It started with sugar.
Harmless enough some would say. After all, sugar is the reward for most children growing up, and I was no exception. I was obsessed with earning it, obtaining it, and thieving for it as it fueled an insatiable hunger for something so very deep inside of me, that at the time I did not understand, but would eventually come to surrender to…addiction.
Read MoreComing to Simon House was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I was provided with learning tools on how to live a drug free life. I was happy for the first time in seventeen years. At Simon House I was introduced to the ‘12 steps’ which helped me change my life. I was told to get a sponsor and go through the steps. I am incredibly grateful, they have helped me find my higher power, God.
Read MoreThis is my third recovery attempt, but something feels different this time. I feel an undeniable connection to the Higher Power that I had always denied before. There was no denying it this time, my Higher Power would send me signs so strong that it would knock the wind out of me.
Read MoreI never in a million of years would have thought my life would turn out the way it has. From thinking I would die an addict to becoming a husband, father and role model to others is the true meaning to life. Getting sober doesn’t mean life is easy, but what it has taught me is to never be afraid, and think of others before myself, and see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Read MoreMy life today reflects the changes that are a direct result of my stay at Simon House. Today I have all my family back in a loving and caring relationship. My children that I thought I would never be able to be with are constantly in my life. In fact, I now have both my daughters and my grandson living with me in a loving home and my son is a regular visitor and member of this family unit.
Read MoreAlthough I knew I had a massive problem with drugs and alcohol, it wasn't enough for me to recognize that I could never touch the stuff again. I was in constant denial about the choices and lifestyle I had been living up to this point. I figured I could do it my way, and eventually, things would be okay.
Read MoreGod guided me to an all-male treatment centre called Simon House. The four months [I was there], it was an amazing experience, where I met amazing staff members that I have the pleasure now to call friends. From the recovery coaches to the counselors, they all touched my heart and guided me to where I am today. It was there I was also introduced to Cocaine Anonymous and the 12 steps.
Read MoreIt all started for me at the age of sixteen, my friend had a bag of weed he got from his brother. All my friends were excited to try it... me not so much. I remember running around my friend’s house spraying Axe deodorant, because I did not want to get caught. I only had one little drag on it, I did not think it was very good weed because I didn't really feel anything, but that was the start of a life of drugs. That day on, everything changed.
Read MoreMy name is Jesse F and I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and alumni of Simon House Residence Society. Four years ago, I was dying of untreated alcoholism and drug addiction. My partner had just died of a cocaine overdose, and I was following in her path. I decided to get sober so I wouldn’t die the same way that she did.
Read MoreThis was really happening, and I had a bunch of feelings and emotions of uncertainty. Would they like me? Will I do well? Will I get along with everyone? All these thoughts kept popping into my head.
Read MoreIn recovery, I really get to show up. I get to see my family; I get to love and be loved. I get to do what I set my mind to do.
I had to do treatment, or I would go to prison. I had to do treatment, or I would go to prison.
Read MoreAt this time in my life, I couldn’t keep steady employment, lost a lot of important relationships and the trust of my family and close friends. During this time I was struggling with my mental health, all because of my addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Read MoreToday, I am a daddy again, and I now know that it's okay for fathers to ask for help. I can also show my girls that it's okay to seek help, especially when they don't know why they need it.
Read MoreI remember sitting handcuffed in the back of that police van that morning, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was finally over. I had once again destroyed my life. Can you imagine being arrested and feeling thankful for it?
Read MoreFor a decade, my life was consumed by crime, violence, and drugs before I found my way to Simon House. I lived on the streets where there are no rules, or morals.
Read MoreMy recovery journey was slow and painful, but it was absolutely worth every second of it.
Read MoreAttending Sweats with other clients on First Nations Lands helped me heal from my past traumas and learn to trust again. I've started speaking up more and working on things that were keeping me sick for so long. I'm now proud of who I am, and I'm grateful for the healthy relationships and support that I've found at Simon House.
Read MoreMy wife and I had just bought our first home, but illness meant I couldn’t work. When I was finally able to work again, we had already lost our car and our home. This time, I has also found a job where I could continue to feed my addiction.
Read MoreMy imagination wondered if I would drink again before I detoxed. Would I drink again right after detoxing? When will I drink again? When would I use again? Would I be able to get a job? I had plummeted so far down the scale that I had no dignity left.
Read MoreI called that number on the pamphlet twice a day until it finally paid off, and my call was returned. I had it set in my mind that this place —Simon House— was where I would get better.
