A 21-year-old woman, Masha Larocque, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming alcohol addiction that began in her teens. Struggling with bullying and a lack of support, she turned to alcohol and drugs for solace. After several near-fatal experiences, Masha found the strength to seek help and has been sober for over 18 months. Now a specialized education technician, she embraces life’s opportunities and attributes her success to the support from Portage, which aids individuals in recovery.
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction: A Journey of Resilience
A 21-year-old woman is dedicated to inspiring others as she shares her remarkable journey of conquering alcohol addiction, a struggle that began during her teenage years. Masha Larocque, hailing from Gatineau, emphasizes the importance of resilience in her life transformation.
“My lifestyle was far from healthy; I lacked family support and meaningful relationships. My only focus was on drinking,” Masha reflects on her past. Her relationship with alcohol started at the tender age of 12, compounded by bullying and social challenges by the time she turned 14, leading her to use alcohol as a coping mechanism during social events.
At just 15, she began using drugs as well. Despite seeking help through therapy at 18, her journey to sobriety was fraught with setbacks, as she resumed drinking merely a week later.
“I was in such a dark place that I often thought about ending my life whenever I drank. I narrowly escaped death on several occasions, frequently finding myself in hospitals or police stations. It was then that I recognized my need for help,” she admits, illustrating the depth of her struggles.
Embracing Life and New Opportunities
Today, Masha is a specialized education technician supporting young individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She describes her new outlook on life as vibrant and fulfilling, having discovered parts of herself that were hidden during her years of addiction.
“Alcohol will never guide you to your goals. To break free, you must fight and be a warrior for a while. It’s challenging, but the reward is a life filled with beauty. It may sound cliché, but it’s the truth, and I am living proof of it,” she asserts, celebrating over 18 months of sobriety.
Masha has recently moved in with her partner and is excited about pursuing a university certificate in psychology next year. This newfound ability to set goals and envision her future was once unimaginable for her.
Her successful transformation is largely attributed to the support of Portage, an organization committed to assisting individuals battling substance abuse. The organization offers free services to help individuals navigate their recovery journey.
Recently, 217 graduates from across Quebec, alongside their families, celebrated their achievements during Portage’s Recognition Day, marking the completion of their clinical rehabilitation.
Myriam Khediri, a post-therapy follow-up worker at Portage, highlighted the significance of this day. “For many, it is a celebration of their courage to confront traumatic experiences, seek help, and reclaim their lives. It’s a moment that solidifies their hard work, akin to a graduation ceremony,” she concluded.