I Was Brought Up With Drugs

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

I was brought up with drugs, violence, manipulation and lying for as long as I can remember. When I was 11 or 12, I started using with my best friend and his mom. I would take pills or weed from my mom. She, her boyfriend and I were living in a one bedroom apartment. I witnessed my mom get hurt over money and drugs. I remember hating myself so much that I didn’t go outside to avoid people seeing me. But when I was on drugs, I had the confidence to go out.

What led me to call Portage or how I was referred

I was in another centre and I got kicked out because of a serious altercation. They referred me to Portage. But even after getting off codeine and Xanax, I decided to drink every night for a year. It was giving me a fake supply of confidence which led me to steal, lie and hurt people just to get booze (read The Treacherous Pitfalls of Drugs and Alcohol).

But even after getting off codeine and Xanax, I decided to drink every night for a year. It was giving me a fake supply of confidence which led me to steal, lie and hurt people just to get booze.

My first days at Portage

When I finally came to Portage, I was a liar, a cheat and I was seeking attention and acceptance from everyone around me. I hated being called on my faults, I had a horrible lack of confidence and I felt like I needed to prove myself to everyone.

How long I’ve been at Portage and what has changed

I have been at Portage for six months and everything changed. My confidence is better. I admitted all my faults and lies I have told throughout the program and before. I found things I actually like to do: painting, drawing, rapping, sports and helping others. I learned how to cope with my anger and how to avoid violence and conflicts. My relationship with my grandmother has changed completely. I learned how to make new friends without trying to impress them. I know how to live a happy life and I want to! Most importantly, I found myself and I am happy with who I am.

My plan is to finish my schooling and go into the military. When I’m 18, I hope to better my relationship with my mom if we both stay sober.

How I see the future after completing the program

My plan is to finish my schooling and go into the military. When I’m 18, I hope to better my relationship with my mom if we both stay sober.

Finally, where I think I would be without Portage

I wouldn’t be myself.

Gavin, resident at Portage Ontario