The Dark Reality of Addiction

Babe grew up feeling he didn’t fit in. By age 12 he was abusing alcohol and illegal drugs to numb the pain of rejection. When, as an adult, he lost two infant children, he couldn’t get past the sadness and his abuse became more of a problem. Babe’s life of addiction was dangerous, destructive and heartbreaking.

Babe was raised under the stern thumb of a stepfather who used aggression as a parenting style.

“There was no love and guidance,” says Babe, “just lots of yelling.”

Poverty also had detrimental effects on Babe’s life outcome. By age 17 he’d lived at 40 different addresses, was bullied for wearing dirty and ripped clothes and was one of the only kids in the lunchroom who couldn’t afford to bring a lunch.

“Not fitting in meant I didn’t like myself,” says Babe. “But that changed when I drank and did drugs. Then I had confidence, was outgoing and liked. That’s all I ever wanted—to be accepted.”

A Devastating Blow

Babe eventually settled in a relationship with a girl who was also a heavy drinker. Before long they discovered she was pregnant. But the joy that comes with a newborn child was short-lived.

“It was a devastating blow when our first child lost his fight to Cerebral Palsy (CP) at 17 months of age,” says Babe.

A few months later, Babe and his fiancé gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Precious memories were made and they chose to have a third child. But when their baby girl was born she had difficulty with movement and muscle control. Also diagnosed with CP, she lost her life at age five months.

“Kennedy’s death changed everything,” says Babe.

Trying to cope in different ways pushed Babe and his fiancé apart. The separation ended his relationship with his son. Brokenhearted, and with no healthy coping mechanisms, Babe went back to the only thing he knew to numb the pain—alcohol.

This time his abuse led to serious consequences. Multiple crimes—thefts and assaults—cost him seven years in and out of prison.

Someone Cared

In 2013 Babe was in Ottawa, a hopeless addict and alcoholic. A stranger on the street walked him to the nearest shelter, The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre and rehabilitation facility.

“The Salvation Army was the first place I really felt loved,” says Babe. “They taught me how to face my problems and come up with healthy solutions.”

“Babe has had a long, difficult life journey,” says Captain Beverly Brushett, chaplain. “His faith has been instrumental in his healing and strength. He’s an inspiration to all.”

“Recovery is not an event, it’s a process,” says Babe. “The Salvation Army gave me hope to change my circumstances. I’m proof that there is life after addiction.”