Testimonial from Darren T.
The date: Oct 23, 2003.
The issue: abused substances since my early 20’s.
The final act: crack cocaine – I could not stop, and everything I valued the most slipped away from me. My wife, my sons, the ability to go back to my home.
I was desperate for help, the little boy inside of me cried for help, someone please help me!
At 7:40 pm that night, Oct 23, 2003, I got off the ferry at Snug Cove, was met by a member of the staff who whisked me away to The Orchard Recovery Centre.
I was scared, I was humbled, I was ashamed, I was filled with guilt. I was a mess of epic proportions.
I committed to the program, failure was not an option, I wanted to live a good, clean life. I did not want to die. I submitted to the program, I started my surrender. I was no longer driving the bus, I needed someone, something else to guide me.
The Orchard Recovery Centre gave me guidance and life! It gave me hope! It gave me joy. It gave me serenity. It gave me a path to follow for success, and I followed that path faithfully. Today I celebrate the fact I still follow the path laid out for me. It works amazingly well!
The staff at the time; Lorinda, Sue, Jill, Kim, Shelagh, Ruta. They gave me hope, they inspired, they loved me when I was unable to love myself. I attended all the private counselling sessions with Jill, all the group sessions during the day, all the meetings at night. I did all the WORK; it works if you work it, and you’re worth it. I stayed in the program 56 days, a total of 8 weeks. I wanted the insanity to end, I wanted life! I returned each week, 55 weeks in a row, as an alumni when I had completed my program. I learned to trust, I learned to love unconditionally, I learned that being clean and sober was an incredible feeling, unmatched by any substance. I learned how my experience could help others who were and are still suffering from the scourge called addiction.
I have said all this so many times, to so many people. I have not been shy about my recovery, my addictions. The people at The Orchard Recovery Centre saved my life, period. They gave me my life back. Only this time it is far better. I am forever grateful, and I live with an attitude of gratitude every single day.
Just composing this review takes me back to that time. The sense of hopelessness, slowly being replaced with peace, serenity, joy, laughter, gratitude, friendships. I was going to get better, one day at a time. I just needed to apply all that I learned at The Orchard.
Thank you for all you do for others and for all you did for me, this place is amazing! I would recommend it to anyone who has had enough of the insanity, and wants a better way to be, and to live life on life’s terms. I cannot say enough good things about The Orchard Recovery Centre, or their staff.
Today, 22 years later, my life is amazing. I have a whole new life, incredible friendships, an amazing career which I love. It just keeps getting better every day! Thank you Orchard, thank you, thank you, thank you.
