Testimonial: Rick’s story

30 year-old addict

Drugs and alcohol have been a problem in my life since I was young. When I used, all my insecurities and fears disappeared. I felt invincible. It wasn’t long before everything began to fall apart. I dropped out of school, lost all interest in the hobbies I was once very passionate about, and was kicked out of home. There began my troubles with the law. A year or so later, I was homeless. I was very resentful towards my friends and family for not trying to help me, and I felt I had no reason to live. I thought about suicide but was too proud to ask for help.

For years, I went in and out of detox centers, attempting to get sober but without lasting success. I attended Alcoholics Anonymous on and off for about five years until one day, after a very bad series of relapses, something wonderful happened to me. My family had arranged an intervention to save my life. Two hours later, I was on a plane from Vancouver to Montreal, scared of what lay ahead.

I arrived at Andy’s House full of fear, not knowing what to expect. I was greeted by the counselors and staff who were very approachable. They seemed to truly understand my pain and honestly believed in me when I did not believe in myself. It was in the house that I had my first true experience of love. I felt the staff there were compassionate about their work and wanted nothing but the best for me. They reintroduced me to the 12 steps and guided me to a path of spiritual experience.

Today, I am the happiest I have ever been. I have my family back. I have a career that I never felt worthy of having. I am engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world and have a baby on the way. I hear people say in meetings that Andy’s House gave them their life back. What I like to say and believe is that Andy’s House gave me a life. I highly recommend this place to anyone. I only pray that others who are suffering find the support and compassion that I did at Andy’s House.

– Rick