it has played a huge part in my sobriety and how I use it as a tool in my toolbox. I have been battling with trying to stay sober for 12 years with countless relapses. I tried … Continued
By Stefano, Renascent Alumni My name is Stefano, and I am an alcoholic addict. On the night of June 6, 2015, I looked up at the sky and told God that tonight he would have to strike me dead. In a few moments I was going to head down to the Village, use, party and … Continued
While the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic thrust many people into using virtually technology, this online world was already a core part of Kimberly O’Connor professional life. As an addiction counsellor and professional hypnotist, she always worked in a virtual environment, providing one-on-one support online through her private practice. So when Kimberly joined Renascent’s Virtual … Continued
Michael LeBlanc remembers the exact moment when he first declared that he wanted to become an addictions counsellor. At the time, he was in treatment himself at Renascent Paul J. Sullivan Centre (Sullivan Centre), for a debilitating addiction to crystal meth. Having started drinking at an early age, Michael’s addiction slowly progressed over the years. … Continued
By Peggy, Renascent Alumna For many of us, the Fifth Step is a frightening prospect. It tells us in the Book that if we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking and that those who skip this vital Step almost invariably get drunk. I was unforgiving, dishonest and humiliated with myself. I had … Continued
Lori could not have been more relieved when her brother, Iain entered treatment at Renascent in 2019. She had witnessed him live through addiction for decades, and she herself experienced the hardships that came with being the family member of a loved one with addiction. So when Lori was offered the opportunity to participate in … Continued
