From Jail to Sobriety

11-21-2017

Before Portage (How I started taking drugs / alcohol and why)

Before Portage, my life was crazy. I was constantly in and out of jail; I had a horrible relationship with my grandmother. I think I was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was always high or drunk and had no self-respect.

I had no intentions of ever being sober and I could see nothing wrong with my lifestyle. I started doing drugs when I was 12 years old and continued to progress into heavier drugs as I got older. I was using drugs and alcohol because everyone around me was doing the same thing. Nothing mattered to me but my abusive boyfriend and getting high.

 

From Jail to Sobriety

 

 

It wasn’t until I was released back into society and was found 3 days later at the side of the road passed out, that I accepted the fact that I had a problem.

 

 

 

What led me to call Portage (or how I was referred)

I was referred to Portage after my 5th time in jail. I was in denial about my addiction and didn’t believe I would one day end up in a rehab centre. It wasn’t until I was released back into society and was found 3 days later at the side of the road passed out, that I accepted the fact that I had a problem (read The Treacherous Pitfalls of Drugs and Alcohol). I woke up the next day in a cell and the police told me what happened. I was angry at myself and at the world. That’s when I decided I had to go to Portage. To this day, I still have no idea what happened to me that night…

My first day at Portage

My first day at Portage, it was raining. I remember sitting outside trying to put the pieces of my life together and I remember how friendly everyone was. Coming to Portage, I did not expect to change my life around. But even that first day, I felt more hope than I ever had my whole life. Talking to the girls at Portage inspired me. They made me want to be a better person.

 

From Jail to Sobriety

 

 

Talking to the girls at Portage inspired me. They made me want to be a better person.

 

 

How long I’ve been at Portage and what changed

I have been at Portage for about 6 months and I am getting discharged in a week. Thanks to this program, I now have self-respect, confidence, good memories, hope and sobriety. I also have a great relationship with my grandmother. My whole life has turned around.

How I see the future after completing the program

I know that when I leave I will have the self-awareness and control to say no to drugs and alcohol.

Finally, where I think I would be without Portage

Without Portage I would definitely be either dead or in jail. Most likely dead…

 

River, Resident at Portage Ontario (Elora)

 

Centres of Portage

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