After our son overdosed, we knew he needed help — and fast — only we had no idea how to get it. We felt like we were flailing and spiraling all at the same time, so we did what most lost people do: we took to Google. Turns out, we’ve never been so thankful for… Read more »
My name is Geneviève. I’m 51 years old and I’m a former addict and alcoholic*. On May 21, 2023, I decided to take back control of my life. I started by attending the Portage Day Centre, until June 2023, where I met other people who, like me, were struggling with difficult circumstances. On June 6,… Read more »
When I arrived at Portage, I was broken. I was in pain, I cried, and I ran from everything that scared me. I was a bundle of tiny fragments held together only by my skin. One day at a time, I had to dig deep inside myself—gather each scattered piece, examine them, understand them… and… Read more »
On April 24, Vicki Grondin shared her story on CFAI FM, speaking with great sincerity about her journey toward recovery. She reflected on the challenges she faced while struggling with substance use, and on how the Portage Atlantic program for adolescents and young adultsat Cassidy Lake played a key role in her journey toward a… Read more »
I started drinking when I was only nine years old, under pressure from my own mother. As I got older, I learned to self-harm for the numbness I craved. At just 14, I started using drugs. Some might say my consumption wasn’t severe, and my close family and friends never realized I had a problem…. Read more »
At 43, alcohol had completely isolated Christian from the outside world. A former hotel general manager, he spent his days alone in his room drinking, his only connection to the outside world being the errands he ran for his mother. Following his stay at Villa Saint-Léonard and the Portage’s Employment Reintegration Centre, Christian completely transformed… Read more »
I arrived at Portage as an altered and damaged version of myself, filled with anger and continuous reckless behavior. During the year leading up to my admission date, my world seemed to be crumbling around me. I blamed everyone but myself and dove deeper into my addiction. When it was first suggested I should go… Read more »
Having only completed Grade 10, I worked for minimal wages for many years and learned “on the job”. I wasn’t always receptive to the opportunities life offered me and, let’s face it, I struggled to make ends meet for a long time. I evolved within several companies, including one in particular that recognized my talent… Read more »
At only 16, Julien’s life took a turn when he used his first cannabis wax pen. This highly THC-concentrated e-cigarette quickly led him into a spiral of isolation and addiction. Through Portage’s Adolescents and Young Adult Program in Prevost, Julien was able to work on the underlying reasons for his substance use and learn to… Read more »
I arrived at Portage Saint-Malachie on June 19, 2023. I was 17 years old and my life was falling apart. I could no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel and I was crying out for help. I would wake up sobbing at night, just wanting to die. My dark thoughts were… Read more »
