With the Turnbridge Women’s Program up and running, we are offering a variety of new recreation events. One of the new offerings is an art healing class.

At Turnbridge, we believe it is critical for young adults in early recovery to learn that it is possible to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol.  Further, the art class provides a perfect platform for the healthy expression of feeling.

“The art class gives our clients an opportunity to stay present in the moment and find a creative way to express their emotions,” Audrey B., Turnbridge Women’s Program Director, stated. “It’s a great way for clients to connect with one another, and build relationships.”

“I am not very good at expressing my feelings, so art class gives me a safe place where I can express my feelings,” said Genna P., Phase I client at Turnbridge.  Prior to her substance abuse issues taking hold, Genna had a keen interest in art, but “everything took a backseat to drugs.”

“The class is very recovery based and is letting me get back to the things I love,” said Genna.

Ethan’s journey to New Haven for treatment was, like many, wrought with pain and fear.

Since arriving at Turnbridge, Ethan has found a better way of living, full of joy and fulfillment. Growing up, Ethan explained how he was “very shy and spent a lot of time alone.” At a young age, Ethan moved and was forced to start a new life and meet new friends. “I never really fit in or felt a part-of,” said Ethan.

When Ethan was 14 years old, his mother was diagnosed with an untreatable disease that was quickly spreading. Soon after, Ethan’s mother would pass away. “I was devastated and really didn’t know what to do,” said Ethan. “I just isolated.”

It wasn’t too long after the loss of his mother when Ethan began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. “I started hanging out with the older kids and really just wanted to fit in” he said. “It was something I really enjoyed. I started to party and get out more and felt like I fit in.” At first, there were limited consequences everything seemed to be going okay, according to Ethan. “I came out of my shell and was a part of group of friends now,” said Ethan.

Ethan would make it through high school, and would soon go off to college. “My idea of college was a little skewed and thought I could just party and drink and not do any work,” said Ethan. With his drinking escalating, Ethan began to skip his classes. “I just kept drinking and became really depressed,” said Ethan. It was not long before Ethan had to withdraw from school and would head back home.

When Ethan arrived home, all of his friends were gone at school and he decided to start hanging out with someone who was a known drug dealer. His drug use escalated, and Ethan suffered a manic episode while under the influence. “I soon started to steal and manipulate to get what I needed, and it was very uncharacteristic of me,” said Ethan. “It took over my life and I didn’t really think anyting was wrong.”

Ethan would soon face multiple arrests, leading to his first substance abuse treatment episode. Following the completion of treatment, Ethan left and relapsed almost immediately. “I thought I could manage it, but I couldn’t,” said Ethan. He began abusing psychedelics, which resulted in a severe psychotic episode. He was subsequently hospitalized.

Ethan entered substance abuse treatment again, and about a week into his stay, Ethan received news that his father had passed away. “I thought my life was over; that the world was out to get me,” said Ethan. “I had lost all hope in life itself.”

He left treatment against advice, and decided to move out on his own. “The day I got home, I got high and woke up 2 days later in the hospital,” said Ethan. “You would think that would be a wake up call, but it wasn’t.”

Ethan made the decision to reach out to Turnbridge and make his way to New Haven. Upon arrival, Ethan states how he “dove right in” and immediately got involved in working the program. “I started doing things that were suggested, as uncomfortable as they were, and things started getting better,” said Ethan. “I eventually started taking classes again and realized how well I can do when I’m sober.” In addition to his course load, Ethan took on a commitment as a full-time volunteer at a local non-profit.

Now, in Phase 3 of the Turnbridge Men’s Program, Ethan continues his local commitment in the community, plays on the Turnbridge soccer team, and will be attending school full-time in the fall. “I never thought I would make it to where I am today.” Said Ethan. “I am so grateful.”

Originally from South Carolina, Lee S. made his way to Turnbridge to try and better himself, and avoid ending up back in jail.

After recently completing the Turnbridge Men’s Program, Lee now has found within himself a desire to share his message of hope with others.

Growing up, Lee explains how he “got everything he could ever want”. Despite this fact, he began engaging in reckless behavior at a very young age. He was a self-described menace, always fighting and lighting fireworks in the community in which he grew up. “I was always grounded,” said Lee.

In 8th grade, Lee starting getting involved with a bad crowd. A lot of his friends were 2-3 years older then him in his neighborhood. “I looked up to those guys,” said Lee. “I wanted to get high with them, get girls, and have nice clothes. I was still figuring out who I was and wanted to fit in.”

When Lee was 13 years old, he got high for the first time. “I was indifferent about it,” said Lee. “I always struggled to find what made me happy.” His freshman year of high school, Lee began getting high every day. He would soon begin to abuse prescription pills and was “getting high to maintain [his] sanity.”

“I always needed something to be okay in my own head,” said Lee.

Lee would soon face a series of arrests due to his drug use . “I was losing all of my friends, didn’t have any money, and could never feel right,” he said. Lee began to do whatever he could to get his drugs. “I was sick,” said Lee. “It still haunts me to this day.”

Lee’s days consisted of using drugs to avoid feeling sick, and he was never home. “My relationship with my parents disappeared,” he said. “I thought it was over and I had nothing to live for anymore,” he said.

A counselor that Lee was working with at the time noticed something was off and called him out. “I broke down crying,” said Lee. “I was hopeless.” Lee spent a brief period of time in a psychiatric hospital and then subsequently attended a substance abuse treatment program. “I got out of treatment and thought I had it all,” said Lee. “I relapsed within 12 hours of being out.”

Lee’s drug abuse and arrests continued, resulting in further jail time. While on the phone with his dad in jail, Lee said that it was over and he was going to go on the run when released on bond. “My dad told me he was going to get me out and get me into treatment,” said Lee.

Lee enrolled at a wilderness treatment program. “On my solo trip I ran away and found myself in an open field yelling to the sky,” said Lee. “I knew something was up there helping me stay out of jail and get the help I needed. I felt some type of relief after.” Lee would finish the wilderness program and enroll at Turnbridge for continuing care.

Lee came to Turnbridge ready to continue his recovery, and began to excel. Lee made significant strides as he has progressed through the program, successfully demonstrating the ability to hold down a job and maintain commitments within the local recovery community. “Life is about as close as it can be to my wildest dreams,” said Lee.

After completing the program, Lee decided to stick around in New Haven and move into a nearby sober house. He is currently working, and is looking to become a part of the Turnbridge Support Staff team. “I am comfortable being out in society,” said Lee. “I am so grateful and never thought I would be where I am.”