Addictions Graveyard part 2

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Continued from Addictions Graveyard

Tricia (not her real name) recently wrapped up treatment at Serenity Ranch after heavy drinking for about three and one half years.

“I ended up with a physical injury, and basically I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t work. I was bored, and probably suffering from depression. So I started drinking to amuse myself, which wasn’t very amusing in the end,” she says. “Once it started it progressively got worse.”

 

MESSAGE – An inspirational message of hope on one of the tombstones created for the treatment centre’s ‘addictions cemetery’. Photo courtesy of Serenity Ranch

She did quit on her own but eventually relapsed. At that point, she knew it was time to get serious help with her addiction. She started looking for a facility that offered the 12-step program. “I didn’t wake up one day and say I want to be an alcoholic. It was gradual. And along with the alcoholism there is the lying to cover it, there’s hiding and deceit. There were all those other defective characteristics that I didn’t like living with. In order to get rid of those, I had to get rid of the alcohol.”

Tricia said the turning point came when she found herself hiding the alcohol, or counting down to when she knew she would be having a drink.

“The counseling here is fabulous, and their doors are always open,” she said. “I’m living a life of freedom now, and I’m so happy.”

Meanwhile, every Friday marks the day when those who have completed the program head for home. Folks often leave a decorated stone with a special message on it in the ‘addictions graveyard’.

“We have a completion ceremony, and it’s very, very emotional,” explains Gray. “It’s an incredible thing.”

For more information, visit www.serenityranch.ca or call 403-784-3993.

From reddeerexpress.com