This month, Phase I and II clients from the Turnbridge Women’s Program headed into downtown New Haven for “Paint Night” at Art Plus Studio, a popular local venue. This activity supports one of Turnbridge’s core philosophies that helping young people engage in healthy leisure activities without the use of substances is critical to their sobriety’s longevity.

“I really liked how relaxing it was,” said Turnbridge client, Heather W. “It was great to be sober and do something creative.”

Artistic expression is proven and effective way to manage stress. Events such as Paint Night are more than just an opportunity for a fun night out with friends. They provide a platform for learning and practicing functional coping skills. “Events like paint night help me stay sober,” said Rachel R., another Turnbridge client that attended this activity. “It shows me what fun is really all about.”

“These young women have so many talents and they are now able to explore them without distraction,” Support Staff Manager Kelly Barbeau said. “It is beautiful watching them get back to the things they used to enjoy or even finding new interests.”

Born and raised in London, England, Danya came over to the United States during middle school.

Coming to the U.S. was a big change for Danya. “I had left everything I had ever known,” she said. “After we moved here when I was 13, that was that first time I remember experiencing depression,” said Danya. “It was really, really hard to adjust to everything. I just felt like I didn’t fit in.”

A neighborhood friend would end up introducing her to marijuana and alcohol. “This is when I remember finding people I felt comfortable around,” said Danya.

Danya remembers feeling like a big part of her struggles were due to feeling uncomfortable at her school. “It was very strict and people were not very helpful,” said Danya. During her freshman year of high school she began drinking alcohol more frequently.

Danya’s substance use began to escalate. She started experimenting with a variety of substances and her depression was worsening. “I ended up getting into a huge argument with my mom because I refused to go back to that school,” said Danya.

Danya eventually ended up switching schools. “I immediately made friends with the people who were smoking and drinking all the time,” said Danya. “I think this is when my addiction really kicked in.” Danya began skipping school more frequently, and was preoccupied with getting high.

“I would be crawling on the floor in the morning looking for drugs,” said Danya. “It didn’t occur to me at the time that it wasn’t a normal thing to do.”

Danya just barely graduated from high school. “My intelligence saved me because I never did anything, if I even went to school,” said Danya. “I would stay out late on the weekdays and wouldn’t even come home on weekends.”

“Somehow I got into college, and somehow I managed to get my parents to let me go,” said Danya. It didn’t take long for Danya to find herself back in the same scenario as home. “I was always seeking out people who were as sick as me,” she said. Danya attended classes for a couple of weeks before making the decision to go on the run with a friend. “We thought we were living the life,” said Danya. “I was given freedom and didn’t know what to do with myself and I needed someone to latch onto.”

“Nobody ever really knew the extent of my use,” said Danya. “Eventually, after meeting back up with my friend from college, I ended up overdosing.” After Danya’s parents learned of this incident, she was enrolled at a residential treatment center.

Danya completed treatment and transitioned to a sober house. “I lasted a couple weeks at the sober house and then packed up and left, with no regard for the feelings of my family,” said Danya. She came home to live with her parents and started attending a local IOP, but was unable to stop abusing substances. After doing their research, Danya’s parents eventually decided to enroll her at Turnbridge.

“I was so angry at first and all I talked about was getting high,” said Danya. She struggled at first to participate, or even get out of bed. But, this would soon change.

“I eventually made the decision that I was going to have a more positive attitude and surround myself with a solid crew of girls,” said Danya. After a few months of slow and steady progress, Danya started feeling joyful again, as well as having a sense of achievement.

“I can function as a normal member of society today,” said Danya. “The little things used to overwhelm me so much. If it’s just going to class, or showing up for work, I never used to be able to do those things.”

By the time she entered Phase III of Turnbridge, Danya found herself in a much better spot. “I just felt like things were getting a lot better,” she said.

Danya’s power of example was recognized, and as a result she was offered a job at Turnbridge in the food services department. Danya became the first ever female Turnbridge client to receive a job offer. “It is so amazing,” she said.

Danya has made huge strides in her life while at Turnbridge. She currently works and goes to school, while maintaining her sobriety and keeping it at the forefront. “My case manager, Danielle, is amazing,” said Danya. “Anytime I am getting angry, I go see her and she calms me down immediately. It’s amazing having someone guide you through early recovery.”

“I think the people at Turnbridge are amazing,” said Danya. “Having someone mentor you and someone you trust, not because you have to, but because you want to, is huge.”

“I am so grateful for everything,” Danya said.

After multiple attempts at recovery, Max’s hard work at Turnbridge has finally led him to what he described as a “much better and happier way of life today.”

As a child, Max was a passionate athlete who loved all sports, especially hockey. “I love, love, love hockey,” he said. Max excelled in many areas of his life, and was highly motivated to succeed. However, this outlook changed dramatically when he began experimenting with alcohol. “It went downhill from there,” Max said.

From that point on, Max’s substance use continuously progressed in severity, eventually leading him to some very dark places. “When I go on runs, I become homeless very fast and lose everything,” said Max. “I was eventually working for a drug dealer to support my addiction since I had no money or job, and things got very ugly. I remember having to ask my mom for money to pay off people and I was so sick and felt like such a horrible person. I couldn’t even look at her in the eyes.”

“It got so bad and I was so tired, and full of shame,” said Max. After years of being in and out of treatment centers, Max finally decided he was ready to do the work necessary to recover. “I just wanted treatment, and there was no doubt in my mind that I needed it,” said Max. With the support of those who love him, Max made his way to Turnbridge.

“I was so gone,” said Max. “I knew I needed more than 30-days.”

Upon his arrival to Turnbridge, the reality of the damage he had done began to set in. “I was so miserable at first, but I had a good group of guys and staff to help push me through,” said Max. “I told myself I was not going to leave no matter how bad, or how good it got. I was going to finish the program. I had so much work to do on myself. I felt like I was deep in the hole and had to work to get out.”

After completing Phase I, Max’s Case Manager and other members of his support network helped to find the right job opportunity for Max. “I usually run from a job immediately after getting it,” said Max. This commitment came with its own set of stressors and triggers, but Max had built a support system around him to help him fight through it.

In Phase III, Max began to build lifelong friendships with the guys in the program. “That is when I really started to make some strong relationships with guys who held me accountable, and we had a lot of fun,” said Max. “Joining the hockey team and getting back on the ice was a huge part in keeping me motivated to get better.”

“I am super grateful for everything today,” said Max.

“I used to feel ashamed being around my family and today they want me around and miss me,” he said. “The best part of this whole thing is that my mom can call me, not crying, and be genuinely grateful that I am sober. She can call me about work, and the good things in my life. Words can’t really describe that feeling.”

Following Max’s successful completion of the Turnbridge program, he moved into a local sober home. “I never want to go back to the life I was living,” said Max. “I want to continue to move forward.”