Dave

I was introduced to The Greenhouse by a friend whom I met at a party. But it took me a while to finally decide to seek help. I was getting sick and tired of the vicious cycle of using drugs, sourcing for drugs and experimenting with different cocktails of drugs. I cannot believe the things I have said and done during my active addiction. Over time, I had isolated myself and went further and further down the rabbit hole. 

Photograph: Upsplash.com

Seeking help at The Greenhouse wasn’t something I felt totally ready for initially. I was very skeptical and wasn’t very open to speaking in groups as well. I felt conflicted as I was still in active addiction, but I was actually embarking on the journey of recovery. 

In November 2019, I overdosed on drugs and was sent to hospital, after which I was sentenced to 6 months in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). The Narcotics Anonymous (NA) fellowship at The Greenhouse supported my mother and I immensely during this period. They talked to her even though she was a stranger to them, included her in their open meetings (for friends and family of those with addiction), checked up on how I was coping and even sent books and letters to me to help me manage.

I am now back at The Greenhouse, facing life on life’s term. I am also looking forward to university next year. The Greenhouse has been very helpful and welcoming even though I have had many lapses and relapses. This family has welcomed me with open arms without judgement. If I hadn’t given myself and The Greenhouse a chance, I could have overdosed again or lost my life. I would probably still be in active addiction and commit to even more actions that I would regret. 

If you are reading this and feeling sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, give The Greenhouse a chance. Most importantly, give yourself a chance. 

Dave, 22, Cisgender gay male