From Chaos to Redemption Glenn’s Story

Glenn in his Oxford House home in 2015

My Drinking Career

My journey with alcohol began at 16, the age I joined the military with my parents' consent. In that world, the unofficial rule was simple: if I was old enough to serve my country, I was old enough to drink.

I still remember sneaking my first beer from my dad’s fridge. At first, I couldn’t imagine drinking much of it, but everything changed once I joined the military. Military life felt like a 9-to-5 job, and 5 o’clock meant unwinding with the guys. Drinking transformed me—I felt funnier, more charismatic, and more like the person I thought I should be. At the time, I didn’t see myself as an alcoholic; I just loved how it made me feel.

When I left the military, I started dating a girl who got pregnant. She gave me an ultimatum: quit drinking, or she would leave. I arrogantly told her to go, and in 1994, I moved out west. That decision marked the start of my downward spiral. By the end, I was consuming a 40-ounce bottle of alcohol every two days, alongside regular use of crack cocaine.

Hitting Rock Bottom

Sobriety came to me on July 4, 2014.

The day before, I realized I had burned every bridge and destroyed every relationship. Alone and terrified, I walked into the Grand Prairie Detox Centre for what would be the last time. I had been there before—often just for a warm bed and a meal—but this time was different. I didn’t want to live on the streets anymore. I wanted a future.

On day four at detox, I started calling recovery programs. I reached out to Simon House, a facility that had once asked me to leave because I wasn’t ready. This time, they gave me a second chance.

A Turning Point

At Simon House, the staff, many in recovery themselves, saw through my manipulative tendencies. They gave me the unvarnished truth, even when it hurt. I followed their advice because I wanted what they had: sobriety.

When I arrived, I encountered Rick, the director who had kicked me out years earlier. “Oh, so you came back?” he said with a knowing look. “See me tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. We’re going to talk.”

That night, I prayed for the first time in my life. I asked God for the courage to face Rick.

The next morning, Rick asked what was different this time. “I’m tired,” I admitted. “I need a break.”

Rick’s response was sharp but filled with purpose: “Hard-working people need a break. You need a kick in the ass. I’ll give you a second chance, but only if you quit drinking and smoking crack. If you can’t do that, pack your bags—because no one dies on my watch!”

Something clicked. His words reminded me of the structure and accountability I’d known in the military. For the first time, I realized he wasn’t the bad guy. He was a recovering alcoholic who genuinely wanted me to heal. That day, I had my first spiritual experience: my prayer had been answered.

The Oxford House Connection

After Simon House, I transitioned to Oxford House, where I found a structured, supportive living environment that helped me bridge the gap between treatment and real life. Oxford House’s Transitional Housing Program gave me a safe space to continue my recovery, surrounded by people experiencing the same path.

It was at Oxford House where I made one of my most important amends. Working through Step 8, I reached out to Wendy—the woman I’d left years ago—and our son, whom I’d never met. From my room at Oxford House, I created a Facebook account and sent Wendy a message. I explained that I was eight months sober and taking responsibility for my past actions.

Wendy eventually forgave me, and I was able to connect with my son. By 2015, I had moved back to Ontario. In 2017, Wendy and I married. Today, I have a relationship with my son and three beautiful grandchildren.

The Promises Fulfilled

The promises of Alcoholics Anonymous have come true in my life. I owe my recovery to AA, Simon House, and Oxford House for their roles in my journey.

Today, I give back by sponsoring others in AA and answering hotline calls every Sunday. I’m not perfect, but I strive to honour the second chance I’ve been given. Sobriety has given me the greatest gifts of all: my family, my purpose, and my life.

Oxford House’s Transitional Housing Program continues to be a lifeline for countless individuals like Glenn, offering a stable environment where healing becomes possible. Recovery isn’t just about getting sober—it’s about building a future worth living.