Solidifying His Recovery
Thomas didn’t have his first drink until he was 21, which is unlike many with alcohol use disorder, who usually begin drinking in their teens—or
“Aster house has done everything for me”
Tamiko first tried PCP when she was 31. Her cousin shared it with her on New Year’s Eve, and she was hooked. “It’s like you’re
Overcoming Obstacles
Wilbraham native Nicole Albano was a senior at Anna Maria College studying graphic design when her speech suddenly began slurring. Then she started having spasms
Writing a Goodbye Letter to Alcohol
Drinking alcohol used to make Sandra feel like Wonder Woman. “I felt like I could achieve anything and everything,” she said. A resident of Aster
“I am very fortunate to have CHD in my life”
Terry Tomah is frank when asked what CHD has done for him. “They saved my life, honestly,” he said. Tomah is a participant in CHD’s
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without Grace House”
What has CHD’s Grace House meant to Brenda M.? “This place allowed me to become a mother again,” she said. “I came here after not
Being Open and Honest is Key
Mike Kanerva followed his mother’s footsteps—right into alcohol use disorder. But he didn’t know his mother had an addiction until he was older. “My grandfather,
Learning About Herself
Recovery is finally learning to say, “I need help.” Recovery is also hearing someone say, “I’m here.” Maria (not her real name) was, she said,
Tackling a Complex Problem
Joey has been at Aster House in South Hadley for five months—the second time he has stayed at a residential recovery home. “This isn’t my
“It was looking pretty bleak for a while”
Danielle Irwin, who receives services from CHD’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics in Easthampton and on Pine Street in Springfield, doesn’t mind sharing her substance use