Jay Barnard’s story of addiction goes back to age eight. Unable to cope with the effects of his parents’ separation and divorce, he turned to food for comfort. Within months he had bulged to a disturbing 200 pounds. By age 12 Jay was drinking, then drinking more. At age 14 he bought marijuana on the street. Then it wasn’t long before he was using harder drugs.
He thought it was the only way out. “I believed disappearing would solve my problems,” says 43-year-old Rory. “I was foolish enough to think a new life would be waiting for me.”
When Gus Wilson’s mom died suddenly, it was the most horrible thing he had ever experienced. No one could soften the blow for the 20-year-old. Two weeks later, Gus left his home in Midland, Ontario, for Toronto. “This was the … Read more
At age 13 Scott Cameron was shy, insecure and desperate to be accepted by his friends. “In an attempt to fit in, I smoked my first joint of marijuana, with a buddy, under the carport of our middle-class family home,” … Read more
A Winnipeg man who has struggled with alcoholism for decades has filed a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission because he can’t find a treatment program that doesn’t rely on religion or spirituality as part of the recovery process. … Read more
“Renovations, thanks to generous donors, are underway at The Toronto Salvation Army Homestead, which serves women in Ontario who struggle with substance abuse. As we bring the facility into the 21st century we will serve a broader population of women … Read more
“Poor choices in friends led me to a life of drugs, alcohol and gang activity,” says Robert Bremner. “In 2005, after a night of clubbing, I drove impaired with my best friend, Kim, at my side. I don’t remember crashing … Read more
“I am 42, a drug addict and alcoholic,” says Dale Sutherland. Dale is not poor, homeless or untidy. He is articulate, well-dressed, clean cut and appears in control. He studied business and culinary arts. He is the father of two … Read more
To the outsider he appeared to function normally. But, behind the scenes Verissimo was a full-blown cocaine addict. Once a successful businessman earning six figures, he never dreamed he would be homeless at 42.
At 7, Brian Turner witnessed his mom drive a 17-inch kitchen knife through his stepfather’s chest. When police arrived, the lifeless body of Brian’s stepfather was removed from the home.