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, I started my residential program. Seven months and 17 days later, I left with new life skills, dreams, friends…and a head full of memories.
But the reality is that, once you’ve left Portage, you’re often on your own. That’s why the aftercare program is so important. It allows me to reconnect with my sisters in therapy as well as men who attended the same day centre. They provide support and advice, and they listen to me when I’m feeling down.
The members of the aftercare group talk about real things and have been my most precious allies since I finished therapy.
I also have a case counsellor who is always there for me.
I’m part of a family and that really helps.
I’m proud of who we’ve become.
The aftercare program is essential because it helps me feel stronger and stay on track.
Geneviève, adults program, Lac Écho, 2023
* Geneviève uses the words ″addict″ and ″alcoholic″ with pride. Our residents reclaim the use of these terms to refer to their life experience, acknowledge their journey and affirm their strength as they engage in the rehabilitation process.
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