"Less than a year ago, I stood on the brink of a bridge, minutes away from jumping to my death,” says Lisa, 41. “Today, with help from The Salvation Army, I'm safe, sober and liking myself for the first time in decades.”

From the age of seven to when she was 14, Lisa was sexually abused by a family member. Then, when she developed the courage to tell her mother about the terrifying episodes, she was sent to live with her grandparents. To numb the pain, she abused drugs and alcohol, attempted suicide and sought out new relationships. Nothing worked.

A Change of Perspective
“I have flashbacks and nightmares regularly,” says Lisa. “For years, I went to AA meetings but couldn't stay sober. Before coming to The Salvation Army's addiction program, I was living in my car. Death seemed more attractive than my years of pain, abuse, self-blame and worthlessness.”

The Salvation Army's Anchorage Addiction Treatment Program in Winnipeg provides a spectrum of services such as primary and aftercare residential treatment programs, as well as group and individual therapy, which includes complex trauma treatment and supports for adults battling addiction.

“This program is different from others I've participated in,” explains Lisa. “The treatment is longer and there is aftercare. Other programs left me hanging after sharing my issues. I didn't know how to cope in the real world.”

Lisa has come a long way since she was dropped off at the front doors of The Salvation Army in Winnipeg

Lisa has come a long way since a friend dropped her off at the front doors with a couple of bags in tow.

“Lisa has celebrated four months of sobriety,” comments Viktoria Westgate, the program manager. “She has completed our 90-day program and plans to be in our aftercare program for a year. She is working on her childhood trauma issue and her recovery tools, and she is someone who many clients look up to as a mentor.”

“I still have rough days—days where I want to use,” says Lisa. “That's reality when you are trying to deal with complex issues. Recovery isn't an easy road, but I want it more than anything. I'm so glad I came to the Anchorage program. It's completely changed my perspective on life—and made mine worth living.”